bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparative study of HPLC and UV spectrophotometric methods for oseltamivir quantification in pharmaceutical formulations
Authors: Gungor Serdar , Bulduk Ibrahim , Sultan Aydın Beyza , Ilikci Sagkan Rahsan
Published: June 2021

Oseltamivir is an antiviral drug and is used in the treatment of all influenza viruses. It is the most effective antiviral option against all influenza viruses that can infect humans. UV and LC methods have been developed and validated according to ICH guidelines for various parameters like selectivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, LOD and LOQ, robustness for the quantitative determination of oseltamivir in pharmaceutical formulations. LC method has been performed using reverse phase technique on a C-18 column with a mobile phase consisting of 20 mM potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution and acetonitrile (60:40, v/v) at 25 °C. The mobile phase flow rate was 1.2 mL min−1. For the determination of oseltamivir, UV spectrum has been recorded between 200 and 800 nm using methanol as solvent and the wavelength of 215 nm has been selected. Both methods have demonstrated good linearity, precision and recovery. No spectral and chromatographic interferences from the capsule excipients were found in UV and LC methods. In both methods, correlation coefficients were greater than 0.999 within a concentration range of 10–60 mg mL−1 using UV and LC. Intra-day and inter-day precision with low relative standard deviation values were observed. The accuracy of these methods was within the range 99.85–100.17% for LC and from 99.26 to 100.70% for UV. Therefore UV and LC methods gave the most reliable outcomes for the determination of oseltamivir in pharmaceutical formulation.
Heart rate dynamics and lactate following high-intensity race-pace continuous vs interval workouts in highly trained athletes
Authors: Martinez-Navarro I. , Montoya A. , Mateo-March M. , Blasco-Lafarga C.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The present study aimed to compare the physiological responses of high-intensity race-pace continuous vs. interval workouts commonly used in middle-distance athletics, by means of analyzing post-exercise cardiac autonomic regulation and lactate.

Methods

Nineteen highly-trained 800-m male runners were asked to run a 600-m race-pace continuous workout and a 2 × 4 × 200-m interval training, counterbalanced and randomized within one week of difference. Blood lactate jointly with linear and nonlinear heart rate dynamics were assessed during the immediate 15-min recovery. Age-category (Under23-Senior vs. Juvenile-Junior) was considered as an inter-subject factor.

Results

Peak lactate was higher following the interval training (15.51 ± 0.99 vs 13.83 ± 1.77 mmol L−1; P < 0.05) whereas lactate removal was almost nonexistent 15 min after both workouts (between 0 and 16%). Vagal modulation (ln RMSSD and lnRMSSD to RR ratio) remained significantly depressed at the end of recovery following both workouts, although the alteration was larger following the interval training. Detrended Fluctuation Analysis evidenced a more random HR behavior (DFA1 closer to 0.5) during the first 9 min of recovery after the interval training, whereas no significant change was observed in heart rate complexity (SampEn). Neither were differences found in post-exercise lactate and HR dynamics as a function of age-category.

Conclusions

High-intensity workouts commonly used in middle-distance athletics, both race-pace continuous and intervallic approaches, induce a large depression of vagal modulation in highly trained runners, although interval trainings appear to induce even a greater alteration of both linear and nonlinear HR dynamics and a higher post-exercise peak lactate.
Approaches of combining a 3D-printed elastic structure and a hydrogel to create models for plant-inspired actuators
Authors: Rodriguez Nadia , Bastola Anil K. , Behl Marc , Soffiatti Patricia , Rowe Nick P. , Lendlein Andreas
Published: June 2021

Inspired by the interesting functional traits of a climbing cactus, Selenicereus setaceus, found in the forest formations of Southeastern Brazil, we formulated a hypothesis that we can directly learn from the plants to develop multi-functional artificial systems by means of a multi-disciplinary approach. In this context, our approach is to take advantage of 3D-printing techniques and shape-memory hydrogels synergistically to mimic the functional traits of the cactus. This work reports on the preliminary investigation of cactus-inspired artificial systems. First, we 3D-printed soft polymeric materials and characterized them, which defines the structure and is a passive component of a multi-material system. Second, different hydrogels were synthesized and characterized, which is an active component of a multi-material system. Finally, we investigated how the hydrogel can be integrated into the 3D-printed constructs to develop artificial functional systems.

Graphic abstract
A flexible application of the Stone-Weierstrass Theorem in General and Application in Probability Theory
Authors: LO Gane Samb , OKOREKE Lois Chinwendu
Published: June 2021

When applying the classical Stone-Weierstrass common version in Probability Theory for example but in other fields also, some problems may arise if all points of the compact set are not separated. A solution may consist in going back to the proof and finding alternative versions. In this note, we did it and come back with two flexible versions which are easily used for the needs of Probability Theory.
IS GOVERNANCE EFFECTIVE IN ECONOMIC GROWTH? EVIDENCE FROM MSCI COUNTRIES
Authors: ALMOHAMMED Hasan , EKŞİ İbrahim
Published: June 2021

The main objective of the research is to study the relationship between governance and economic development in emerging economies. We used MSCI countries as a sample due to their increasing importance. Our research is based on the World Bank data for Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI) of observed countries from 2002 to 2018. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) were applied to identify the relationship between the GDP index as a dependent variable and the WGI as an independent variable and other control variables. The experimental results showed that there was no significant relationship between governance and economic development. On the basis of these findings, it is emphasized that the countries in the sample should give more importance to governance.
Importance of the traditional food systems for First Nations adults living on reserves in Canada
Authors: Batal Malek , Chan Hing Man , Fediuk Karen , Ing Amy , Berti Peter , Sadik Tonio , Johnson-Down Louise
Published: June 2021

Objective

To describe the traditional food (TF) systems of First Nations in Canada, including intake, barriers and promoters.

Methods

The First Nations Food, Nutrition and Environment Study is a cross-Canada participatory study of First Nations adults below the 60thparallel that obtained data for communities excluded from other national studies. A food frequency questionnaire was used to establish frequency of TF intake (number of days in a year) to allow comparisons across ecozones/regions in Canada. Grams of TF intake were also calculated using frequency multiplied by average portions from 24-h recalls. Closed- and open-ended questions attempted to identify some of the key barriers and concerns regarding TF access and use. Multivariable analyses were run to determine what factors are associated with increased TF consumption.

Results

Across communities, there is a strong preference by adults to have TF in the diet more often. Consumption of land animals was most frequently reported in most ecozones except for the Pacific Maritime and Mixedwood Plains, where fish and plants, respectively, were more frequently consumed. First Nations identified structural and environmental challenges such as development, government regulations and climate change, along with household barriers such as insufficient capital for equipment and transportation, lack of time and absence of a hunter in the household. Multivariable analyses revealed that the highest intake of TF occurred in the Taiga Plains ecozone, and for older individuals and men.

Conclusion

Identifying solutions that empower First Nations at all levels is required to overcome the multiple challenges to the inclusion of TF in the diet.
First Nations households living on-reserve experience food insecurity: prevalence and predictors among ninety-two First Nations communities across Canada
Authors: Batal Malek , Chan Hing Man , Fediuk Karen , Ing Amy , Berti Peter R. , Mercille Genevieve , Sadik Tonio , Johnson-Down Louise
Published: June 2021

Objective

To describe the prevalence of food insecurity in First Nations households across Canada while identifying barriers and enablers to traditional food (TF) consumption.

Methods

The First Nations Food, Nutrition and Environment Study is a cross-Canada participatory study of on-reserve First Nations from 2008 to 2018. The Household Food Security Survey Module was used to capture income-related challenges experienced by First Nations households. Households were classified as food secure, or marginally, moderately, or severely food insecure. Barriers and enablers to TF access and use were identified describing the Indigenous experience.

Results

Almost half of on-reserve First Nations households were food insecure and the prevalence was higher than that for non-Indigenous households in Canada. On-reserve food insecurity prevalence was higher in western regions of Canada. First Nations households with children experienced greater food insecurity than those without children. More adults experienced severe food insecurity than children. Most adults would like to have more TF in their diet but state that factors such as financial and household constraints, industrial activities, government regulations, climate change, and fear of contamination impede greater access. Food costs were substantially higher in remote First Nations communities, but remoteness was not associated with food security in multivariable analysis.

Conclusion

Existing systems have been unsuccessful in curbing the food insecurity in First Nations households. Improving food security hinges on achieving Indigenous Food Sovereignty, the key to long-term conservation and stewardship of the land and the co-management of these by Indigenous Peoples. Studies investigating the feasibility of increasing TF from an Indigenous perspective are required.
Levels of metals and persistent organic pollutants in traditional foods consumed by First Nations living on-reserve in Canada
Authors: Chan Hing Man , Singh Kavita , Batal Malek , Marushka Lesya , Tikhonov Constantine , Sadik Tonio , Schwartz Harold , Ing Amy , Fediuk Karen
Published: June 2021

Objectives

First Nations may have a higher risk of contaminant exposure from the consumption of traditional foods. The objective of this study was to measure concentrations of metals and organochlorines in traditional foods commonly consumed by First Nations in Canada and estimate the risk from dietary exposure.

Methods

Data were collected from the participatory First Nations Food, Nutrition and Environment Study (2008–2018). Traditional food samples were collected by community members and concentrations of metals and organochlorines were measured. The population-weighted mean daily contaminant intake from traditional food items was estimated. Hazard quotients (HQs) were calculated by dividing contaminant intake with the toxicological reference values (TRVs).

Results

A total of 2061 food samples (different parts and organs) from 221 species were collected. The highest concentrations of cadmium were found in the kidneys of land mammals: moose kidney was the most significant contributor to intake. The meat of land mammals and birds had the highest lead concentrations and were the most significant contributors to intake. Arsenic was highest in seaweed, and prawn was the most significant contributor. Mercury and methyl mercury were highest in harp seal meat, with walleye/pickerel contributing most to intake. Harp seal meat also had the highest p,p′-DDE and PCB concentrations, and ooligan grease and salmon were the most significant contributors to intake. The percentage of adults eating traditional food who exceeded the TRVs was 1.9% for cadmium, 3.7% for lead, 13.6% for arsenic, 0.7% for mercury, and 0% for p,p′-DDE and PCBs. All median HQs, and most 95th percentile HQs, were less than 1.

Conclusion

These results can be used as a baseline of contaminant levels and exposure in traditional foods for future monitoring programs and to support risk assessment programs.
The Information Processing Algorithm in a Semi-Passive
Homing System for Movable Objects
Authors: Pavlov V. I. , Artemova S. V. , Dorokhova T. Yu. , Aksenov V. V.
Published: June 2021

In addition to the existing methods, a new semi-passive homing method for mobile objects is proposed; the advantages and the prospects of the developed method are discussed. A structural diagram of a semi-passive homing control system for a mobile object has been developed and the features of its functioning have been noted. A structural diagram and an algorithm for the functioning of a new block for recognizing signal-interference situations have been developed. The results of the study confirming
the feasibility of developing a semi-passive homing method for mobile objects
are presented.
Growing epitaxial layers of InP/InGaAsP heterostructures on the profiled InP surfaces by liquid-phase epitaxy
Authors: Vasil’ev Mikhail G. , Vasil’ev Anton M. , Izotov Alexander D. , Kostin Yuriy O. , Shelyakin Alexey A.
Published: June 2021

The effect of various planes was studied when growing epitaxial layers by liquid-phase epitaxy (LPE) on the profiled InP substrates. The studies allowed obtaining buried heterostructures in the InP/InGaAsP system and creating highly efficient laser diodes and image sensors.It was found that protruding mesa strips or in-depth mesa strips in the form of channels formed by the {111}А, {111}B, {110}, {112}A, or {221}A family of planes can be obtained with the corresponding selection of an etching agent, strip orientation, and a method of obtaining a masking coating. It was noted that in the case of the polarity of axes being in the direction of <111>, the cut of mesa strips was conducted along the most densely packaged planes. This cut led to the difference in rates of both chemical etching and epitaxial burying of profiled surfaces.The cut was made along the planes at a low dissolution rate {111}A for a sphalerite lattice, to which the studied material, indium phosphide, belongs. Analysis of planes {110} and {Ī10} showed that the location of the most densely packaged planes {111}A and {111}B relative to them is different.
The structure of carbon nanotubes in a polymer matrix
Authors: Kozlov Georgii V. , Magomedov Gasan M. , Magomedov Gusein M. , Dolbin Igor V.
Published: June 2021

We carried out an analytical structural analysis of interfacial effects and differences in the reinforcing ability of carbon nanotubes for polydicyclopentadiene/carbon nanotube nanocomposites with elastomeric and glassy matrices. In general, it showed that the reinforcing (strengthening) element of the structure of polymer nanocomposites is a combination of the nanofiller and interfacial regions. In the polymer matrix of the nanocomposite, carbon nanotubes form ring-like structures. Their radius depends heavily on the volume content of the nanofiller. Therefore, the structural reinforcing element of polymer/carbon nanotube nanocomposites can be considered as ring-like formations of carbon nanotubes coated with an interfacial layer. Their structure and properties differ from the characteristics of the bulk polymer matrix.According to this definition, the effective radius of the ring-like formations increases by the thickness of the interfacial layer. In turn, the level of interfacial adhesion between the polymer matrix and the nanofiller is uniquely determined by the radius of the specified carbon nanotube formations. For the considered nanocomposites, the elastomeric matrix has a higher degree of reinforcement compared to the glassy matrix, due to the thicker interfacial layer. It was shown that the ring-like nanotube formations could be successfully modelled as a structural analogue of macromolecular coils of branched polymers. This makes it possible to assess the effective (true) level of anisotropy of this nanofiller in the polymer matrixof the nanocomposite. When the nanofiller content is constant, this level, characterised by the aspect ratio of the nanotubes, uniquely determines the degree of reinforcement of the nanocomposites
Phase relations in the CuI-SbSI-SbI3 composition range of the Cu–Sb–S–I quaternary system
Authors: Mammadli Parvin R. , Gasymov Vagif A. , Dashdiyeva Ganira B. , Babanly Dunya M.
Published: June 2021

The phase equilibria in the Cu-Sb-S-I quaternary system were studied by differential thermal analysis and X-ray phase analysis methods in the CuI-SbSI-SbI3 concentration intervals. The boundary quasi-binary section CuI-SbSI, 2 internal polythermal sections of the phase diagram, as well as, the projection of the liquidus surface were constructed. Primary crystallisation areas of phases, types, and coordinates of non- and monovariant equilibria were determined. Limited areas of solid solutions based on the SbSI (b-phase) and high-temperature modifications of the CuI (α1- and α2- phases) were revealed in the system. The formation of the α1 and α2 phases is accompanied by a decrease in the temperatures of the polymorphic transitions of CuI and the establishment of metatectic (3750C) and eutectoid (2800C) reactions. It was also shown, that the system is characterised by the presence of a wide immiscibility region that covers a significant part of theliquidus surface of the CuI and SbSI based phases
Impact of CD34+ Stem Cell Dose on Engraftment Period in Allogeneic Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplanted Patients
Authors:   Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia., Abdul Aziz Suria
Published: June 2021

Haematopoietic progenitor stem cells acquired from the peripheral blood have been increasingly used to treat patient with haematological malignancy. The success of the allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) is significantly dependent on amount of CD34+ stem cell infused which will determine the rate of the haematopoietic recovery and engraftment. This study was aimed to correlate the amount of CD34+ cell infused with the period of engraftment. This retrospective study was conducted on 62 patients with haematopoietic malignancy who have received PBSCT at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre from year 2011 to 2015. The impact of CD34+ stem cell infusion on neutrophil and platelet engraftment and obtaining complete chimerism was studied. Patients were divided into two groups based on the amount of CD34+ stem cell. Group A consisted of 9 patients and infused with <5x106 cells/kg CD34+ cell while Group B consisted of 53 patients and infused with ≥5x106 cells/kg CD34+ stem cell. Data were collected and analysed. Group B patients were significantly associated with faster neutrophil engraftment: 12 (10-14) days while group A were 15 (10-21) days, (p=0.002). Platelet engraftment was also faster in group B: 17(12-25) days compared to group A: 18 (15-30) days. Complete chimerism in group B occurred in 30 (15-90) days and in group A was 60 (30-240) days. Platelet engraftment (p=0.149) and complete chimerism (p=0.021) were not significantly influenced by the CD34+ cell count. This study has shown that infusion of ≥5x106 cells/kg CD34+ stem cell shorten the time to haematopoietic engraftment particularly of neutrophilic engraftment.
The Big-Five Personality Traits and Quality of Life in Elderly Malaysian Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors:   Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia., Sy-Cherng Woon Luke
Published: June 2021

While diabetes mellitus is highly prevalent in the elderly population with significant impact on quality of life (QOL), we yet to know much about how personality traits affect QOL in this patient population. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre with the aim to determine the relationship between personality traits and QOL among the elderly (aged ≥60 years) with diabetes mellitus. Sociodemographic and clinical information were obtained. QOL was assessed using the WHO Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOLBREF) questionnaire and personality traits were assessed using the Big Five Inventory (BFI) questionnaire. Depression and anxiety were measured with Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale, respectively, and controlled for in all analyses. There were in total 170 study participants (median age=69.0 years; IQR: 65.0-73.0; 51.2% male). In stepwise linear regression models, higher conscientiousness scores (β=0.156; P=0.044) and lower neuroticism scores (β=-0.176; P=0.028) were associated with greater QOL in the physical health domain. Higher extraversion scores (β=0.209; P=0.001) and higher conscientiousness scores (β=0.248; P<0.001) were associated with greater QOL in the psychological health domain. Higher agreeableness scores (β=0.286; P<0.001) were associated with greater QOL in the social relationship domain. Finally, higher agreeableness scores (β=0.327; P<0.001) and lower neuroticism scores (β=-0.223; P=0.001) were associated with greater QOL in the environment domain. Personality traits were closely associated with all domains of QOL among elderly patients with diabetes mellitus. Premorbid personality may have important role in moderating the impact of diabetes mellitus on the lives of elderly patients.
The Incidence of Low Back Pain among Healthcare Students and Their Beliefs on Its Association with Physical Function
Authors:   Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Kaur Jit Singh Gurbinder
Published: June 2021

The high prevalence rate of low back pain (LBP) among healthcare professionals causes frequent hospitalisation, work absenteeism, and early retirement. Healthcare providers’ beliefs about LBP are essential in the recovery process of patients suffering from LBP. This study was aimed to investigate the incidence of LBP among healthcare students and their beliefs on the association between LBP and physical function. A cross-sectional study was used to collect online data from all years undergraduate healthcare students of four programmes. The Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ-E) and Health Care Providers’ Pain and Impact Relationship Scale (HC-PAIRS) tools were used to determine LBP among the students and their beliefs on the impact of LBP on physical function, respectively. A total of 239 students participated in the study with a mean age of 21.90 years. Females (74.5%) outnumber the males (25.5%). Many students experienced LBP for a lifetime (82%) and last 12 months (55.2%) with initial onset at mid-teen-age. The physiotherapy and occupational therapy students experienced lower LBP during the last month and the day of data collection. The prevalence rate of LBP among males and females was the same, but higher among the seniors than junior students. Occupational therapy and physiotherapy students were found to have more negative and positive beliefs on LBP, respectively. The higher prevalence rate of LBP among the healthcare students requires appropriate interventions. The marginal positive beliefs among the healthcare students needs immediate actions to instil positive beliefs in them.
Orbital Aspergillosis Mimicking Giant Cell Arteritis
Authors:   Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia., Catherine Bastion Mae-Lynn
Published: June 2021

Orbital aspergillosis is a very rare, debilitating disease which can present solely with painful optic neuropathy and mimic giant cell arteritis in an elderly person. We report a case of orbital aspergillosis in a 65-year-old Malay man who presented with unilateral gradual blurring of vision and ipsilateral headache. Our initial working diagnosis was giant cell arteritis. Unfortunately, patient’s condition worsened with intravenous corticosteroid and developed into orbital apex syndrome. Imaging and biopsy results showed evidence of orbital aspergillosis. Patient lost his eyesight due to the wrong initial working diagnosis. This report is to emphasize that although giant cell arteritis is also a sight and life-threatening condition, it is rare among Asian populations. We need to take into account the epidemiology of the disease and look into any other differential diagnoses when the presentation is atypical.
El libro como presente continuo
Authors: Agustí Camí Eugènia
Published: June 2021

Review of the exhibition “The book as a continuous present. Artist's books around conceptual poetics”. Tecla Sala Art Center, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona). Framed in the Arts Libris Fair in Barcelona.
Self-Advocates with Intellectual Disability about Their Work as Social Educators – a Qualitative Polish Study
Authors: Nowakowska Iwona , Pisula Ewa
Published: June 2021

The paper presents the opinions of self-advocates with mild intellectual disability about their work as social educators – public self-advocates raising disability awareness. Six semi-structured individual interviews were conducted. Data was analyzed within the framework of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The themes which emerged from the interviews comprise: the motives of educators to work as self-advocates, opportunities to gain new skills and to raise public awareness about disability given by this activity, the difficulties they experience being social educators and ways to overcome them, the meaning of self-advocacy in their lives as well as the readiness to recommend this work to other people with disability. The gathered data suggests that, according to the self-advocates, being a social educator enhances the social status of self-advocates. It also provides an opportunity to develop skills, new social roles and sometimes positive identities, which is in line with the assumptions of the theoretical models of self-advocacy.
A Teacher Questioning Activity: The Use of Oral Open-ended Questions in Mathematics Classroom
Authors: Aziza Mela
Published: June 2021

This research aims to analyse a teacher’s questioning activity using oral open-ended questions in the mathematics classroom in three phases: the teacher asks open-ended mathematics questions orally, students answer the questions, and the teacher responds to the answers. This research involved a mathematics teacher and twenty-three year 7 students (aged eleven-twelve years old) in a secondary school in the UK. The samples were chosen using purposive sampling technique. The data collection technique used was three 45-minute-long lesson observations using field notes and audio-recordings. The notes and the transcript of the recording were analysed to find the answers for three research questions. The results showed that the teacher posed any kind of questions orally. The teacher asked two or three oral open-ended questions. Students answered those questions with different answer. The answers were not only correct, but also incorrect and incomplete. After getting an answer, the teacher responded by asking follow-up questions both closed and open-ended.
Aprendizaje de una Lengua Extranjera en Educación Obligatoria: Experiencias de Estudiantes con Sordera e Hipoacusia
Authors: Garrote Camarena Inmaculada , Moreno-Rodríguez Ricardo , Reyes Téllez Francisco
Published: June 2021

The Spanish educational system is characterized by an increased emphasis placed on language teaching, apart from the majority language and other co-official languages. Furthermore, the educational reality is distinguished by the existing diversity within the classroom, increasing the complexity of learning a second language. This study analyses the opinions, beliefs and attitudes of deaf and hard-of-hearing students at university regarding their teaching-learning process of the English language during compulsory education. The data were collected through in-depth interviews, having as main topics the importance of learning the English language, as well as the experiences reported about didactic aspects in which they were involved. The results highlighted the basic conditions that must be met when deaf and hard-of-hearing students are learning a foreign language, in order to guarantee quality education promoting academic success.
Negotiating Identity Within Diverse Educational Ideologies
Authors: Mandt Hege Marie Poulaki
Published: June 2021

We know that teachers’ identities and their ideological assumptions of teaching and learning mathematics are critical in influencing their teaching and thinking about classroom practices. To better understand prospective mathematics teachers’ identity during teacher education, this study investigates how two participants negotiate their identity within the different ideologies they experience during their teacher education program. This study takes the position that prospective mathematics teachers’ identities are understood in terms of the narratives they construct and tell about themselves and others. By using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), this study reveals that the participants either experienced a non-negotiation of identity or a negotiation of a new identity. We know that prospective mathematics schoolteacher’s identity and ideology have substantial consequences for the teaching and learning of mathematics. The educational ideology of mathematics, within the context of their teacher education program, can further shape the prospective teacher’s identity about the discipline. This study suggests greater focus on prospective mathematics teacher identities and ideologies and indicates the support they need through teacher education to be equipped for their future role as mathematics teachers.
Crests and Troughs in Inclusion: Narrative Expressions of a Black Teacher in Independent Schools
Authors: Hlalele Dipane
Published: June 2021

The current article draws from Critical Diversity Literacy (CDL) to analyse narrative expressions of a black South African teacher’s experiences of moments of exclusion (troughs) and inclusion (crests) after twenty years of service in two predominantly white independent schools. Data was generated from one South African teacher who was prompted to reflect on crests [inclusive moments that deserve to be embraced and celebrated] and troughs [moments of exclusion that seek to assimilate/ignore diversity] in her teaching journey spanning two decades at two independent schools. Using the interpretivist paradigm, we attempt to understand the teacher’s journey which shows amongst others, that agents of exclusion with tendencies to demand compliance and subsequent assimilation, include other teachers, school leaders, learners as well as some parents. The teacher was however, provided with an opportunity to read the situation and may, depending on her agency, work to circumvent oppressive and exclusionary tendencies. Crests celebrating diversity were noted in her second school. I conclude that diversity remains multi-perspectival and therefore simultaneity should be borne in mind when dealing with inclusion in the teaching fraternity.
Project-Based Learning as a Pedagogical Tool in Teaching the Safe Management of Pesticides in an Agricultural-Rural Community
Authors: Hernández Jesús-María , Reyes Adriana , Dueñas Jorge-Manuel , Merchán-Merchán Martha , López Gerson-Dirceu
Published: June 2021

Project-based learning (PBL) is a teaching method that has proven effective in stimulating student learning through meaningful experiences that focus on solving problems, many of which are part of the learners' everyday lives. Therefore, this research aimed to use PBL as a pedagogical tool to identify environmental problems caused by the inefficient use of pesticides in agricultural communities by implementing and developing a school research project in natural sciences. To achieve the objective, we use a direct sample of 80 students (66.3% girls) aged between 15 and 17 with an average age of 16.1 (SD = 70), and an indirect sample of 338 agricultural workers (57.20% men) aged between 17 and 61, with an average age of 26.9 (SD = 11.12). Our results showed that the PBL is an adequate tool to teach content situated in the population's needs and be adequate to educate rural populations informally. This pedagogical strategy can improve the environmental awareness of the students through their participation in the community. Educational and socio-community implications are discussed
Software Quality Model in the Presence of Culture Quality Factors
Authors:   Zarqa University, Department of Software Engineering, Jordan., Mohammad Ayat , Fawareh Hamed
Published: June 2021

Researchers have often attempted to raise the success rate of software systems over the past century. Improve software quality models and other software elements to make it more customer satisfaction and achieve customer permanence. Several quality models and variables have been proposed to decrease software system failure and complexity. Also, several software quality models were proposed to assess the general and particular types of software products. These models have been proposed to determine the general or particular scopes of software products. The proposed models evaluate based on comparisons between the well-known models to customize the closed model. These comparisons are the leakage of criteria based on distinct views and knowledge of cultural and social requirements. A new factors proposed by the customize software quality models. The proposed cultural model has eight criterions namely: Language, Religion, social habits, publishing, custom, Ethics, and Law. We classified the new criterions factors into three main groups. The outcome of the proposed cultural model demonstrates that the eight criterions factors must be deemed to decrease the satisfactions of software failure and permanence variables. Finally we proposed a cultural language metric for measuring the satisfactions of software failure and permanence variables.
CORRELATION BETWEEN SPT AND PMT RESULTS FOR SANDY AND CLAYEY SOILS
Authors: YILDIZ Özgür
Published: June 2021

Determination of soil deformation and strength properties is of great importance in geotechnical design. The disturbance that occurred during the sampling from the field affects the results obtained by the laboratory tests. Therefore, the lack of representation of the field conditions and in-situ soil features with laboratory tests leads the designers to carry out field tests. Standard penetration test (SPT) and the Menard pressuremeter test (PMT) are the most widely used geotechnical field tests in which the results are utilized to investigate soil properties and lateral deformation characteristics at a specified depth. In this study, a total of 102 data of sandy and clayey soils belonging to the geotechnical investigations carried out in Istanbul were compiled. The regression analysis between the corrected SPT blow count N60, pressuremeter modulus EPMT, limit pressure PL and EPMT/PL ratio is performed. Empirical equations were separately developed for sandy and clayey soils between the considered parameters. The developed equations showed that there are acceptable relationships between the parameters examined in the particular dataset. Moreover, a neural network (NN) based prediction model was developed to predict EPMT and PL using the available soil data. The highly accurate prediction performance of the proposed model demonstrated the availability of modern methods for the estimation of soil parameters.
Consistent Pitch Height Forms: A commentary on Daniel Muzzulini's contribution Isaac Newton's Microtonal Approach to Just Intonation
Authors: Noll Thomas
Published: June 2021

This text revisits selected aspects of Muzzulini's article and reformulates them on the basis of a three-dimensional interval space E and its dual E*. The pitch height of just intonation is conceived as an element h of the dual space. From octave-fifth-third coordinates it becomes transformed into chromatic coordinates. The dual chromatic basis is spanned by the duals a* of a minor second a and the duals b* and c*  of two kinds of augmented primes b and c. Then for every natural number n a modified pitch height form hn is derived from h by augmenting its coordinates with the factor n, followed by rounding to nearest integers. Of particular interest are the octave-consitent forms hn  mapping the octave to the value n. The three forms hn for n = 612, 118, 53 (yielding smallest deviations from the respective values of n h) form the Muzzulini basis of E*. The respective transformation matrix T* between the coordinate representations of linear forms in the Muzzulini basis and the dual chromatic basis is unimodular and a Pisot matrix with the dominant eigen-co-vector very close to h. Certain selections of the linear forms hn are displayed in Muzzuli coordinates as ball-like point clouds within a suitable cuboid containing the origin. As an open problem remains the estimation of the musical relevance of  Newton's chromatic mode, and chromatic modes in general. As a possible direction of further investigation it is proposed to study the exo-mode of Newton's chromatic mode
Pathogenic and clinical trial of N-acetylcysteine (Fluimucil) in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Popova E. N. , Kornev B. M. , Reznikova K. U. , Kondarova O. V.
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate free radical and lipid disorders in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), to assess clinical efficacy of Fluimucil and to substantiate its administration in different stages of the disease. We observed 127 IPF patients, of them 59 were treated typically with prednisolone, colchicines, or azathioprin, 68 ones received immunosuppressors and Fluimucil. The diagnosis of IPF was verified morphologically in open lung biopsy samples. The patients’ age was 25 to 74 yrs, the mean age, 46.7 ± 9.8 yrs. A control group included 20 healthy donors, the mean age, 41.2 ± 1.2 yrs. N-acetylcysteine (Fluimucil, Zambon group) was administered initially IV 1800 mg a day for 14 days, then orally 1 800 mg a day for a month, then 600 mg a day for 3 months. Clinical and free radical conditions were monitored before the treatment and 3, 6 and 12 months starting the therapy. Fluimucil improved thrombocyte antioxidant activity and plasma antioxidant activity, reduced CT signs of IPF, provided a stable growth in FEV1 and FVC (by 10 % and 12 % respectively) and DLco. Fluimucil was well-tolerated, adverse effects (nausea, stomach ache) were noted in 7 patients (10.2 %). Thus, the results confirmed antioxidant efficacy of Fluimucil in IPF. The long-term administration of Fluimucil combined with the immunosuppressive drugs in IPF patients was safe and reasonable as this inhibited progression of the disease.
Quality of life in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients in Russia: results of “IKAR-COPD” multi-center population-based study
Authors: Chuchalin A. G. , Belevsky A. S. , Chernyak B. A. , Alexeeva Ya. G. , Trofimenko I. N. , Zaitseva A. S.
Published: June 2021

The objective of the “IKAR-COPD” study was to evaluate quality of life in COPD patients with different treatment regimens. This multi-center population-based study was performed in 10 regions of Russia, 702 COPD patients aged 40 to 85 yrs were included in this study: 18.5 % with COPD stage I, 20.7 % with COPD stage II, 40.9 % with COPD stage III and 19.9 % with COPD stage IV (according to the GOLD 2003 criteria). The official Russian versions of the MOS SF-36 questionnaire and the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) were used as generic and disease-specific health-related measures of quality of life. COPD significantly impaired the patients’ quality of life, mostly their physical activity. The quality of life depended on severity of COPD, a patient’s age, duration of the disease and smoking history.
Efficacy of management programme for asthma patients in military servicemen with regards to international guidelines
Authors: Karakina M. L.
Published: June 2021

Management of asthma patients is little known in departmental, partly in military medicine. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of a management programme for asthmatic militaries. We assessed asthma attack rate (day and nighttime), need in bronchodilators, peak expiratory flow rate and forced expiratory volume for 1 s as per cent of predictive values, number of acute exacerbations and admissions to a hospital per a year and their length, days lost from work, calls for emergency aid before and 1 year after implementation of the programme. We found significant reductions in frequency of nighttime asthma attacks, need in bronchodilators, number of calls for emergency aid, rates of acute exacerbations and hospitalizations, their length, improvement in lung function. Therefore, we concluded that the management programme for asthmatic militaries is effective.
Application of impulse oscillometry in cystic fibrosis patients
Authors: Cherniak A. V. , Amelina E. L.
Published: June 2021

Impulse oscillometry (IOS) measures the total respiratory system impedance (Z) at incremental frequencies during normal tidal breathing. Our aim was to establish the total respiratory impedance and how IOS measurements relate to conventional lung function indices in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Results from spirometry, static lung volumes and IOS (R, X, Z, resonant frequency (FR) and reactance area 5Hz — FR (AX)) were compared in 66 adult CF patients recruited from CF Care Centre of Moscow. Patients had airway obstruction (FEV1 = 57 % pred.), hyperinflation (RV = 253 % pred., FRC = 158 % pred., RV / TLC = 52 %). IOS demonstrated a frequency dependent increase in R (R5 = 173 % pred., R20 = 140 % pred.) and a decrease in X (X5 = –0,23 kPa/L / s) with a shift in FR to higher frequencies (FR = 18 Hz, AX = 1,4 kPa / L). There were significant correlations between FR, X20, R5, R20, AX and conventional lung function indices (FEV1 = – 0,74; 0,78; –0,42; –0,31 and –0,76 respectively). The data indicate that measurement of reactance and FR may reflect the degree of airway obstruction. IOS is an effort independent measurement that could be used in clinical routine especially in patients with severe lung diseases.
Nosocomial pneumonia in adults: practical recommendations on diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Medical supplementation
Authors: Chuchalin A. G. , Sinopalnikov A. I. , Strachunsky L. S. , Kozlov R. S. , Rudnov V. A. , Yakovlev S. V. , Stetsyuk O. U. , Reshedko G. K.
Published: June 2021

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Thoughts of tuberculosis
Authors: Priymak А. А.
Published: June 2021

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Pulmonary oedema: clinical types
Authors: Chuchalin A. G.
Published: June 2021

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Intracardiac hemodynamics and effects of nebulized bronchidilating therapy in elderly patients with asthma
Authors: Alieva K. M. , Ibragimova M. I. , Masuev K. I.
Published: June 2021

The objective of the study was to evaluate right and left heart hemodynamics, right (RV) and left (LV) ventricular dyastolic function and effectiveness of nebulized bronchodilators. The study involved 86 elderly patients with bronchial asthma (BA). The control group included 22 elderly patients without lung or heart diseases. The results found remodeling RV and LV, RV and LV dyastolic dysfunction that worsened as asthma severity increased. These parameters correlated to a level of pulmonary hypertension which was mostly moderate (35.0 ± 7.9 mmHg). Nebulized bronchodilators improved the heart hemodynamics: pulmonary hypertension reduced, time and velocity parameters of RV and LV improved. The most effective medication in elderly patients with BA was Berodual.
Recommendations for the management of cough in adults
Authors: Morice A. H. , McGarvey L. , Pavord I.
Published: June 2021

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COPD as a systemic disease
Authors: Avdeev S. N.
Published: June 2021

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Safety of long-acting β2-agonists in asthma
Authors: Avdeev S. N. , Ogorodova L. M. , Kulikov E. S.
Published: June 2021

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Xolair (omalizumab): new opportunities of therapy of severe asthma
Authors: Fassakhov R. S.
Published: June 2021

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Omalizumab (Xolair): mechanisms of action, efficacy and safety
Authors: Fisenko V. P.
Published: June 2021

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Novel approach to therapy of pollinosis
Authors: Osipova V. V. , Chuchalin A. G. , Grigoryan S. S.
Published: June 2021

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Guidelines of the French Speaking Society for Chest Medicine for management of malignant pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Scherpereel A.
Published: June 2021

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Antagonists of leukotriene receptors in treatment of patients with bronchial asthma
Authors: Leshchenko I. V. , Ponomareva N. D.
Published: June 2021

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Role of endothelial dysfunction in pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension in bronchial asthma patients
Authors: Boruta S. A. , Shakhnis E. R. , Omelyanenko M. G.
Published: June 2021

The aim of this work was to investigate a role of endothelial dysfunction for development of pulmonary hypertension in young and middle-aged bronchial asthma (BA) patients. In total, 56 patients with mild and moderate persisting BA were examined. The endothelial function was assessed using nitrate levels in erythrocytes and plasma and L-arginin concentration in plasma. Endothelial dysfunction was more prominent in patients with moderate BA. Severity of endothelial dysfunction correlated to obstructive disorders. Plasma and erythrocytes nitrates and plasma L-arginin concentrations were lower in females than were in males and were lower in middle-aged patients compared to youngs. Endothelial dysfunction was more severe in patients with pulmonary hypertension than were patients with normal pulmonary artery pressure. Correlations were revealed between plasma level of nitrates and pulmonary artery pressure, plasma level of nitrates and the right ventricle size. Therefore, endothelial dysfunction could result in cardiovascular pathology in asthmatic patients.
Investigation of effects of antibiotics on experimental bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Novikova L. N. , Lebedeva E. S. , Dvorakovskaya I. V. , Zakoldaeva T. V. , Danilov L. N.
Published: June 2021

Several reports have shown results of antifibrotic action of antibiotics in experimental models of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Effects of antibiotics on course of IPF has been also investigated in the present work. IPF model was created in male rats Vistar (n = 41) using intratracheal instillations of bleomycin 10 mg/kg followed by intramuscular injections of cefotaxime (n = 10) or erythromycin (n = 10) after the 5th day during 8 days. We evaluated bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cell count and differentiation, oxidative activity of alveolar macrophages (AM) using luminol-dependent chemiluminescence, and histological changes in the lung tissue. Both the antimicrobials decreased total cell count in BALF, increased AM and lymphocyte numbers and decreased neutrophil number. Erythromycin increased oxidative activity of AM and cefotaxime reduced it in some degree. Structure of the lung tissue after 14 days of administration of antibiotics did not differ from that seen in rats received bleomycin alone but the formers had more severe vascular lesions such as vasculitis, perivascular fibrosis, full-blooded capillaries. Therefore, antibiotics inhibited neutrophil-related inflammation, heterogeneously affected oxidative activity of AM, caused vascular lesions and did not influence fibrosis. These results do not suggest antibiotics to be used as therapeutic drugs in IPF.