bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contribución académica de un proyecto de aprendizaje-servicio soportado en las TIC para fomentar el emprendimiento rural femenino
Authors: Sierra-Fernández María Pilar , Martínez-Campillo Almudena , Fernández-Santos Yolanda
Published: December 2021

INTRODUCCIÓN. El aprendizaje-servicio (ApS) es una nueva metodología docente que combina el desarrollo curricular, profesional y cívico-social de los estudiantes con la prestación de un servicio a la comunidad. Aunque ha sido ampliamente aplicado en el ámbito de la gestión empresarial en la educación superior americana, todavía se encuentra en una fase incipiente en la Europa comunitaria, donde las autoridades están tratando de sistematizarlo en el marco del Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior (EEES). MÉTODO. Este trabajo pretende analizar la contribución académica de un proyecto de ApS desarrollado por la Universidad de León (España) en el curso 2016-2017, que consistió en que cinco grupos multidisciplinares de estudiantes de cinco asignaturas de grado y posgrado del ámbito de la gestión empresarial pusieron en práctica los conocimientos adquiridos en clase para asesorar a cinco emprendedoras rurales, recurriendo a las TIC para facilitar la comunicación universidad-sociedad. Para ello, se plantean dos cuestiones de investigación: primera, conocer cuál es la percepción sobre los resultados del proyecto en un grupo de 25 estudiantes-servicio, mediante el estudio de sus respuestas a un cuestionario de autoevaluación; y, segunda, tras un diseño experimental en dos grupos apareados con un grupo de control de 25 alumnos no participantes, saber cuál es el posible efecto del ApS en el rendimiento académico, medido a través de las calificaciones alcanzadas. RESULTADOS. Nuestros hallazgos muestran que los estudiantes-servicio reconocen haber mejorado su formación curricular, profesional y cívico-social tras participar en esta experiencia docente. También evidencian que dichos estudiantes han tenido un desempeño académico significativamente superior los alumnos del grupo de control. DISCUSIÓN. A la vista de los resultados, cabe concluir que el ApS apoyado en las TIC permite mejorar la calidad del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje y la futura empleabilidad de los estudiantes, beneficiando, además, al desarrollo económico y social del entorno local.
The use of EdPuzzle to learn polynomial factorization in Secondary Education
Authors: Jimenez Cristina , Jadraque María Arantzazu , Magreñán Ruiz Ángel Alberto , Orcos Lara
Published: December 2021

INTRODUCTION. One of the main objectives of Mathematics education is to motivate students since their interest in Mathematics is very low in many cases and, in others, even null. The use of different technologies has grown a lot in the last decades and several authors in the area have demonstrated their effectiveness in the classroom. In addition, the use of different Information and Communication Technologies, which students can use in their own homes, is also growing. METHOD. In this study, the use of the EdPuzzle application is presented, under the paradigm of the Flip Learning methodology in the third year of the Secondary Education Level for learning polynomial factorization in a school in Spain in two different courses, taught by the same teacher. To carry out the experience, the average grades of two exams have been taken, the first one related to polynomials and the basic concepts, used as a pretest since it has the main basic concepts that the student must know before continuing, and another related to the polynomial factorization, used as a posttest, and the scores obtained by the group that used EdPuzzle were comparedwith those that did not use it. RESULTS. Comparison of both groups shows that the scores are significantly higher in the group that used EdPuzzle in the posttest. DISCUSSION. The Cohen’s d effect size obtained was almost medium, and the questionnaire answers were positive, aspects that make EdPuzzle a tool to be considered in the teaching-learning process of Mathematics.
El desarrollo de la competencia digital de futuros docentes en una universidad en línea
Authors: Mosquera Gende Ingrid
Published: December 2021

INTRODUCCIÓN. El trabajo que a continuación se presenta se enmarca en un entorno universitario en línea en el que los estudiantes son futuros docentes tanto de infantil como de primaria y de secundaria. Esto supone que el desarrollo de su competencia digital puede tener repercusión posteriormente en su vida laboral y en la formación de su futuro alumnado. MÉTODO. El objetivo principal de la intervención es mejorar la competencia digital de futuros docentes tras la incorporación de herramientas digitales durante la impartición de una asignatura en línea. Se trata de una materia en la que se ha trabajado del mismo modo durante cuatro años académicos, siempre con la misma docente, contando con una muestra total de 1.041 estudiantes. Para ello, mediante un análisis cualitativo de los foros de las asignaturas, se examina el nivel de conocimiento de herramientas digitales del alumnado antes de la formación y al final de la misma y se comparan los resultados, tanto en relación con las diferentes áreas de la competencia digital implicadas como en referencia a los grados de experticia (conocimiento de las herramientas, uso y creación de contenido). RESULTADOS Y CONCLUSIONES. Los resultados, en línea con estudios de otros autores, muestran una competencia digital baja de partida con respecto al conocimiento de herramientas, que se ve ampliamente acrecentada en todas las áreas, una vez se ha llevado a cabo la intervención (aumento global de un 40% en el desarrollo de la competencia digital del alumnado). Aun así, la mejora disminuye conforme se incrementa el grado de implicación requerido a los estudiantes, pasando de un aumento de más del 90%, en los casos de conocimiento y uso de las herramientas, a menos de un 30% de avance, cuando se trata de la creación de contenidos.
Diseño y validación de la Escala de Medios de Resolución de Conflictos Interpersonales (MERCI) para adolescentes
Authors: Fariña Rivera Francisca , Novo Pérez Mercedes , Seijo Martinez Dolores , Arce Fernández Ramón
Published: December 2021

INTRODUCCIÓN. El impulso de la mediación y el respaldo normativo a los procedimientos alternativos de resolución de conflictos en la adolescencia ha creado la necesidad de dotar a los profesionales que trabajan en ese ámbito de instrumentos de evaluación, a fin de planificar las estrategias de mediación. Por ello, se diseñó un estudio con el objetivo de crear y validar una escala para evaluar las tácticas empleadas por los adolescentes en la gestión y resolución de conflictos. MÉTODO. Se aplicó un pool de ítems (50) que miden (procedimiento Thurstone) la gestión del conflicto a 773 participantes con edades entre 10 y 17 años (M = 12.43, DT = 1.31), y de ambos sexos (50.97% mujeres y 49.03% varones). RESULTADOS. Un análisis factorial confirmatorio validó una escala compuesta por 22 ítems, que se estructura en torno a tres factores (modelo): medios colaborativos, pasivos y agresivos. Además, se observó invarianza del modelo en las submuestras de hombres y mujeres (difCFI < .01) y constató la validez externa (i.e., convergente y discriminante) de la medida. A su vez, tanto la escala como los factores se mostraron fiables (α y ω > .70). DISCUSIÓN. Se discuten las implicaciones y el valor de este instrumento de medida para la intervención en este ámbito y para el diseño de programas de mediación que promuevan habilidades para la resolución del conflicto y de prevención de la violencia.
A Polyostotic Paget’s Disease Involving Lumbar Spine Presenting with Cauda Equina Syndrome: An Unusual Entity
Authors: Hadgaonkar Shailesh , Patwardhan Shaunak , Bhilare Pramod , Sancheti Parag , Shyam Ashok
Published: December 2021

Introduction:Paget’s disease of bone (PDB) is a metabolic bone disease presenting as polyostotic or monostotic lesions of the spine. Although common in the Anglo-Saxon population, it is rare on the Indian subcontinent. Neurological complications though infrequent can be severe in pagetic spine.

Case Report:We report a case of a polyostotic variant of PDB involving lumbar spine (L2 vertebrae), iliac bones, and femur presenting as chronic low back pain and neurological deficit, i.e., cauda equina syndrome. On initial workup, a diagnosis of PDB was made and given cauda equina compression with neurological deficit, posterior spinal decompression, and biopsy was performed. The histopathological evaluation confirmed the diagnosis and the patient was treated with bisphosphonates for 6 months, along with serial monitoring of alkaline phosphatase levels.

Conclusion:Through this case report, we hope to emphasize that PDB should be considered as a possible cause of neurological symptoms at presentation, especially in elderly patients. Also furthermore, early surgical intervention followed by bisphosphonates therapy can lead to favorable outcomes in such patients.

Keywords:Polyostotic, Paget’s disease, cauda equine syndrome, lumbar spine.
Traumatic Dorsal Hand Reconstruction through A free Anterolateral Thigh Flap, Induced Membrane Technique, Toe Joint Transfer, and Joint Prosthesis
Authors: Blaise Yao Loukou , Hugon Sebastien
Published: December 2021

Introduction:This study presents a case of post-traumatic dorsal hand reconstruction by describing the surgical technique in several stages and the outcome.

Case report:It involves a patient with loss of cutaneous tissue, loss of bone, and tendon in the dorsal hand and fingers following a car accident. He was treated on a four-stage hand salvage and reconstruction. Stage one fulfilled in emergency involved K-wire and osseous filling through acrylic cement, hunter tendon rods, and a free anterolateral thigh flap. The second stage at 2 months involved osseous grafts and finger joint prostheses. The third stage time at 7 months involved a toe joint transfer. The last stage at 11 months involved extensor tendons graft reconstruction. The functional outcome at 2 years is acceptable.

Conclusion:The post-traumatic dorsal hand reconstruction requires several techniques to reconstruct the losses of substances observed and this in several stages. It allowed to have an acceptable hand function.

Keywords:Hand injuries, induced membrane, finger joint prosthesis, tendon transfer.
Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of a Pediatric Talar Body Fracture using a Medial Malleolar Osteotomy – A Case Report
Authors: English Connor J. , Merriman David J. , Austin Cindy L. , Thompson Simon J. , Thompson Simon J.
Published: December 2021

Introduction:Talus fracture injuries are rare and most literature pertains to fractures in skeletally mature adults. It is unusual for pediatric talus fractures to be treated operatively and is normally treated with immobilization. The location of the talus fracture required a medial malleolar osteotomy to facilitate exposure and reduction, which was fixed with temporary smooth K-wires. The authors were unable to identify a previous description of this technique in the literature.

Case Report:An 11-year-old female was referred to our hospital due to polytraumatic injuries sustained in a roll-over MVC. A displaced fracture of the talus body was present. Due to the fracture location, a medial malleolar osteotomy was required for exposure. An open reduction and internal fixation was performed using subchondral minifragment screws under general anesthesia. The patient healed uneventfully, regained a normal gait and full, pain-free range of motion.

Conclusions:Medial malleolar osteotomy with smooth K-wire fixation appears to be a safe method for gaining access to the talus when required for reduction and/or fixation of pediatric talus fractures.

Keywords:Adolescent, talus fracture, osteotomy.
Optimizing the Rydberg EIT spectrum in a thermal vapor
Authors: Su Hsuan-Jui , Liou Jia-You , Lin I-Chun , Chen Yi-Hsin
Published: December 2021

We present Rydberg-state electromagnetically-induced-transparency (EIT) measurements examining the effects of laser polarization, magnetic fields, laser intensities, and the optical density of the thermal 87Rb medium. Two counter-propagating laser beams with wavelengths of 480 nm and 780 nm were employed to sweep the spectrum across the Rydberg states |33D3/2〉 and |33D5/2〉. An analytic transmission expression well fits the Rydberg-EIT spectra with multiple transitions under different magnetic fields and laser polarization after accounting for the relevant Clebsch-Gordan coefficients, Zeeman splittings, and Doppler shifts. In addition, the high-contrast Rydberg EIT can be optimized with the probe laser intensity and optical density. Rydberg EIT peak height was achieved at 13%, which is more than twice as high as the maximum peak height at room temperature. A quantitative theoretical model is employed to represent the spectra properties and to predict well the optimization conditions. A Rydberg EIT spectrum with high contrast in real time can be served as a quantum sensor to detect the electromagnetic field within an environment.
When shared concept cells support associations: Theory of overlapping memory engrams
Authors: Gastaldi Chiara , Schwalger Tilo , De Falco Emanuela , Quiroga Rodrigo Quian , Gerstner Wulfram
Published: December 2021

Assemblies of neurons, called concepts cells, encode acquired concepts in human Medial Temporal Lobe. Those concept cells that are shared between two assemblies have been hypothesized to encode associations between concepts. Here we test this hypothesis in a computational model of attractor neural networks. We find that for concepts encoded in sparse neural assemblies there is a minimal fraction cmin of neurons shared between assemblies below which associations cannot be reliably implemented; and a maximal fraction cmax of shared neurons above which single concepts can no longer be retrieved. In the presence of a periodically modulated background signal, such as hippocampal oscillations, recall takes the form of association chains reminiscent of those postulated by theories of free recall of words. Predictions of an iterative overlap-generating model match experimental data on the number of concepts to which a neuron responds.
Determinants of condom use during last sexual intercourse among male college youth of Kaski, Nepal: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Parajuli Bijaya , Adhikari Chiranjivi , Tripathi Narayan
Published: December 2021

Background

The National Family Planning program of Nepal has introduced the condom as an important family planning method. Despite the continuous effort from the public and private sectors at various levels, its use among youth remains low. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the factors associated with condom use during the last sexual intercourse among male college youth.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study and analyzed the responses of 361 male college youth (aged 19 to 24 years who reported being sexually active preceding six months of the survey), among the 903 participants who reported being involved in vaginal and anal sexual intercourse. The chi-square test was primarily used to find the associated factors and then, stepwise logistic regression was performed by selecting the covariates after the multicollinearity test followed by adjustment of confounders.

Results

We found that more than one-fourth (27.4%) of the sexually active male youth had used the condoms during their last sexual intercourse. Postgraduate male youth were four times more likely to use the condoms during the last sexual intercourse than undergraduate male youth (AOR = 4.09, 95% CI; 2.08–8.06). Similarly, married youth were less likely to use the condoms during the last sexual intercourse with 95% lower odds than their counterparts (AOR = 0.05, 95% CI; 0.01–0.38). Male youth with adequate knowledge about the condoms were 8 times more likely to use them compared to those with inadequate knowledge (AOR = 8.42, 95% CI; 4.34–16.33). Likewise, male youth with favorable attitude towards the condoms were 2.5 times more likely to use them compared to their counterparts (AOR = 2.58, 95% CI; 1.23–5.42). Similarly, male youth having two or more sex partners were 4.5 times more likely to use the condoms than the youth having only a sex partner (AOR = 4.57, 95% CI; 2.38–8.76).

Conclusion

The study concluded that slightly more than one-fourth (27.4%) of male college youth in Kaski district used the condoms during their last sexual intercourse. Level of education, marital status, knowledge about condoms, attitude toward condoms, and number of sex partners are the determinants of condom use among male college youth so recommended for early behavioral interventions, especially in knowledge and attitude. Further studies focusing on including the rural youth and larger geography may help to reach a firmer conclusion.
Reliability and validity study of the Thai adaptation of the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory-Student Survey (CBI-SS) among preclinical medical students at the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand
Authors: Wongtrakul Wasit , Dangprapai Yodying , Saisavoey Nattha , Sa-nguanpanich Naratip
Published: December 2021

Burnout syndrome is a syndrome of emotional exhaustion, professional efficacy and cynicism. A significant proportion of medical students reported having burnout syndrome during their training in medical education. Several tools including the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory-Student Survey (CBI-SS) are considered to be a valid measurement of burnout syndrome in medical students. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the CBI-SS for assessing burnout syndrome among preclinical medical students in Thailand. This study was conducted during February to March 2019 at the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University (Bangkok, Thailand), which is Thailand’s largest and oldest medical school, and Thailand’s largest national tertiary referral center. After receiving formal permission to do so from the copyright owner, the original English language version of the CBI-SS was translated to Thai language using an internationally recommended and accepted forward-backward translation protocol. The Thai version of the CBI-SS (Thai CBI-SS) comprises 25 items, including 6 items for personal burnout, 7 items for study-related burnout, 6 items for colleague-related burnout, and 6 items for teacher-related burnout. Standardized Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was calculated to evaluate internal consistency reliability, and correlation coefficient was computed to determine test-retest reliability. A total of 414 preclinical medical students participated in this study. Due to sub-optimal factor weights (<0.50), items 6, 10 and 17 were excluded. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of the 22-item Thai CBI-SS for personal, study-related, colleague-related, and teacher-related burnout were 0.898, 0.896, 0.910 and 0.900 respectively. The correlation coefficients for test-retest reliability after three weeks were 0.820, 0.870, 0.821, and 0.787 for personal, study-related, colleague-related, and teacher-related burnout, respectively. Maximum likelihood analysis with oblimin rotation indicated four main components, and confirmatory factor analysis revealed good fit indices of the Thai CBI-SS. Confirmatory factor analysis showed good fit indices of CBI-SS domains (χ2/df = 2.39; CFI = 0.957; GFI = 0.909; RMSEA = 0.058; TLI = 0.949; and NFI = 0.928). The convergent validity analysis using the Average Variance Extracted (AVE) and the Composite Reliability (CR) was adequate for all dimensions (personal: AVE = 0.626, CR = 0.893; study-related: AVE = 0.601, CR = 0.899; colleague-related: AVE = 0.677, CR = 0.913; teacher-related: AVE = 0.606, CR = 0.900). The HTMT values for all variables are in the range from 0.315 to 0.833, confirming the discriminant validity. The Thai CBI-SS was found to be a valid and reliable tool for evaluating burnout syndrome in preclinical medical students in Thailand.
Geometrical analysis of motion schemes on fencing experts from competition videos
Authors: Magnani Christophe , Defrasne Ait-Said Elise
Published: December 2021

Geometrical fencing is a scientific approach to fencing pioneered by Camillo Agrippa in the XVIth century which consists of characterizing the geometrical structure of fencing movements. Many geometrical spaces are involved in a duel, which evolve over time according to the skills of the fencers and the game rules. In this article, the concept of motion scheme is introduced as a flexible geometrical structure to represent fencing spaces evolving over time. The method is applied to the video of a duel of the Olympic games 2016. Five main results are presented. First, decisive actions of the duel are deduced from the distance between fencers. Second, footwork is reconstructed from horizontal movements of the feet. Third, a kinematic model is developed and compared with data in the literature. Fourth, the lunge attack is characterized and compared with data in the literature. Fifth, the role of the free hand is studied in the case of protective and balancing gestures. These findings provide rich information on the geometrical structure of fencing movements as well as on the tactical-strategic choices made by the fencers in real competition conditions. Finally, four applications illustrate the scientific value of motion schemes in fencing and other sports.
phytanoyl-CoA dioxygenase domain-containing protein 1 plays an important role in egg shell formation of silkworm (Bombyx mori)
Authors: Chen Anli , Liao Pengfei , Li Qiongyan , Zhao Qiaoling , Gao Mengjie , Wang Pingyang , Liu Zenghu , Meng Gang , Dong Zhanpeng , Liu Min
Published: December 2021

Yun7Ge is a giant egg mutant found in the silkworm variety Yun7. In comparison with the giant mutant Ge, the eggs of Yun7Ge are larger. The number of laid eggs and hatching rate of Yun7Ge are reduced, which is not conducive to reproduction. In this work, the target gene controlling giant egg trait is located on the Z chromosome and was determined through genetic analysis. Transcriptome results showed that phytanoyl-CoA dioxygenase domain-containing protein 1 (PHYHD1) on the Z chromosome was silenced, and the 25 chorion genes on chromosome 2 were remarkably downregulated. Sequence analysis showed that the 73.5 kb sequence including the PHYHD1 was replaced by a ~3.0 kb sequence. After knocking out the PHYHD1 by using CRISPR/Cas9, the chorion genes were significantly downregulated. Hence, the silencing of PHYHD1 leads to the downregulation of many chorion protein genes, thus directly causing giant eggs.
Standard precautions for preventing Tuberculosis and HIV: Compliance of Eswatini university student nurses
Authors: Gina Ncobile Sidzandza Victoria , Rasweswe Melitah Molatelo , Moagi Miriam Mmamphamo
Published: December 2021

Tuberculosis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus are among the top ten causes of death globally. To prevent the spread of these infections, health workers and student nurses should comply to infection prevention and control measures called standard precautions. The aim of this study is to assess compliance of Eswatini university student nurses regarding standard precautions for preventing Tuberculosis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus. A non-experimental quantitative approach was used to conduct a survey on all senior student nurses of Eswatini University using questionnaires. IBM SPSS Statistics version 26 software was used to analyse the data. Results from this study showed that out of the 105 student nurses who were asked only 51.4% (n = 54) said they always used personal protective equipment. However, they did comply well on disposing sharps as 92.4% (n = 97) reported that they always used designated containers. There is a need for close supervision of student nurses in the clinical area. The researcher recommends that clinical facilitator should always accompany student nurses in the clinical area and that preceptors should be exempted from other nursing duties when there are student nurses in the hospitals so that they can mentor the students.
Permitted speed decision of single-unit trucks with emergency braking maneuver on horizontal curves under rainy weather
Authors: Yan Menghua , Xu Jinliang , Han Shuo , Xin Tian , Wang Ouyu , Yi Zemin , Liu Zhaoxin
Published: December 2021

Under adverse weather conditions, visibility and the available pavement friction are reduced. The improper selection of speed on curved road sections leads to an unreasonable distribution of longitudinal and lateral friction, which is likely to cause rear-end collisions and lateral instability accidents. This study considers the combined braking and turning maneuvers to obtain the permitted vehicle speed under rainy conditions. First, a braking distance computation model was established by simplifying the relationship curve between brake pedal force, vehicle braking deceleration, and braking time. Different from the visibility commonly used in the meteorological field, this paper defines "driver’s sight distance based on real road scenarios" as a threshold to measure the longitudinal safety of the vehicle. Furthermore, the lateral friction and rollover margin is defined to characterize the vehicle’s lateral stability. The corresponding relationship between rainfall intensity-water film thickness-road friction is established to better predict the safe speed based on the information issued by the weather station. It should be noted that since the road friction factor of the wet pavement not only determined the safe vehicle speed but also be determined by the vehicle speed, so we adopt Ferrari’s method to solve the quartic equation about permitted vehicle speed. Finally, the braking and turning maneuvers are considered comprehensively based on the principle of friction ellipse. The results of the TruckSim simulation show that for a single-unit truck, running at the computed permitted speed, both lateral and longitudinal stability meet the requirements. The proposed permitted vehicle speed model on horizontal curves can provide driving guidance for drivers on curves under rainy weather or as a decision-making basis for road managers.
Streptococcal superantigens and the return of scarlet fever
Authors: Hurst Jacklyn R. , Brouwer Stephan , Walker Mark J. , McCormick John K.
Published: December 2021

Streptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus) is a globally disseminated and human-adapted bacterial pathogen that causes a wide range of infections, including scarlet fever. Scarlet fever is a toxin-mediated disease characterized by the formation of an erythematous, sandpaper-like rash that typically occurs in children aged 5 to 15. This infectious disease is caused by toxins called superantigens, a family of highly potent immunomodulators. Although scarlet fever had largely declined in both prevalence and severity since the late 19th century, outbreaks have now reemerged in multiple geographical regions over the past decade. Here, we review recent findings that address the role of superantigens in promoting a fitness advantage for S. pyogenes within human populations and discuss how superantigens may be suitable targets for vaccination strategies.
Influenza viruses and coronaviruses: Knowns, unknowns, and common research challenges
Authors: Terrier Olivier , Si-Tahar Mustapha , Ducatez Mariette , Chevalier Christophe , Pizzorno Andrés , Le Goffic Ronan , Crépin Thibaut , Simon Gaëlle , Naffakh Nadia
Published: December 2021

The development of safe and effective vaccines in a record time after the emergence of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a remarkable achievement, partly based on the experience gained from multiple viral outbreaks in the past decades. However, the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis also revealed weaknesses in the global pandemic response and large gaps that remain in our knowledge of the biology of coronaviruses (CoVs) and influenza viruses, the 2 major respiratory viruses with pandemic potential. Here, we review current knowns and unknowns of influenza viruses and CoVs, and we highlight common research challenges they pose in 3 areas: the mechanisms of viral emergence and adaptation to humans, the physiological and molecular determinants of disease severity, and the development of control strategies. We outline multidisciplinary approaches and technological innovations that need to be harnessed in order to improve preparedeness to the next pandemic.
Pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis in Apicomplexa and their promise as antiparasitic drug targets
Authors: de Vries Laura E. , Lunghi Matteo , Krishnan Aarti , Kooij Taco W. A. , Soldati-Favre Dominique
Published: December 2021

The Apicomplexa phylum comprises thousands of distinct intracellular parasite species, including coccidians, haemosporidians, piroplasms, and cryptosporidia. These parasites are characterized by complex and divergent life cycles occupying a variety of host niches. Consequently, they exhibit distinct adaptations to the differences in nutritional availabilities, either relying on biosynthetic pathways or by salvaging metabolites from their host. Pantothenate (Pan, vitamin B5) is the precursor for the synthesis of an essential cofactor, coenzyme A (CoA), but among the apicomplexans, only the coccidian subgroup has the ability to synthesize Pan. While the pathway to synthesize CoA from Pan is largely conserved across all branches of life, there are differences in the redundancy of enzymes and possible alternative pathways to generate CoA from Pan. Impeding the scavenge of Pan and synthesis of Pan and CoA have been long recognized as potential targets for antimicrobial drug development, but in order to fully exploit these critical pathways, it is important to understand such differences. Recently, a potent class of pantothenamides (PanAms), Pan analogs, which target CoA-utilizing enzymes, has entered antimalarial preclinical development. The potential of PanAms to target multiple downstream pathways make them a promising compound class as broad antiparasitic drugs against other apicomplexans. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in understanding the Pan and CoA biosynthesis pathways, and the suitability of these pathways as drug targets in Apicomplexa, with a particular focus on the cyst-forming coccidian, Toxoplasma gondii, and the haemosporidian, Plasmodium falciparum.
Wireline logs vs drilling events: Which one to believe in implying subsurface pressure?
Authors: Ramdhan Agus Mochamad , Arifin Arifin , Suwarman Rusmawan
Published: December 2021

As generally known, subsurface pressure can be implied using both wireline logs and drilling events. However, there may be a case where wireline logs and drilling events do not indicate the same subsurface pressure. Data from four vertical wells located in the South Sumatra Basin, Indonesia, were analyzed as a case study. Two wells, Wells A and D, encountered high overpressured zones, confirmed by drilling events and wireline logs data. The two others, Wells B and C, only encountered low overpressured zones, inferred by the relatively low mudweight used during the drilling. However, the wireline logs of Wells B and C show a reversal as Wells A and D. There are two hypotheses to explain the condition in Wells B and C. First, the wireline logs reversal is due to shallow carbonate cementation. Second, Wells B and C were drilled in an unintentional underbalanced condition. The method used includes XRD, SEM, and titration analysis. The results show that the first hypothesis is false, while the second is true. It may be due to some missing information related to drilling events in the final well report of Wells B and C.
Coseismic and postseismic deformation from the 2007 Bengkulu earthquake based on GPS Data
Authors: Meilano Irwan , Susilo Susilo , Gunawan Endra , Rahmadani Suchi
Published: December 2021

On September 12, 2007, a M8.5 megathrust earthquake occurred along the Sunda trench near Bengkulu, West Sumatra. GPS data in Sumatra have indicated the coseismic and postseismic deformations resulting from this earthquake. Our estimate of coseismic displacements suggests that the earthquake displaced up to ~1.8m at GPS stations located north of the epicenter. Moreover, our principal strain estimation in the region suggests that the maximum coseismic extensional strain is ~40 ppm. Our analysis of GPS data in the region suggests that the postseismic decay of the 2007 Bengkulu earthquake was 46 days, estimated using a logarithmic function.
PROSPECTS FOR INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC AND SCIENTIFIC-TECHNICAL COOPERATION IN THE CONTEXT OF THE NEW TECHNOLOGICAL REALITY
Authors: Vasiliev А.A. , Шпопер Д. , Pechatnova Yu.V.
Published: December 2021

The research is aimed at finding ways to fill the regulatory vacuum in which digital technologies develop.The article provides an assessment of the positive and negative impact of digitalization on public relations,highlights the problems associated with the legal regulation of public relations complicated by the use ofdigital technologies or the participation of artificial intelligence, analyzes the degree of knowledge of theproblem in legal science and the proposed models of legal regulation of digitalization. The authors haveconcluded that the development of digital technologies demonstrates a long-term trend towards a decreasein the protective abilities of existing legal institutions, and therefore, a public request is formed for theisolation in the system of international scientific law of a set of legal norms regulating scientific and technicalcooperation in the digitalization of science and study of informatization processes.
ELECTRONIC DATABASES AS A SOURCE OF OBTAINING DATA FOR THE CIRCUMSTANCES TO BE PROVEN IN A CRIMINAL CASE
Authors: Safronov A.Yu.
Published: December 2021

The article provides an analysis of the sources of obtaining evidentiary and other information necessaryfor the investigation body, the prosecutor (state prosecutor) and the court to implement the provisions on theconfiscation of property under Art. 104.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. With examples fromthe judicial practice of the federal court and the positions of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation,set out in the Resolution of the Plenum, the issue of obtaining information from electronic databases aboutthe property status of a participant in criminal proceedings is considered. The possibilities of GAS “Justice” ofPI “Judicial record-keeping” on the issues under consideration are revealed. The conclusion is substantiatedthat the conclusion that electronic databases can and should be used as a source of obtaining data for thecircumstances to be proved in a criminal case. Taking into account the provisions of Articles 73 and 74 of theCriminal Procedure Code of the Russian Federation, the place and type of information received, using theseelectronic databases, in the evidence system in a criminal case, is determined. The conclusion is substantiatedthat the list of compositions (articles) of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, according to which itis possible to apply confiscation by a conviction of a court, is practically unlimited, and, to be more precise,is limited only to the list of articles of the Special Part of the said code.
OSTEOPOROSIS IN THE COMMUNITY: FINDINGS FROM A NOVEL COMPUTERIZED REGISTRY IN A LARGE HEALTH ORGANIZATION IN ISRAEL
Authors: Goldshtein I. , Chandler J. , Shalev V. , Ish –Shalom S. , Nguyen A.M. , Rouach V. , Chodick G.
Published: December 2021

Background: Osteoporosis is a growing public health concern due to its rising prevalence and excess morbidity and mortality. Automated patient registries have gained great importance in health and disease management of major chronic diseases, but are rarely used in osteoporosis. Objectives: To construct an automated, population-based registry of osteoporosis. Setting: The electronic medical records and pharmacy databases of a 2 million member health organization in Israel (Maccabi Healthcare Services). Methods: Included in the registry were adults who were diagnosed with osteoporosis diagnosis, had major osteoporotic fractures, or purchased relevant medications, between 2000 and 2013. In addition, we included patients with low bone density as extracted from over 140,000 measurements reports, using an automated optical character recognition (OCR) system. Two-thirds of the cases were validated by more than one inclusion criterion. Results: A total of 118,141 osteoporosis patients were identified. The point prevalence of osteoporosis among members aged 50 or above in 2013 was 19%. The mean age at registry entry was 62 (SD=12) and 66 (SD=14) years for females and males, respectively. The highest annual risk of developing osteoporosis (27 per 1000) was recorded among females aged 65-75. In 28% of the patients, there was no indication of treatment with osteoporosis therapy. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the first real-world automated registries of osteoporosis. Similar registries may provide valuable data for real-time monitoring of trends, quality of care, and outcome research in osteoporosis and its complications.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ANEMIA, PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE, DEPENDENCY, AND MORTALITY IN OLDER ADULTS IN THE NORTH-WEST REGION OF RUSSIA
Authors: Turusheva A. , Frolova E. , Korystina E. , Zelenukha D. , Tadjibaev P. , Gurina N. , Degryse J.M.
Published: December 2021

Objective: To assess the prevalence of anemia and its impact on physical performance, dependency, and mortality in older adults in the north-west region of Russia. Design: A population-based prospective cohort study. Setting: A random sample of the population living in the Kolpino District. Participants: A total of 611 community-dwelling individuals aged 65 years and older. Measurements: Hemoglobin, gender, age, comorbidity, creatinine, C-reactive protein, body mass index, the Mini Nutritional Assessment, the Short Physical Performance Battery, grip strength, the Barthel Index, the Mini-Mental State Examination, and the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale were measured/administered. A second screening was organized after 33.4±3 months. The total observation time was 47 ± 14.6 months. Results: The prevalence of anemia was higher in men (21.4%) than in women (18.6%). After adjustment for age, gender, nutritional status, creatinine levels, mental impairment, and various comorbid conditions, significant associations were found between anemia and dependency [OR(95% СI) = 1.798 (1.068 – 3.029); p = 0.027], lower physical performance [ β(95%CI) = -0.717 (-1,334 – -0.100); p = 0.023], and greater risk of mortality [HR (95%CI) = 1.871 (1.284 – -2.728); p = 0.001]. Participants with anemia and CRP levels > 5 had a higher risk of mortality compared with anemic participants with lower CRP levels [HR (95%CI) = 3.417 (1.869 – 6.245); p = 0.000]. Conclusion: The estimated prevalence of anemia in the population aged 65 years and older is 19.3% (95%CI = 15.99 – 23.13). Anemia is associated with poor physical performance and dependency and is an independent predictor of mortality in older individuals.
NUTRIENT INTAKE AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF THE AGED IN LOW INCOME AREAS OF SOUTHWEST, NIGERIA
Authors: Afolabi W.A.O. , Olayiwola I.O. , Sanni S.A. , Oyawoye O.
Published: December 2021

Objective: The study was carried out to assess the nutrient intake and nutritional status of free living and non-institutionalized elderly Nigerian men and women residing in low income areas. Design, Setting and Participants: The study was cross sectional involving 140 (58-99 years) apparently healthy elderly subjects randomly selected across four low income urban and rural areas of southwest Nigeria. Measurements: Data on socio economic characteristics and dietary intake (24-hour recall) were obtained with a structured questionnaire while anthropometric data were measured and nutritional status indices were classified using WHO standards. Nutrient intake data was compared to DRI while other data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 16.0. Results: Majority (84.3%) of the respondents were married and illiterate (80%). Most popular occupation were farming (47%) and trading (35.7%). Half of the respondents earn ≤ NGN1, 000 (≤US$6) and only 27% earn ≥ N6000 (US$37) monthly. The mean weight, height and arm circumference for men were 59.7 ± 6.50kg, 1.61±10.564m and 27.5 ± 9.24 cm respectively while that for women were 56.3 ± 5.72 kg, 1.57 ± 4.37m and 27.0 ± 5.22cm respectively. The mean daily energy (1805.2Kcal) and protein (23g) intake of women were significantly (p<0.05) lower than that of men (2044Kcal and 27.7g respectively). Intake of protein, calcium, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin C for both men and women were below DRI while iron, phosphorus, thiamine and energy intakes were adequate. Prevalence of underweight was low (2.9%) in this study while that overweight (pre obesity) was high (20% for men and 22.8% for women). Weight and BMI are significantly influenced by energy intake of the men (r=0.439, p=0.008); (r=0.352,p=0.038) and not women (r=0.229,p=0.186; r=0.320,p=0.06 respectively) while arm circumference was significantly (p<0.05) influenced by protein intake of both men and women (r=0.333,p=0.04 and r=0.404,p=0.02) respectively. Conclusion: This study has established a less than adequate intake of protein and some micronutrients among the elderly population as well as a high prevalence of overweight which coexists with underweight. There is need for a functional policy on the care of the aged in Nigeria in order to improve their nutrition, health and general wellbeing.
Navigating the Prevailing Challenges of the Nigerian Power Sector
Authors: Jibril Mustefa , Jibril Mustefa
Published: December 2021

The entire value chain of the Nigerian power sector (the production, transmission and distribution sector) is bedeviled with numerous challenges. Challenges that hamper and make the seventh sustainable development goal only a mirage.

This paper aims to take a panoramic view of the Nigerian power architecture, outlining the challenges of the various stakeholders (The Generation Companies, The Transmission Company of Nigeria, The National Control Center, The Distribution Companies, The Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc, The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, The Gas producers, The Nigerian Gas Company and the consumers) with the goal of providing a roadmap of solutions; solutions to light up the African largest economy and invariably guarantee her socio-economic development.
SARS-COV-2 acts as a test of Air Pollution, Lifestyle Disorders and Immune Tolerance dysregulation in human body
Authors: Karthik bose
Published: December 2021

SARS-COV-2 is reported to be associated with severe immune dysregulation, delayed humoral responses and accelerated innate immune response mediated damages. As the pandemic is turning the world upside down, In order to address this disease we should first get an insight into the mechanism of action through which SARS-COV-2 is achieving the above said dysregulating or modulating effects on human immune system. T

his article presents the basic or skeletal mechanism through which SARS-COV-2 dysregulates immune system by targeting innate immune system, adaptive immune system and different immune tolerance check points by dysregulating different miRNA’s and the preexisting conditions or comorbidities of the patients. This article comprises of the comparative and comprehensive literature review targeting all topics with the data available/reported till date in the scientific community.
The Communication Infrastructures of Living Systems and the Universe: Analysis from the Perspective of Antenna Theory
Authors: Ray Sirsendu Sekhar , Maitra Bitop
Published: December 2021

It is still unknown how molecules coordinate their activity and operate at high speeds in the crowded environment of a cell. The study focuses on the geometry of biomolecules, assuming B-DNA, α-helix, β-strand, water molecules, and chemical bonds, including hydrogen bonds, as various types of antennas. The analysis demonstrates that living systems have highly sophisticated wireless and wired communication infrastructures for regulating and coordinating molecular activities, revealing why water is essential for molecular dynamics and indicating how we evolved.

The study also includes a few equations linking antenna fields with Einstein’s general relativity, Kepler’s law of planetary motion, and Newton’s law of gravitation, which divides the gravitational field into antenna field zones and clarifies many astronomical facts. The findings, furthermore, suggest that the gravitational field is the antenna field of astronomical objects; and that nature's antennas, such as molecules and astronomical objects, communicate via gravitational waves. We hope that the study, which uses a classical approach to explain the facts of living systems and the Universe, will find applications in biology, astronomy, communication engineering, and other areas of science.
Fermat's Last Theorem: A Proof by Contradiction
Authors: Schaeffer Benson
Published: December 2021

In this paper I offer an algebraic proof by contradiction of Fermat’s Last Theorem. Using an alternative to the standard binomial expansion, (a+b) n = a n + b Pn i=1 a n−i (a + b) i−1 , a and b nonzero integers, n a positive integer, I show that a simple rewrite of the Fermat’s equation stating the theorem, A p + B p = (A + B − D) p , A, B, D and p positive integers, D < A < B, p ≥ 3 and prime, entails the contradiction, A(B − D) X p−1 i=2 (−D) p−1−i "X i−1 j=1 A i−1−j (A + B − D) j−1 # + B(A − D) X p−1 i=2 (−D) p−1−i "X i−1 j=1 B i−1−j (A + B − D) j−1 # = 0, the sum of two positive integers equal to zero. This contradiction shows that the rewrite has no non-trivial positive integer solutions and proves Fermat’s Last Theorem. AMS 2020 subject classification: 11A99, 11D41 Diophantine equations, Fermat’s equation ∗The corresponding author. E-mail: bookie@hevanet.com 1 1 Introduction To prove Fermat’s Last Theorem, it suffices to show that the equation A p + B p = C p (1In this paper I offer an algebraic proof by contradiction of Fermat’s Last Theorem. Using an alternative to the standard binomial expansion, (a+b) n = a n + b Pn i=1 a n−i (a + b) i−1 , a and b nonzero integers, n a positive integer, I show that a simple rewrite of the Fermat’s equation stating the theorem, A p + B p = (A + B − D) p , A, B, D and p positive integers, D < A < B, p ≥ 3 and prime, entails the contradiction, A(B − D) X p−1 i=2 (−D) p−1−i "X i−1 j=1 A i−1−j (A + B − D) j−1 # + B(A − D) X p−1 i=2 (−D) p−1−i "X i−1 j=1 B i−1−j (A + B − D) j−1 # = 0, the sum of two positive integers equal to zero. This contradiction shows that the rewrite has no non-trivial positive integer solutions and proves Fermat’s Last Theorem.
Serverless Architecture For Bulk Email Management
Authors: Bazaru Priyatham Sai Chand
Published: December 2021

Sending emails in large quantities can be tediousconsidering free services do not cover bulk email and paidservices can be costly and are not easy to customize. Traditionalemail client used for basic emailing services fail to be useful inlarger volumes of emails to target people or spread informationto consented individuals. This paper proposes a serverless archi-tecture to tackle such problems by using one such offering fromthe Amazon Web Services(AWS) which can be easily replacedby a software architects choice of service. The constraints helpto make an architecture using components that can fit most ofthe needs of a serverless backend and extend it to scenariossuch mobile notifications, One Time Password (OTP) systems orother means of communication to minimize single point of failureand also decrease the dependency on physical servers for suchoperations offering a comparable solution within the cloud. Thearchitecture proposed is tested to find the time taken to sendthe emails of various quantities and see how it affects the cost.The architecture was successful able to send multiple emails in aquick and single invocation and has demonstrated a higher levelof scalability compared to conventional methods.