bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Neospora caninum bovine serum antibodies in the Central and Eastern regions of Mexico
Authors: Zárate-Martínez Juan Prisciliano , Rosete-Fernández Jorge Víctor , Socci-Escatell Guadalupe Asunción , Fragoso-Islas Abraham , Olazarán-Jenkins Sara , Granados-Zurita Lorenzo , Ríos-Utrera Ángel
Published: November 2020

Objective. To determine the prevalence of antibodies against Neospora caninum (PSA) in beef and dual-purpose cattle from the Central and Southern Gulf of Mexico regions, as well as to evaluate its association with the reproductive status (RS) of the cow (pregnant, not pregnant). Materials and methods. Blood samples were taken from 422 cows. Antibodies were detected with a commercial ELISA kit. PSA was analyzed with a logistic regression model that included state, township nested within state, and ranch nested within township. Results. The states of Tabasco, Puebla and Veracruz had similar PSA (p>0.05). The mean PSA for the three states was 24.0%. The PSA varied from 7.8 to 43.3% across townships. In Puebla, the PSA in cattle from San José Acateno township was more than two-fold greater than that in cattle from Hueytamalco and Nauzontla townships (p<0.05). In Tabasco, Cunduacán, Huimanguillo and Ranchería El Puente townships showed similar (p>0.05) PSA. In Veracruz, cows from Cotaxtla and Medellín de Bravo townships presented higher (p<0.05) PSA than those from San Rafael township. The RS of seropositive females was similar (p>0.05) to that of seronegative females. Conclusions. The three states had similar PSA. All the herds had antibodies against N. caninum, suggesting that this parasite is amply distributed in the three states. In addition, great variation existed among herds and among townships; finally, the presence of N. caninum antibodies was not associated with the RS of the cow.
Proyección Markoviana para 2020 y 2021 de las Calificaciones Corporativas en México
Authors: Martínez Vázquez David Conaly , Bucio Pacheco Christian , Cabello Rosales Alejandra
Published: November 2020

Un elemento fundamental para la toma de decisiones en los mercados financieros y la economía, son las perspectivas crediticias de las empresas; sus calificaciones son una referencia clave ante la incertidumbre de los escenarios económicos y el movimiento de sus propios activos financieros en el mercado. Este trabajo analiza la dinámica a corto plazo de calificaciones de crédito de las principales corporaciones en México; examina la evolución de las calificaciones del sector corporativo en México y simula su comportamiento; se utiliza como base de datos los reportes de las Calificaciones Nacionales Corporativas de Fitch México 2002-2018. Se emplea la metodología de cadenas de Markov, primero se estiman las probabilidades de transición a través de Máxima Verosimilitud para confirmar la eficiencia metodológica y posteriormente se generan las proyecciones a 2020 y 2021. La evidencia empírica muestra que las calificaciones de crédito de las corporaciones en México presentan una tendencia decreciente pero estable en el corto plazo. Se recomienda que tanto las empresas como el gobierno profundicen la diversificación económica y mantengan una gestión disciplinada de sus operaciones como factores que coadyuven a sostener grados de inversión favorables.
Research Requirements to Move the Bar forward Using Aqueous Formate Salts as H2 Carriers for Energy Storage Applications
Authors:   Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, 902 Battelle Boulevard, P.O. Box 999, Richland, Washington 99352, United States, Grubel Katarzyna , Su Ji , Kothandaraman Jotheeswari , Brooks Kriston , Somorjai Gabor A , Autrey Tom
Published: November 2020

In this perspective on hydrogen carriers, we focus on the needs for the development of robust active catalysts for the release of H2 from aqueous formate solutions, which are non-flammable, non-toxic, thermally stable, and readily available at large scales at reasonable cost. Formate salts can be stockpiled in the solid state or dissolved in water for long term storage and transport using existing infrastructure. Furthermore, formate salts are readily regenerated at moderate pressures using the same catalyst as for the H2 release. There have been several studies focused on increasing the activity of catalysts to release H2 at moderate temperatures, i.e., < 80 °C, below the operating temperature of a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell. One significant challenge to enable the use of aqueous formate salts as hydrogen carriers is the deactivation of the catalyst under operating conditions. In this work we provide a review of the most efficient heterogeneous catalysts that have been described in the literature, their proposed modes of deactivation, and the strategies reported to reactivate them. We discuss potential pathways that may lead to deactivation and strategies to mitigate it in a variety of H2 carrier applications. We also provide an example of a potential use case employing formate salts solutions using a fixed bed reactor for seasonal storage of energy for a microgrid application.
The Promise and Peril of Mobile Phones for Youth in Rural Uganda: Multimethod Study of Implications for Health and HIV
Authors: Kreniske Philip , Basmajian Alyssa , Nakyanjo Neema , Ddaaki William , Isabirye Dauda , Ssekyewa Charles , Nakubulwa Rosette , Hirsch Jennifer S , Deisher Andrea , Nalugoda Fred , Chang Larry W , Santelli John S
Published: November 2020

Background

In East Africa, where landlines are used by 1% of the population and access to the internet is limited, owning a cell phone is rapidly becoming essential for acquiring information and resources. Our analysis illuminates the perils and potential promise of mobile phones with implications for future interventions to promote the health of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) and to prevent HIV infection.

Objective

The aim of this study is to describe the current state of AYAs’ phone use in the region and trace out the implications for mobile health interventions.

Methods

We identified 2 trading centers that were representative of southern Uganda in terms of key demographics, proportion of cell phone ownership, and community HIV prevalence. We stratified the sample of potential informants by age group (15-19 years and 20-24 years), gender, and phone ownership and randomly sampled 31 key informant interview participants within these categories. In addition, we conducted 24 ethnographic participant observations among AYAs in the communities of study.

Results

AYA frequently reported barriers to using their phones, such as difficulty accessing electricity. Nearly all AYAs used mobile phones to participate in the local economy and communicate with sexual partners. Phone use was frequently a point of contention between sexual partners, with many AYAs reporting that their sexual partners associated phone use with infidelity. Few AYAs reported using their phones for health-related purposes, with most getting health information in person from health workers. However, most AYAs reported an instance when they used their phone in an emergency, with childbirth-related emergencies being the most common. Finally, most AYAs reported that they would like to use their phones for health purposes and specifically stated that they would like to use their mobile phones to access current HIV prevention information.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates how mobile phones are related to income-generating practices in the region and communication with sexual partners but not access to health and HIV information. Our analysis offers some explanation for our previous study, which suggested an association between mobile phone ownership, having multiple sexual partners, and HIV risk. Mobile phones have untapped potential to serve as tools for health promotion and HIV prevention.
Predictors of Internet Use Among Older Adults With Diabetes in South Korea: Survey Study
Authors: Park Sunhee , Kim Beomsoo
Published: November 2020

Background

Internet access in Korea has grown dramatically over the past two decades. However, disparities in internet use, referred to as the second level of the digital divide, persist.

Objective

This study aims to examine opportunity, motivation, and health variables that indicate internet use among older adults with diabetes.

Methods

Data were sourced from a nationally representative sample of people 65 years and older with diabetes (N=1919). Logistic regression was used to explore potential differences in predictor variables between internet users and nonusers.

Results

Only 306 of the 1919 (15.95%) participants in the sample used the internet. They were more likely to be younger (odds ratio [OR] 0.89, 95% CI 0.87-0.92), well-educated (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.16-1.26), and able to afford leisure expenditures (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.04). Additionally, they had more information and communications technology (ICT) training experience, were motivated to learn, volunteered, and reported good physical and cognitive function. Participation in ICT education and better health more positively correlated with a higher rate of internet use than did years of education or economic standing in older adults with diabetes.

Conclusions

To support older adults with diabetes in the internet age, policies and health care providers should focus on digital competency training as well as physical and cognitive function.
Medical Students’ Perception and Perceived Value of Peer Learning in Undergraduate Clinical Skill Development and Assessment: Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)
Authors: Alzaabi Shaikha , Nasaif Mohammed , Khamis Amar Hassan , Otaki Farah , Zary Nabil , Mascarenhas Sharon
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

The effectiveness of peer learning in clinical skill development is well recognized and researched, given the many benefits gained such as enhanced learning, alleviation of the burden on faculty, and early development of teaching skills for future doctors. However, little is known in terms of its effectiveness as an assessment tool and the extent to which peer assessment can be relied upon in the absence of faculty support.

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to assess medical students’ perception toward peer learning, which is based on self-regulated learning as a tool of assessment, and to compare peer evaluation with faculty evaluation of clinical skill performance.

METHODS

A cohort of 36 third-year medical students were exposed to peer learning (same-level) in clinical skills education for 3 months. A convergent mixed methods approach was adapted to collect data from 3 sources, namely, students’ perception of peer learning, performance scores, and reflective observational analysis. A 5-point Likert-type scale was used to assess students’ (n=28) perception on the value of peer learning. The students were asked to assess their peers by using a preset checklist on clinical skill performance, and scores were compared to faculty assessment scores. Reflective observational data were collected from observing video recordings of some of the peer learning sessions. The findings from all 3 sources were integrated using joint display analysis.

RESULTS

Out of 28 students, 25 students completed the survey and 20 students perceived peer learning as valuable in clinical skills education. The mean score of peer assessment was higher than that of faculty assessment. There was a significant difference in student performance between supervised teaching and peer learning groups (P=.003). Most students focused on the mastery of skill with little attention to the technique’s quality. Further, students were unable to appreciate the relevance of the potential clinical findings of physical examination.

CONCLUSIONS

Peer learning in clinical skills education, based on self-regulated learning, empowers students to develop a more responsible approach toward their education. However, peer assessment is insufficient to evaluate clinical skill performance in the absence of faculty support. Therefore, we recommend that peer learning activities be preceded by supervised faculty-taught sessions.
Evaluation of an Intrahospital Telemedicine Program for Patients Admitted With COVID-19: Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)
Authors: Legler Sean , Diehl Matthew , Hilliard Brian , Olson Andrew , Markowitz Rebecca , Tignanelli Christopher , Melton Genevieve B , Broccard Alain , Kirsch Jonathan , Usher Michael
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

The increasing incidence of COVID-19 infection has challenged health care systems to increase capacity while conserving personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies and minimizing nosocomial spread. Telemedicine shows promise to address these challenges but lacks comprehensive evaluation in the inpatient environment.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to evaluate an intrahospital telemedicine program (virtual care), along with its impact on exposure risk and communication.

METHODS

We conducted a natural experiment of virtual care on patients admitted for COVID-19. The primary exposure variable was documented use of virtual care. Patient characteristics, PPE use rates, and their association with virtual care use were assessed. In parallel, we conducted surveys with patients and clinicians to capture satisfaction with virtual care along the domains of communication, medical treatment, and exposure risk.

RESULTS

Of 137 total patients in our primary analysis, 43 patients used virtual care. In total, there were 82 inpatient days of use and 401 inpatient days without use. Hospital utilization and illness severity were similar in patients who opted in versus opted out. Virtual care was associated with a significant reduction in PPE use and physical exam rate. Surveys of 41 patients and clinicians showed high rates of recommendation for further use, and subjective improvements in communication. However, providers and patients expressed limitations in usability, medical assessment, and empathetic communication.

CONCLUSIONS

In this pilot natural experiment, only a subset of patients used inpatient virtual care. When used, virtual care was associated with reductions in PPE use, reductions in exposure risk, and patient and provider satisfaction.
Síndrome de Ogilvie asociado a hospitalización prolongada en un paciente con evento vascular cerebral isquémico. Reporte de un caso
Authors: Ramírez Sosa Lino Enrique , Mora Muñoz Víctor Samuel , Chimal Juárez María Fernanda , Martin Bufajer Juan Manuel , González Méndez Omar
Published: November 2020

Introduction: Ogilvie’s syndrome or acute colonic pseudo-obstruction is the acute dilation of the colon without evidence of mechanical obstruction and is attributed to an autonomic imbalance of motor innervation of the colon. It is common in hospitalized patients with significant comorbidities. Its management is staggered, reserving surgical management for cases refractory to initial medical management or with the presence of complications such as perforation and sepsis data. Case report: We present the case of a 69-year-old male patient who went to the emergency service in the context of a cerebral vascular event. He underwent prolonged intubation, which began 17 days after his admission with abdominal distention refractory to medical management, with significant colonic dilation corroborated by abdominal tomography, so it was decided to manage it surgically.
Conclusions: It is important to make an early diagnosis of this syndrome to avoid complications of the disease, as well as surgery. It is important to make a differential diagnosis with other causes of occlusion and have a high index of suspicion since it is a diagnosis of exclusion.
Keywords: Colonic pseudo-obstruction; colectomy; cerebral stroke; megacolon
SEXUALIDADE E VULNERABILIDADE ÀS INFECÇÕES SEXUALMENTE TRANSMISSÍVEIS NA PERCEPÇÃO DE ESTUDANTES DE UMA ESCOLA PÚBLICA MATOGROSSENSE
Authors: Medici Mônica Strege , Leão Marcelo Franco
Published: November 2020

A sexualidade humana compreende um conjunto de comportamentos que envolve aspectos como o gênero, a orientação sexual, a identidade e expressão de gênero. Apesar de complexo e necessário por fazer parte da natureza humana, o tema é pouco debatido em âmbito familiar e escolar. Além disso, a falta de informação e de compreensão sobre o assunto faz com que os adolescentes fiquem vulneráveis a problemas como as infecções. O objetivo do estudo foi identificar, junto a estudantes do Ensino Médio de uma escola pública mato-grossense, as principais fontes de informações sobre sexualidade, os níveis de informação que possuem sobre as Infecções Sexualmente transmissíveis (ISTs) e o quanto estão vulneráveis a elas. O presente estudo ocorreu no quarto semestre letivo de 2019 e envolveu 62 estudantes do 1º ano do Ensino Médio da Escola Estadual Professora Maria Esther Peres, município de Vila Rica/MT. Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva e exploratória que utilizou um questionário constituído por 16 questões que serviram para avaliar a atividade. Com o desenvolvimento deste trabalho foi possível identificar características gerais dos estudantes, como lidam com a sexualidade, seus conhecimentos sobre ISTs, as formas de contágio e prevenção que conhecem. Portanto, cada vez mais é preciso refletir sobre o papel da escola e da família diante da formação do indivíduo no que tange o tema sexualidade e prevenção de ISTs e nesse sentido preservar saúde pública.
COMO MINIMIZAR PERDA DE NUTRIENTE EM UNIDADES DE ALIMENTAÇÃO E NUTRIÇÃO
Authors: Formaggio Barbara Domingues , De Almeida Kauana Multini , Gonçalves Larissa Canton , Corrêa Fernanda Ferreira
Published: November 2020

Em todas as fases de seu processamento, os alimentos estão suscetíveis a perda de valor nutricional. Em Unidades de Alimentação e Nutrição são utilizados diversos tipos de processamentos, destacando a cocção, resfriamento e congelamento. O estudo tem como propósito avaliar a perda de nutrientes que ocorrem em processos de manipulação e preparo, e a importância de sua minimização em Unidades de Alimentação e Nutrição. O mesmo foi realizado através de um levantamento bibliográfico por meio das bases de dados ScieELO e LILACS. Considerou-se para a busca apenas artigos originais publicados a partir de 1998, nacionais e internacionais. Após a seleção dos artigos, 18 fizeram parte desse estudo e preencheram os critérios inicialmente propostos. Os alimentos contêm atividade biológica, levando à perda de qualidade e redução da vida de prateleira. A cocção dos alimentos, é um processo que utiliza calor através equipamentos, causando perda de diversos nutrientes. Já na refrigeração, a perda de nutrientes acontece com alimentos sensíveis ao frio e nas temperaturas mais baixas. A severidade do dano por congelamento é afetada pela combinação de tempo e temperatura. O branqueamento é um método utilizado para manter a qualidade dos alimentos; porém, há controvérsias nos estudos sobre esse processo nos alimentos. Conclui-se que a partir dos estudos é possível identificar a maior eficácia na manutenção de nutrientes em alguns métodos de preparo e conservação dos alimentos. Aqueles que apresentaram menores perdas nutricionais são o cozimento por vapor através do forno combinado e congelamento rápido, enquanto o branqueamento apresenta perdas nutricionais inevitáveis. Através da análise dos métodos, os equipamentos necessários e seus custos, foi possível afirmar a viabilidade na realização de procedimentos que minimizam a perda de nutrientes durante a produção nas Unidades de Alimentação e Nutrição, podendo trazer mais benefícios a unidade.
It’s Corona Calling: Time for Telerehabilitation!
Authors: Alexander Marcalee
Published: November 2020

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused a disproportionate impact on people with disabilities and the elderly. Moreover, the pandemic can be likened to disasters caused by catastrophic weather events which will increase in the future in response to climate change. To forestall these threats, rehabilitation professionals must to come together internationally to prepare and proactively educate their peers and patients. This can be done through observance of such times as Day for Tomorrow. Moreover, rehabilitation professionals need to transition to greener forms of healthcare in order to assure that in the future we all sustain our abilities.
Frailty Syndrome among oldest old Individuals, aged ≥80 years: Prevalence & Correlates
Authors: Sharma Pawan Kumar , Reddy Bana Manishaa , Ganguly Enakshi
Published: November 2020

Objectives: Objectives were to study prevalence of frailty among Indian oldest old population, and to detect its correlates. Methods: A cross sectional community based study was done including 200 healthy participants aged ≥80 years, randomly sampled from Hyderabad city in India. They completed an administered questionnaire and physical function tests including SPPB, grip strength. Cognitive function was assessed using MMSE and depression using GDS. Blood pressure, haemoglobin, and fasting blood sugar were measured for all participants. Frailty was defined using Fried phenotype criteria. Logistic regression was done to identify independently associated correlates. Results: The prevalence of frailty syndrome was 83.4% in our study population. Frailty among men was 80.3% and among women was 84.7%, and it increased with increasing age. The independent correlates which increased the odds of frailty were poor physical performance (SPPB) (OR: 4.21; 95%CI: 1.12-15.83), depression (OR: 3.35; 95%CI:1.29-8.73), chronic joint pains (OR:4.90; 95%CI: 1.97-12.18) and COPD (OR: 3.01; 95%CI:1.03- 8.78), while hypertension showed inverse association (OR: 0.33;95%CI:0.11-0.94). Conclusion: The prevalence of frailty among the oldest old is very high. Geriatric medicine protocols must include routine screening for frailty, while also including early detection of poor physical performance, depression, COPD and osteoarthritis.
Unknown negative genes in the positive RNA genomes of coronaviruses
Authors: Oleg Prof. Zhirnov , Zhirnov O P , Poyarkov S V
Published: November 2020

Coronavirus family has a single-stranded RNA genome encoding 25-30
proteins in different viruses by the mechanism of positive-sense
strategy. Extended open reading translation frames (genes) were found to
locate under a negative-sense polarity in all coronaviruses genomes.
These negative-sense genes varies in the range of 150-450 nt to encode
negative genes polypeptides (NGP) with mol. wt. 5-30 kDa. It implies
that coronaviruses besides positive genome strategy may have “a dark
side of the Moon” expressing genes and virions through the negative
strategy. It is noteworthy, that positive- and negative-sense genes
colocolized in the same RNA regions of coronavirus genome, so called
stacking genes.  Ambisense stacking of genes in coronavirus genomes
significantly increases virus diversity, genetic potential and extend
virus-host adaptation pathway possibilities.
APPLICATIONS OF FRACTIONAL CALCULUS IN EQUIAFFINE GEOMETRY: PLANE CURVES WITH FRACTIONAL ORDER
Authors: Aydin Muhittin , Mihai Adela , Yokus Asıf
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we introduce the notions of equiaffine arclength and
curvature with fractional order for a plane curve and compare them with
the standard ones. In terms of the equiaffine curvature with fractional
order we obtain an equiaffine Frenet formula and then construct an
analogue of the Fundamental Theorem. The plane curves of constant
equiaffine curvature with fractional-order are classified. Several
examples are also illustrated.
Chemical intervention for enhancing growth and reducing grain arsenic accumulation in rice
Authors: Srivastava Ashish , Pandey Manish , Ghate Tejashree , Kumar Vikash , Upadhyay Munish , Majumdar Arnab , Sanjukta Abhay , Agarwal Ashish , Bose Sutapa , srivastava sudhakar , Suprasanna Penna
Published: November 2020

Arsenic (As) is a ubiquitous environmental carcinogen that enters the
human food chain mainly through rice grains. In the present study, we
evaluated the potential of thiourea (TU; non-physiological reactive
oxygen species scavenger) in mitigating the negative effects of arsenic
(As) stress in indica rice variety IR64, with the overall aim to reduce
grain As accumulation. At seedling stage, As+TU treatment induced the
formation of more numerous and longer crown roots compared with As
alone. The significant reduction in As accumulation was observed in
As+TU treated seedling, which coincided with light-dependent suppression
in the expression levels of aquaporins and photosynthesis-related genes
in roots. The foliar-supplemented TU under As-stress maintained reducing
redox conditions which decreased the rate of As accumulation to flag
leaves and, eventually grain As by 0.53-fold compared with those of As
treatment. The agronomic feasibility of TU was validated under naturally
As contaminated sites of Nadia (West Bangal, India). The tiller numbers
and crop productivity (kg seed/ha) of TU-sprayed plants were increased
by 1.5- and 1.18-fold, respectively; while, grain As accumulation was
reduced by 0.36-fold compared with those of water-sprayed control. Thus,
this study established TU application as a sustainable solution for
cultivating rice in As-contaminated field conditions.
Integrating high-speed videos in capture-mark-recapture studies of insects
Authors: Khelifa Rassim , Mahdjoub Hayat , M'Gonigle Leithen , Kremen Claire
Published: November 2020

Capture-mark-recapture (CMR) studies have been used extensively in
ecology and evolution. While it is feasible to apply CMR in some
animals, it is considerably more challenging in small fast-moving
species such as insects. In these groups, low recapture rates can bias
estimates of demographic parameters, thereby, handicapping effective
management of wild populations. Here we use high-speed videos (HSV) of
the adults of two large dragonfly species that rarely land and, thus,
are particularly challenging for CMR studies. We specifically test
whether HSV, compared to conventional eye observations, increases the
“resighting” rates and improves the certainty of the estimates of
survival rate, and the effects of demographic covariates on survival
rates. We show that the use of HSV increases the number of resights
substantially. HSV improved our estimates of resighting and survival
probability which were either under- or overestimated with the
conventional observations. HSV increased the accuracy of the estimates
of effect sizes of important covariates (age and body size). Integrating
HSV in CMR of highly mobile animals is valuable because it is easy,
non-invasive, and has the potential to improve demographic estimates.
Hence, it opens the door for a wide range of research possibilities on
species that are traditionally difficult to monitor, including within
insects, birds, and mammals.
Characteristics of 24-h multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux refractory to proton pump inhibitor therapy: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Kim Su Il , Jeong Su Jin , Kwon Oh Eun , Park Jung Min , Lee Young Chan , Eun Young Gyu , Ko Seong-Gyu
Published: November 2020

Objectives: This study evaluated the characteristics of reflux in
patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) refractory to proton pump
inhibitor (PPI) therapy using the 24-h multichannel intraluminal
impedance (MII)-pH monitoring. Design: Prospective cohort study.
Setting: A tertiary care otolaryngology clinic. Participants: Patients
with suspected LPR underwent 24-hour MII-pH monitoring and were
prescribed high-dose PPI twice daily. One-hundred and eight patients
followed up for at least 2 months were enrolled. Main outcome measures:
Patients with suspected LPR showing more than one proximal reflux
episode were considered to have LPR. Patients with LPR showing ≥50%
decrease in the follow-up reflux symptom index (RSI) score compared to
the pre-treatment RSI score during treatment periods were defined as
responders; others were defined as non-responders. Various parameters in
the 24-h MII-pH monitoring between non-responders and responders with
LPR were compared using Student’s t-test. Results: Of 108 patients with
suspected LPR, 80 were diagnosed with LPR. Patients with LPR were
categorized as non-responders (n = 19) and responders (n = 61). Proximal
all reflux time and proximal longest reflux time in MII parameters were
significantly higher in responders than in non-responders (p = 0.0040
and 0.0216, respectively). The proximal all reflux time
>0.000517% was a better cut-off value to predict
responders with LPR compared to the proximal longest reflux time
>0.61 min (sensitivity + specificity: 1.317 vs. 1.291).
Conclusions: The proximal all reflux time can be helpful to predict the
response to PPI therapy and establish a personalized therapeutic scheme
in patients with LPR.
Promoting Inclusive Education in Mongolia
Authors: Schelzig Karin , Newman Kirsty
Published: November 2020

Children with disabilities suffer disproportionately from the learning crisis. Although they represent only about 1.5% to 5% of the child population, they comprise more than half of out-of-school children globally. Inspired by a commitment that every child has the right to quality education, a growing global drive for inclusive education promotes an education system where children with disabilities receive an appropriate and high-quality education that is delivered alongside their peers. The global commitment to inclusive education is captured in the Sustainable Development Goal 4—ensuring inclusive and equitable education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. This paper explores inclusive education for children with disabilities in Mongolia’s mainstream education system, based on a 2019 survey of more than 5,000 households; interviews with teachers, school administrators, education ministry officials, and social workers; and visits to schools and kindergartens in four provinces and one district of the capital city. Mongolia has developed a strong legal and policy framework for inclusive education aligned with international best practice, but implementation and capacity are lagging. This is illustrated using four indicators of inclusive education: inclusive culture, inclusive policies, inclusive practices, and inclusive physical environments. The conclusion presents a matrix of recommendations for government and education sector development partners.
PureEdgeSim: A simulation framework for performance evaluation of cloud, edge and mist computing environments
Authors: Mechalikh Charafeddine , Taktak Hajer , Moussa Faouzi
Published: November 2020

Edge and Mist Computing are two emerging paradigms that aim to reduce latency and the Cloud workload by bringing its applications close to the Internet of Things (IoT) devices. In such complex environments, simulation makes it possible to evaluate the adopted strategies before their deployment on a real distributed system. However, despite the research advancement in this area, simulation tools are lacking, especially in the case of Mist Computing [11], where heterogeneous and constrained devices cooperate and share their resources. Motivated by this, in this paper, we present PureEdgeSim, a simulation toolkit that enables the simulation of Cloud, Edge, and Mist Computing environments and the evaluation of the adopted resources management strategies, in terms of delays, energy consumption, resources utilization, and tasks success rate. To show its capabilities, we introduce a case study, in which we evaluate the different architectures, orchestration algorithms, and the impact of offloading criteria. The simulation results show the effectiveness of PureEdgeSim in modeling such complex and dynamic environments.
CHEARP: Chord-based hierarchical energy-aware routing protocol for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Cheklat Lamia , Amad Mourad , Omar Mawloud , Boukerram Abdellah
Published: November 2020

Wireless Sensor networks (WSNs) are mostly deployed in hostile environments, where nodes may do not have any information about their location. Hence, the designed routing protocols and applications have to function independently from the nodes location. Moreover, extending lifetime in such networks is a critical and challenging issue, since they consist of miniaturized energy-constrained devices. The motivation of this paper is to design an energy efficient locationindependent routing protocol for data delivery in WSNs. Therefore, a Chord-based Hierarchical Energy-Aware Routing Protocol (CHEARP) is developed with the focus on preserving the energy consumption. In contrary to the existing DHT-based protocols that interconnect nodes independently of their physical proximity, this paper proposes an approximate logical structure to the physical one, where the aim is to minimize the average paths? length. Simulation results show that the proposed solution reduces the transmission Load, minimizes the transmission delay, and extends the network longevity.
GEODYNAMICS
Authors:   Scientific and Technic Company ", Hanzhenko N. S. ,   DEPROIL LTD", Zeikan A. ,   National Joint-Stock Company “Naftogaz of Ukraine”
Published: November 2020

The central part of the Dnieper-Donets Basin is one of the regions of Ukraine and perspective regarding the discovery of new oil and gas facilities. The results of the study authors allowed to create its spatial integral digital geological and geophysical (density) model, as both qualitatively and quantitatively consistent with known geophysical and geological data. Analysis of the behavior of the model parameters geoplotnostnyh revealed the dominant signs of changes associated with a variety of geological processes in sediments and formations of the crystalline basement.
GEODYNAMICS
Authors:   Carpathian Branch of Subbotin Institute of Geophysics of the NAS of Ukraine, Gnyp А. R.
Published: November 2020

Three groups of recurrent earthquakes have been identified within the Mukacheve series of 2005–2006. After relocation with application of differential arrivals and station terms their sources arranged into almost a vertical plane along the azimuth of ~120°, approximately coinciding with a plane of normal faulting determined for all the earthquakes as a single source mechanism. The results are consistent with data on some other local source mechanisms as also on an ambient field of extensional stresses in the local crust and a significant horizontal gradient of vertical movements across the epicenter area of the series.
GEODYNAMICS
Authors:   Institute of Geosphere Dynamics RAS (Mikhnevo),   Institute of Geosphere Dynamics RAS (Mikhnevo), Sanina I. ,   Institute of Geosphere Dynamics RAS (Mikhnevo)
Published: November 2020

Results of comparison of a geological structure of environment along traces of seismic rays from explosions in open pits and the registered form of record at the GO “Mikhnevo” are resulted. It is shown, that among the factors, defining “a wave portrait” of explosion, are the presence of fractures and the geological structures of different age specifying azimuthal heterogeneity of EEP structure.
GEODYNAMICS
Authors:   Institute of Geophysics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine), Drohytska H. M. , Zaets V. ,   State enterprise "Kirovgeologiya", Stepanenko V. ,   Institute of Geophysics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine)
Published: November 2020

In the following work the methodology of statistical processing of the earthquake converted waves and results of seismogeologic modeling of the Kirovograd ore district are represented. The correlation between Novoukrainsk-Kirovograd granitoid, Korsun’-Nowomirgorod rapakivi-anorthosite massifs and the Moho boundary are considered.
GEODYNAMICS
Authors:   West-Ukrainian Geophysical Intelligence Expedition State Geological Enterprise ", Yosypenko T.M. ,   Ukrgeophysics"
Published: November 2020

Results of electrometric researches by a TEM-method on Northern-Javoriv area of the Bilche-Volitsya zone of the Precarpations deflection are reported. Geoelectric borders and tectonic infringements are eliminated. Within Northern-Javoriv area lateral anomalies of the raised resistance in separate geoelectric layers are found. The conclusion on their geological nature and communication with oil-gas saturation was made.
GEODYNAMICS
Authors:   Carpathian branch of Institute of geophysics of NAS of Ukraine, Kazyuka І. , Fedchenko T. O. ,   Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas, Petrovskyi O. P. ,   LLC "SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL FIRM" BIPEX LTD ", Onyshchuk O. M. ,   Scientific and Technic Company "DEPROIL LTD", Hanzhenko N. S. ,   Scientific and Technic Company "DEPROIL LTD", Anishchenko Yu. V. ,   Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas
Published: November 2020

Thesis is devoted to study of the deep tectonic structure of Ukrainian part of the Carpathians. A spatial model based on previously conducted seismic investigation, geological data, petrophysical and well log data has been created within Carpathian region. An estimation of the model adequacy in terms of its correspondence to gravity field has been done. Results of the research showed the necessity of conducting regional complex study for creating a consistent model of the Carpathian’s deep structure.
GEODYNAMICS
Authors:   Institute of Geophysics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine), Karnaukhova E.E. , Korchin V.A. ,   Institute of Geophysics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine)
Published: November 2020

The influence of mineral composition and structure-texture features on elastic properties of rocks of the Ukrainian Shield at different pressure and temperatures has been research. Statistically grounded cross-correlation dependences longitudinal and transversal waves propagation velocity from mineral composition at different depths were obtained.
GEODYNAMICS
Authors:   Lviv Centre of the Space Research Institute of the NASU and NSAU, Korepanov V. , Dudkin F. ,   Lviv Centre of the Space Research Institute of the NASU and NSAU
Published: November 2020

The earthquakes monitoring in all world reveals that the “seismogenic” fluctuations of magnetic field in wide frequency band often occur before these seismic events. We believe that the most reliable information is concentrated in ultra low frequency (ULF) band (0.001-3 Hz). The earthquake ULF magnetic precursors of lithospheric origin are very weak as a rule and their frequency range is overlapping with signals of ionospheric origin. The new method of the seismomagnetic signals selection at the background of more powerful magnetic variations of other nature is proposed.
GEODYNAMICS
Authors:   Carpathian Branch of Subbotin Institute of Geophysics of NAS of Ukraine, Kuderavets R. S.
Published: November 2020

The results of rocks magnetic susceptibility experimental measurements of Carpatians foredeep are adduced. The new data was obtained and the statistical magnetic susceptibilities database of different age formations of rocks complex in Carpatians foredeep is created. The sedimental strata differentiation of magnetic susceptibility in separate lithomagnetic complexes is shown.
GEODYNAMICS
Authors:   Carpathian branch of Institute of geophysics of NAS of Ukraine, Kuznietsova V. H. , Maksymchuk V. Yu. ,   Carpathian branch of Institute of geophysics of NAS of Ukraine, Klymkovych T. A. ,   Carpathian branch of Institute of geophysics of NAS of Ukraine
Published: November 2020

The main results of tectonomagnetic investigations application for recent geodynamics and earthquakes prediction problems solution in the Carpathians region are shown.
GEODYNAMICS
Authors:   Institute of Geology and Geophysics of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Kuliyev H.H.
Published: November 2020

The processes of consolidation, deconsolidation, phase transitions and destructions in the terms of internal structures of the Earth аre studied on the base of non-linear theory of deformable solid bodies. It is shown that the loss of stability of equilibrium state can precede to the processes of deconsolidation, phase transitions and destructions on geometric form change (structural instability).
CHARACTERIZATION OF COAL SEAMS IN THE ARANTIGA AND SELUANG MINE BENGKULU USING PROXIMATE ANALYSIS DATA
Authors: Maulana Rafi , Dewanto Ordas , Abriyansyah A Raka
Published: November 2020

Indonesia as a country that has ample large coal reserves spread across the Sumatera and Kalimantan islands. The huge potential in the region needs further research to be able to find out the quality and excellence of coal resources in order to know the characteristics in detail, then the research was carried out in the Bengkulu Province area by testing coal sample based on Proximate analysis to obtain accurate coal quality results and analysis of coal characteristics in the area can be carried out. The results show that the coal seams in the Arantiga mine have an average value Inherent Moisture is worth 7.49 %, ASH is worth 9.82 %, Volatile Matter is worth 40.99 %, Fixed Carbon is worth 41.70 %, Total Sulfur is worth 0.34 %, Gross Caloric Value is worth 6305 kcal/kg and including of High Volatile A Bituminous coal type, while the Seluang mine has an average value Inherent Moisture is worth 2.07 %, ASH is worth 22.92 %, Volatile Matter is worth 20.26 %, Fixed Carbon is worth 54.78 %, Total Sulfur is worth 0.55 %, Gross Caloric Value is worth 6365 kcal/kg dan and including of Medium Volatile Bituminous coal type.
IDENTIFICATION OF ANDESITE ROCK BASED ON THE RESISTIVITY VALUE IN SATUI AREA, SOUTH KALIMANTAN
Authors: Wahyono Sri Cahyo , Atmadja Krisologus Genesa , Siregar Simon Sadok
Published: November 2020

Andesite rock identification has been carried out in Satui, South Kalimantan using the geoelectric method. Four lines resistivity measurement using Wenner configuration are used with a length of 200-350 m. The purpose of this study is to determine the depth, thickness and position of andesite rocks in the measurement area. Based on the results of processing there are three types of layers in the measurement area, clay with a resistivity of 9.760-68.373 Ωm, sandstones with a resistivity value of 68.373-324.509 Ωm and andesite with a resistivity ≥ 324.509 Ωm. The results of 2D interpretation show that the andesite rock in the entire first path are at a distance of 10.00-170.00 m, depth 6.76-9.94 m and thickness 7.36-10.54 m. Andesite in the second lane are found at a distance of 80-345 m, depth 1.25-9.94 m and thickness 2.62-10.54 m, on the third lane found at a distance of 100.00-200.00 m, depth 13.40 m and 3.90 m thick. Andesite in the fourth lane are found at a distance of 5.00-175.00 m with a depth of 6.76-13.40 m and thickness 1.95-10.54 m.
Superconducting Wind Generators with Capacities of 10 MW and Larger
Authors:   Russion Academy of Sciences (RAS), Institute of Silicate Chemistry (ISCh), ANTIPOV Victor N. , GROZOV Andrey D. ,   Russion Academy of Sciences (RAS), Institute of Silicate Chemistry (ISCh), IVANOVA Anna V. ,   Russion Academy of Sciences (RAS), Institute of Silicate Chemistry (ISCh)
Published: November 2020

The overall dimensions and mass of wind power units with capacities larger than 10 MW can be improved and their cost can be decreased by developing and constructing superconducting synchronous generators. The article analyzes foreign conceptual designs of superconducting synchronous generators based on different principles: with the use of high- and low-temperature superconductivity, fully superconducting or only with a superconducting excitation system, and with the use of different materials (MgB2, Bi2223, YBCO). A high cost of superconducting materials is the main factor impeding commercial application of superconducting generators. In view of the state of the art in the technology for manufacturing superconductors and their cost, a conclusion is drawn, according to which a synchronous gearless superconducting wind generator with a capacity of 10 MW with the field winding made of a high-temperature superconducting material (MgB2, Bi-2223 or YBCO) with the «ferromagnetic stator — ferromagnetic rotor» topology, with the stator diameter equal to 7—9 m, and with the number of poles equal to 32—40 has prospects for its practical use in the nearest future.
Xestia sextrigata (Haworth, 1809) (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) a new species expanding into Romania
Authors: Rákosy László , Rákosy Demetra
Published: November 2020

Records from Austria, Hungary, Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova collected in the last 30 years suggest that Xestia sextrigata (Haworth, 1809) is extending its range towards South-Eastern Europe. Here we report the first genuine record of X. sextrigata from Romania. Older records from the literature are shown to be erroneous.
About the Fair Balance of Competing Rights in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: SPÎRCHEZ Georgeta Bianca , BÂRSAN-PIPU Nicolae
Published: November 2020

The current pandemic situation gives us the opportunity of the following research, which is a plea to use the principle of proportionality as a rational argument in substantiating the restrictive measures adopted by the authorities in order to prevent the spread of Sars-CoV-2 virus. Thus, after (1) we found it appropriate to make general considerations related to governmental measures for public health and safety in the introductory part, we continued with (2) the presentation of the proportionality standard, as a jurisprudential model used both at national and international level, in order to develop (3) proportionality in a narrow sense afterwards, using the formula of professor Robert Alexy, which we consider representative for the structure of balancing competing rights, using a quantifiable model, in which respect we have exemplified the applicability of this formula (4). Finally, we concluded that the principle of proportionality can be a convincing structural approach in the legal reasoning designated to promote the balance of principles (6), although we acknowledge some of the limitations of the proposed method, which we consider that can be overcome (5).
Curvature Dependent Electrostatic Field in the Deformable MEMS Device: Stability and Optimal Control
Authors: Di Barba Paolo , Fattorusso Luisa , Versaci Mario
Published: November 2020

The recovery of the membrane profile of an electrostatic micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) device is an important issue because, when applying an external voltage, the membrane deforms with the consequent risk of touching the upper plate of the device (a condition that should be avoided). Then, during the deformation of the membrane, it is useful to know if this movement admits stable equilibrium configurations. In such a context, our present work analyze the behavior of an electrostatic 1D membrane MEMS device when an external electric voltage is applied. In particular, starting from a well-known second-order elliptical semi-linear di erential model, obtained considering the electrostatic field inside the device proportional to the curvature of the membrane, the only possible equilibrium position is obtained, and its stability is analyzed. Moreover, considering that the membrane has an inertia in moving and taking into account that it must not touch the upper plate of the device, the range of possible values of the applied external voltage is obtained, which accounted for these two particular operating conditions. Finally, some calculations about the variation of potential energy have identified optimal control conditions.
Russian language in Central Asia: current status and prospects
Authors: Evdokimov A. E. , Davydova T. A. , Savkin D. A.
Published: November 2020

The article reveals the trend of mass loss of native speakers of the Russian language in post-Soviet Central Asia. Authors analyze the policies and objective trends in those states in detail, leading to the identified problem. The authors outline the growing trends in the replacement of the Russian language in domestic processes of communication with national languages, the diminishing role of the Russian language as an interstate intermediary language in Central Asia, as well as Russia’s reaction to these processes. Central Asia now show an increasing number of students learning other foreign languages such as Chinese, English and Turkish. As a result authors are forecasting the increase of external players influence. In addition, are analyzing political and social effects that are expected to arise as a result of the diminishing role of the Russian language in the region, including future occurrence of Russian-speakers’ enclaves and an outflow of the Russian-speaking population from these countries.