bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extraction of DNA from endocervical samples using QIAamp DNA mini kit v1
Authors: EBDG EBDG Boris Emmanuel DJOUMSIE GOMSEU emmanuelgomseu
Published: March 2021

DNA was extracted from endocervical samples using the QIAamp mini kit according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 1 Centrifuge tubes containing the endocervical specimens at 15,000 rpm for . 2 Remove supernatant and preserve the pellet; 3 Add of the ATL buffer and homogenize with the help of a vortex mixer. 4 Add Proteinase K to the homogenized mixture and mixe by vortexing 5 Incubate the solution in a dry bath at for while homogenizing 2 to 3 times during incubation. 6 Add 200 μL AL of buffer and homogenize again using a vortex for 7 Incubate the solution in a dry bath at for . 8 Add of ethanol and homogenize. 9 Then transfer the mixture carefully into a QIAamp mini spin column and centrifuge at 8,000 rpm for . 10 Discard filtrate and place the minicolumns were placed QIAamp mini spin column in new 2 mL tubes 11 Add of buffer AW1, centrifuged at 8,000 rpm for and discard the filtrate. 12 Add of buffer AW2 was added to minicolumns. 13 Centrifuge at 14,000 rpm for 3 minutes and discard the filtrate. 14 Centrifuge the spin column with the collection tube again at 14,000rpm for 15 Place minicolumns in 1.5 mL micro-centrifuge tubes and add of buffer AE. 16 Incubate at room temperature for 5 minutes and centrifuge the mixture at 10,000 rpm for . 17 Discard the QIAamp mini spin column and store micro-centrifuge at -20 °C for subsequent molecular analysis.
Planning for 1000 Years: The Råängen Experiment
Authors: Pelzer Peter , Hildingsson Roger , Herrström Alice , Stripple Johannes
Published: March 2021

While traditional forms of urban planning are oriented towards the future, the recent turn towards experimental and challenge-led urban developments is characterized by an overarching presentism. We explore in this article how an experimental approach to urban planning can consider the long-term through setting-up ‘conversations with a future situation.’ In doing so, we draw on a unique experiment: Råängen, a piece of farmland in Lund (Sweden) owned by the Cathedral. The plot is part of Brunnshög, a large urban development program envisioned to accommodate homes, workspaces, and world-class research centers in the coming decades. We trace how Lund Cathedral became an unusual developer involved in ‘planning for thousand years,’ deployed a set of art commissions to allow reflections about values, belief, time, faith, and became committed to play a central role in the development process. The art interventions staged conversations with involved actors as well as publics geographically and temporally far away. The Råängen case illustrates how long-term futures can be fruitfully brought to the present through multiple means of imagination. A key insight for urban planning is how techniques of financial discounting and municipal zoning plans could be complemented with trust in reflective conversations in which questions are prioritized over answers.
Planning from Failure: Transforming a Waterfront through Experimentation in a Placemaking Living Lab
Authors: Marrades Ramon , Collin Philippa , Catanzaro Michelle , Mussi Eveline
Published: March 2021

This article assesses on what happens when planning by experiment becomes imperative for strategic city sites such as waterfronts due to the failure of other forms of centralised, top-down, or market-led planning. Through an in-depth case-based analysis of La Marina de València (LMdV) we investigate the potential of experimentation for revitalisation of city sites. To do this, we first review the literature on urban development approaches to identify specific issues that lead to urban planning failure. We then extend the scholarship on urban experimentation by proposing a definition of place-based experimentation as ‘relational process.’ Then, we explore how planning by experiment emerged as a response to planning failures in a broader strategy for revitalisation of LMdV. We propose key processes for planning by experiment through a Placemaking Living Lab based on perception, collaboration, and iteration, which we use to assess experimentation at LMdV. In the conclusion we discuss the potential of this approach to ‘planning by experiment’ to revitalise urban governance and planning processes in cities and their strategic sites.
Thermal deformation model of the submodule of the X-band output power amplifier
Authors:   Kotelnikov Institute of Radioengineering and Electronics of RAS, Ulyanovsk Branch, Hodakov Alexander M. , Tarasov Ruslan G. ,   Kotelnikov Institute of Radioengineering and Electronics of RAS, Ulyanovsk Branch, Sergeev Vyacheslav A. ,   Kotelnikov Institute of Radioengineering and Electronics of RAS, Ulyanovsk Branch, Kulikov Alexander A. ,   Kotelnikov Institute of Radioengineering and Electronics of RAS, Ulyanovsk Branch
Published: March 2021

The results of 3D modeling in the Comsol Multiphysics software environment and calculation of temperature and thermal deformation fields of GaAs crystals of monolithic integrated circuits (MIS) of microwave amplifiers as part of the submodule of the X-band output power amplifier (VUM) and their contact connections with the substrate in pulse modes of operation with different duty cycles are presented. It is shown that the maximum temperature and thermomechanical stresses in the MIS crystal in the dynamic mode of operation significantly exceed the calculated values for the stationary mode and strongly depend on the pulse duty cycle of the power dissipated by the MIS. Thermomechanical stresses take the maximum value in some narrow region near the boundary of the adhesive connection of the MIS crystal with the mounting plate; this maximum value strongly depends on the temperature coefficient of expansion (TCR) of the adhesive and takes the lowest value when the TCR of the adhesive is equal to the TCR of the GaAs crystal.
Analysis of the probabilistic characteristics of the electrical parameters of a broadband balanced mixer of microwave radio signals based on resonant tunneling diodes and an assessment of its reliability
Authors:   Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Cherkasov Kirill V. , Romanov Ivan A. ,   A.I. Berg Central Research Institute of Radioengineering, Meshkov Sergey A. ,   Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Shashurin Vasily D. ,   Bauman Moscow State Technical University
Published: March 2021

The object of research is the broadband balanced SHF mixer (BM) based on resonant-tunneling diodes (RTDs). The research goals are to perform the statistical analysis of BMs design parameters technological errors impact on its electrical characteristics scatter, and to analyze the kinetics of these characteristics under the destabilizing factors influence. The ranging of BMs design parameters technological errors impacts on its electrical characteristics scatter revealed that the biggest impact is made by the technological errors of the BMs non-linear elements I-V characteristics. The BMs reliability study revealed that to ensure the studied BMs reliability during operation under high temperatures impact the design and technological optimization of the BMs electrical characteristics is required.
Controllable Inductors and Transformers Based On Ferromagnet-Piezoelectric Heterostructuresformers Based On Ferromagnet-Piezoelectric Heterostructures
Authors:   MIREA - Russian Technological University, Fetisov Leonid Yu. , Chashin Dmitry V. ,   MIREA - Russian Technological University, Fetisov Yuri K. ,   MIREA - Russian Technological University
Published: March 2021

The elements of electrical circuits, which inductance L can be tuned electrically (the so-called "inductors"), and transforemers are used in modern electronics, radio engineering and low-power energy for galvanic isolation of circuits and converting voltage amplitudes. In this work, new devices of this type have been manufactured and investigated, using the magnetoelectric effect in ferromagnetic-piezoelectric heterostructures. The inductance of the manufactured inductor is tuned by 400% by a control electric field of up to 10 kV/cm applied to the piezoelectric layer of the structure, and by 1000% by an external magnetic field of up to 10 Oe, acting on the structure. The transformer operates in the range of input voltages of 0-8 V, has a power transfer coefficient of 30% and a voltage transformation ratio of 0-14, tunable by a control magnetic field of up to 80 Oe. Methods for calculating the characteristics of magnetoelectric inductor and transformer are described.
Synthesis and study of composite based on porous anodic alumina modified by silver nanowires
Authors:   Kotelnikov Institute of Radioengineering and Electronics of RAS, Saratov Branch, Vasilkov Mikhail Yu. , Mikhailov Ilya N. ,   Kotelnikov Institute of Radioengineering and Electronics of RAS, Saratov Branch, Isaev Alexander E. ,   Kotelnikov Institute of Radioengineering and Electronics of RAS, Saratov Branch, Safoshkin David Z. ,   Yu.A. Gagarin Saratov State Technical University, Kosobudskii Igor D. ,   Kotelnikov Institute of Radioengineering and Electronics of RAS, Saratov Branch, Ushakov Nikolai M. ,   Kotelnikov Institute of Radioengineering and Electronics of RAS, Saratov Branch
Published: March 2021

The paper presents the results of an experimental study of the deposition of modified silver into the pores of ceramic Ag&Al2O3 membranes, laboratory samples of thin nanocomposite membranes were obtained based on the developed technological methods of silver deposition, and their composition and surface morphology were studied.
Hot laser fusion or low temperature nuclear reactions? Analysis and current prospects of the first experiments on laser fusion
Authors:   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Faculty of Radiophysics, Electronics and Computer Systems, Vysotskii Vladimir I. , Kornilova Alla A. ,   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Physics, Vysotskyy Mykhaylo V. ,   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Faculty of Radiophysics, Electronics and Computer Systems
Published: March 2021

The paper considers the features and quantitative characteristics of the first successful laser experiments on the formation of a thermonuclear plasma and registration of neutrons in nuclear fusion reactions under pulsed irradiation of a LiD crystal. Quantitative analysis shows that the production of neutrons recorded in these experiments is not associated with thermonuclear reactions in hot laser plasma. The most probable mechanism of neutron generation is associated with nuclear reactions at low energies and is due to the formation of coherent correlated states (CCS) of deuterons. In this experiment, such states can be formed in two different processes: due to the effect of a shock wave in the undisturbed part of the target lattice on the vibrational state of deuterium nuclei or when deuterium nuclei with energy of about 500 eV move in the lattice. This part of the deuterium nuclei corresponds to the high-energy "tail" of the Maxwellian distribution of the total flux of particles entering from the laser plasma into the interplanar channel. In this second case, the process of the formation of the CCS is associated with the longitudinal periodicity of the interplanar crystal channel, which is equivalent to a nonstationary oscillator in the own coordinate system of moving particle. The expediency of repeating these experiments is shown, in which, in addition to neutrons, one should expect a more efficient generation of other nuclear fusion products due to low-energy reactions involving lithium isotopes from the target composition.
Dementia in elderly patients as a consequence of arterial hypertension (literature review)
Authors: Mikhailov Sergey S , Kozlov Kirill L. , Shishkevich Andrey N , Bessonov Evgeniy Yu. , Lukjanov Nikolai G. , Puhal'skaja Anasnasija E
Published: March 2021

Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia are important causes of cognitive decline in the elderly and senile. This problem is becoming increasingly important in connection with the general aging of the world population and an increase in the number of patients with concomitant pathology, among which arterial hypertension plays an important role. There are a number of studies proving the link between arterial hypertension in middle age and dementia in the elderly. It is hoped that the normalization of blood pressure among middle-aged people will reduce the incidence of cognitive dysfunction. It is also known that maintaining blood pressure at acceptable levels in elderly and old people can improve brain function and reduce the prevalence of dementia, but it is not entirely clear which blood pressure numbers are optimal.
Stages of the objective assessment system development for the activities of the oncological service in Russia and the Northwestern Federal District of the Russian Federation (morbidity, mortality, index accuracy, annual mortality, median survival, observed and relative survival of patients with malignant tumors). Part II
Authors: Merabishvili Vakhtang , Belyaev Alexey M.
Published: March 2021

To plan anti-cancer measures and to correctly manage its condition, it is necessary to use only reliable sources of its formation. For this purpose, a system of Population-based or territorial Cancer Registries (PCR) has been created in Russia. The first Registry was the St. Petersburg PCR, created by us in 1993, which became the school of methodological preparation of the system in the administrative territories of Russia. The corresponding Order No. 420 of April, 19, 1996 issued by the Ministry of Public Health of the Russian Federation has legitimized a new organizational structure and entrusted it with the supervision of the P. Hertsen Moscow Oncology Research Institute.
Unfortunately, to date, the PCR databases are not used, when creating state reports, analytical developments on the PCR database are either not conducted, or are used extremely rarely. The only exception was the St. Petersburg PCR, and now the entire Northwestern Federal District of the Russian Federation (NWFD RF) and 6 more administrative territories operating under our programs. The materials of the real state of the oncological service, prepared on the basis of the St. Petersburg PCR database, have been published by us in more than 20 monographs in St. Petersburg and the Northwestern Federal District of Russia.
In this paper, we present the dynamics of analytical indicators calculated according to the PCR database, which sharply differ from the data of the Form No. 7 Annual Reports. The calculated indicators are close to the European average and have a positive trend.
Bioassays Guided Fractionation of Ageratum conyzoides Extract for the Identification of Natural Antifungal Compounds against Macrophomina phaseolina
Authors: Banaras Saira
Published: March 2021

Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. is a soil-borne fungal pathogen causing diseases in more than 500 plant species. The present study aimed to identify possible antifungal constituents in different parts of billygoat-weed (Ageratum conyzoides L.) through bioassays guided fractionation for the control of M. phaseolina. Extracts of different parts of the weed were made in methanol and antifungal bioassays were conducted using 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5% concentrations of the extract. Stem extract caused the highest inhibition in fungal biomass (20–83%) followed by leaf extract (16–67%). Methanolic stem extract was partitioned using four organic solvents namely n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. Bioassays carried out with different concentrations (3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg mL-1) of the sub-fractions of stem extract revealed the highest antifungal potential of chloroform sub-fraction with 56–93% reduction in the fungal biomass followed by n-butanol, ethyl acetate and n-hexane sub-fractions causing 24–76%, 7–75% and 5–70% reduction in fungal biomass over control, respectively. Chloroform sub-fraction with the highest antifungal potential was analyzed by GC-MS. Out of 10 compounds identified in this sub-fraction, 2H-1-benzopyran, 7-dimethoxy-2,2-dimethyl- (27.58%) was the most abundant followed by hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (18.85%); 11-octadecenoic acid, methyl ester (15.28%) and 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, mono(2-ethylhexyl) ester (10.88%), which could be responsible for antifungal activity. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers
Global Transcriptome Analysis of Long Noncoding RNAs in Rice Seed Development
Authors: Tan Jingai
Published: March 2021

Rice seed development involves an intricate regulatory network that directly determines seed size and weight. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been defined as key regulators of gene expression involved in diverse biological processes. However, the function of lncRNAs in rice seed development is still poorly understood. We performed paired-end RNA sequencing of Nipponbare rice at 5, 10 and 15 DPA (days post anthesis) in two different environments (early and middle-season rice). A total of 382 lncRNAs were detected as differentially expressed among these stages, including 344 and 307 lncRNAs in early and middle-season rice, respectively, and 70.42% (269 of 382) of the lncRNAs were found in both environments. The results showed that environment had little effect on the expression of lncRNAs. Furthermore, there were 127, 172, and 31 DElncs (differentially expressed lncRNAs) and 154, 140, and 59 DElncs in early and middle-season rice, respectively, in comparisons of 10_DPA vs 5_DPA, 15_DPA vs 5_DPA and 15_DPA vs 10_DPA. This result indicated that the number and expression level of lncRNAs at 5 DAP were significantly different from those at 10 DAP and 15 DAP. Furthermore, GO pathway analysis of cis target genes of DElncs in 10_DPA vs 5_DPA and 15_DPA vs 5_DPA revealed that the significant GO pathways were extracellular region, nutrient reservoir activity and cell wall macromolecule catabolic process. Our study revealed dynamic expression of lncRNAs in three stages and systematically explored the differences in lncRNAs between early and middle-season rice, which could provide a valuable resource for future high-yield breeding. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers © 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers©
Evaluation of Photosynthetic Characters and Regulation Pattern of Photosynthesis Associated Gene in Two Mulberry Varieties
Authors: Li Yong
Published: March 2021

Photosynthetic characteristics and expression patterns of the photosynthesis-related genes in the high-yield mulberry variety E’Sang 1 (E1) and normal mulberry variety Husang 32 (H32) were investigated in this study. The observation of daily variation of photosynthesis in E1 and H32 indicated that the peak of net photosynthetic rate(Pn)inE1 variety was significantly higher than that inH32 (P <0.05). Meanwhile, the Pn-PAR and Pn-Ci responses of E1 and H32 were evaluated, and the results showed that the carboxylation efficiency and compensation saturation point were much higher in E1 rather thanH32. Importantly, the photosystem II actual photochemical efficiency and photochemical quenching coefficient in the leaves of E1 were significantly higher than those in H32 (P<0.05). Also, the activity of RuBP in E1 was higher than that in H32 (P >0.05). Based on the RNA-seq data, a total of 3,356 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected among different time points between E1 and H32. Of these, 1,136 DEGs were involved in the metabolic pathways, including three main photosynthesis-related metabolic pathways (i.e., carbon fixation in photosynthetic organisms, carbon metabolism, and porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism). Meanwhile, 10 novel DEGs related to photosynthesis were detected, and four potential key genes of them could account for the differences in net photosynthetic rate and yield betweenH32 and E1.This study could provide important insights into the molecular breeding of mulberry varieties with high photosynthetic efficiency and contribute to understanding the genetic mechanism of photosynthesis.© 2021 Friends Science Publishers
Copro-Antigenic Sandwich ELISA based Epidemiological Survey on Prevalence of Echinococcus granulosus Infection in Dogs: First Insight from Pakistan
Authors: Alvi Mughees Aizaz
Published: March 2021

Echinococcus granulosus (Eg) infection is a neglected tropical disease of humans and livestock with serious economic losses. Dogs as the definitive hosts are responsible for contaminating the environment through feces containing eggs. Using coproantigen ELISA, we tested 368 dogs randomly sampled from three Pakistani cities for infection with Eg. The highest prevalence was found in Lahore (9.80%) with an overall prevalence of 6.79%. Prevalence was higher in females (8.72%, odds ratio OR 1.71), young dogs (≤ 3 years) (6.93%, OR 1.06), stray/feral dogs (9.72%, OR 1.60), dogs fed with raw offal (8.28%, OR 2.63) and dogs with no anthelmintics treatment history (8.98%, OR 1.90). Prevalence was also higher in dogs with Body Condition Score (BCS) of 1–3 (10.86%; OR 5.75) and Grey Hound breed (15.62%; OR 6.94). Statistically significant association (P < 0.05) was found between copro-positivity and different variables investigated except for sex, dog breed and history for anthelmintic treatment (P > 0.05). Significant statistical differences (Binary logistic regression) were observed for age, companionship, feed type, BCS and previous intestinal illness. Since dogs are responsible for contaminating the environment, the Eg prevalence in this study indicates a potential risk for human and livestock populations in the study areas and suggests a proactive approach in CE management. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers
A interpretación de conferencias no marco da planificación do status lingüístico: o caso galego
Authors: Neal Baxter Robert
Published: March 2021

O artigo comeza cun breve repaso dunha das máis veteranas e aínda vixentes teorías da interpretación para comprobar como encaixan as especificidades da interpretación con linguas subordinadas. Tras unha exposición das diferenzas entre a tradución escrita e a interpretación oral, o artigo pasa a considerar en que medida a interpretación de conferencias pode desempeñar un papel na planificación lingüística de linguas como o galego. Aínda que se centra principalmente na planificación do status, o autor tamén considera o papel da/o intérprete como axente de divulgación de patróns lingüísticos normativizados. O artigo pecha cunha serie de reflexións sobre a interpretación como garantía do exercicio efectivo dos dereitos lingüísticos e apunta o seu impacto sobre a conservación da diversidade lingüística como futura liña de investigación.
Recensión: María Jesús Lorenzo-Modia / Anna Szczepaniak-Kozak (eds.): From life to text: building linguistic and cultural identity
Authors: Mosquera Castro Estefanía
Published: March 2021

Recensión: María Jesús Lorenzo-Modia / Anna Szczepaniak-Kozak (eds.): From life to text: building linguistic and cultural identity. Piła, PWSZ Stanislaw Staszic University Press, 2012, 287 páxinas.
Recensión: Mário Herrero Valeiro, Guerra de grafias e conflito de elites na Galiza contemporânea (textos e contextos até 2000)
Authors: Vilariño Suárez María
Published: March 2021

Recensión: Mário Herrero Valeiro, Guerra de grafias e conflito de elites na Galiza contemporânea (textos e contextos até 2000), [Santiago de Compostela], Através Editora, 2011, 319 pp.
Metaphors, We Li(v)e By: Metáfora, verdade e mentira nas línguas naturais
Authors: Teixeira José
Published: March 2021

Desde o célebre Metaphors We Live By, as propostas de base cognitiva vêm mostrando que o processo metafórico não é apenas um processo linguístico, mas um aspeto fundamental do funcionamento da cognição humana que as línguas também espelham. Neste funcionamento, comprova-se ser grande a influência que as especificidades sócio-cognitivas têm na sistematização, construção e interpretação da globalidade do fenómeno metafórico.A partir da análise de metáforas retiradas da imprensa económica, este texto procurará discutir até que ponto o processo metafórico, assentando em conhecimentos do mundo partilhados e usualmente inquestionados, é um processo orientado, fornecedor de interpretações manipuláveis.
EVALUATING THE PERFORMANCE OF A SIMPLE DEVICE FOR REDUCING PRESSURE SURGE EFFECTS USING EXPERIMENTAL AND NUMERICAL METHODS
Authors: KİRİÇÇİ Volkan , ÇELİK Ahmet Ozan , İNSEL Canberk , KAYA Metin
Published: March 2021

This paper presents results from experimental and numerical investigations of a new device to prevent damaging effects of pressure surge phenomenon occurring in a refrigerator water dispenser system. The device, which will be presented in detail, is a low cost, small size, manufacturable, pressure surge damper and flow regulator made out of non-movable single plastic bodies. CFD simulations were used in order to elaborate on the physics behind the feasibility of the new concept, and also to systematically guide the design procedure. One of the two shortlisted design models was also tested physically to have more reliable results and to evaluate accurately the performance. Both numerical simulations and experiment results show that the damper device significantly reduces the pressure surge induced pressure peak (effectively 25% and up to 37%) and protects the refrigerator water dispenser system.Given the specifics of the problem, such as the size, the material (plastic) type and cost limitations of the components to be used in the pipe system; the ranges of flow rate and the pressures in the pipe flow as well as the resulting remedies and the presented product are rather case specific. However, the damper presented here, makes the idea expandable to different scales and conditions of similar pressure surge related problems. This is due to its simple features, manufacturability and effectiveness.Keywords: CFD, Experimental fluid mechanics, Pressure surge, Pressure damper
Research Data Management Competencies Self-Assessment
Authors: Armstrong Michelle , Davis Megan , Dworak Ellie , Paul Yitzhak , Shook Elisabeth
Published: March 2021

A tool for assessing the competencies of individuals who support Research Data Management (RDM). The tool was developed to help academic libraries bolster skills and services surrounding RDM. This assessment allows the library to better understand and visualize the strengths and gaps in knowledge necessary to effectively run an RDM team.
Sustainable Use of Natural Resources to Improve the Quality of Life in the Alto Palcazu Population Center, Iscozazin-Peru
Authors:   the Faculty of Geographical, Environmental and Ecotourism Engineering, Federico Villarreal National University, Lima 1, Peru, Esenarro Doris , Rodriguez Ciro , Arteaga Jennifer , Garcia Godilia , Flores Fabiana
Published: March 2021

The present research aims at the sustainable use of natural resources in Iscozazin to improve the quality of life of its inhabitants. It proposes an architectural design of sustainable, productive housing that integrates agro-industry and ecotourism, which allows the optimization of the formative processes of sacha-inchi and cocoa with a growing export demand using clean energy in its production processes, minimizing the negative impacts on the environment. The methodology used was focused on three techniques "diagnosis", "adaptation," or "application" for the promotion of sustainable development. The analysis and export demand of existing products in the international market area were carried out. As a result, we have an architectural design proposal that respects the culture, customs, and climate of the place, allowing the excellent development and promotion of ecotourism and agro-industry. It also provides both residents and tourists with an option or recreational space focused on natural resources, presented in an orderly manner and preserving natural areas to generate a better activity flow without causing long-term damage.
Preliminary Study on Readiness to Teach Online Due to Covid-19 Pandemic among University Academician in Malaysia
Authors:   the Mathematic Division of the Center of Foundation Studies in Science, University of Malaya, Malaysia, Khairi M. Amirul Mohamad , Faridah I. , Norsiah H. , Zaki M. A. Ahmad
Published: March 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has prevented close engagement with students to avoid the spread of the virus. Hence, the transition from the traditional classroom methods to fully online teaching mode is essential. Academicians need to be equipped with the necessary devices and technical skills to conduct live video meetings (synchronous) and create recorded video (asynchronous). In this study, we have conducted a survey to assess the readiness of the academicians at the Center for Foundation Studies in Science, University of Malaya to teach online. 88 academicians participated in this study which consists of 68 local staff and 20 Japanese staff. The survey was conducted using Google Form, which focused on three main aspects of readiness. They were hardware readiness, software readiness and behavior (which include experiences, opinions, and expectation on online teaching). The results show that necessary equipment to conduct video meetings for lectures and tutorials such as webcam, microphone and should be provided. Continuous training should be provided to increase academicians’ competencies in using the applications used. We hope that this research will provide some insights on the current condition that our academicians are having, what is the problem that they are facing and to plan ahead.
Mobile Payment Products in Indonesia: Is it a Lifestyle or a Need?
Authors: Setiobudi Auditia , Sudyasjayanti Christina , Singgih Kevin Julianto , Gadi Aiman Fauzi
Published: March 2021

Research aims: This study aims to explore consumers’ preferences and perceptions of the use of mobile payments in Indonesia.Design/Methodology/Approach: This study used a comparison of Cronbach's Alpha and Cronbach’s Alpha if Item Deleted to find items preferred by mobile payment users. Factor analysis was employed to get consumers' perceptions of using mobile payment.Research findings: The results of this study found that consumer preferences for the use of mobile payments were compatible with their needs, helped complete work/needs, were used by the social environment, were easy to use, and made consumers happy. Meanwhile, consumers’ perceptions of mobile payment were formed from three factors: perceived ease of use, intention to use mobile payment, and mobile payment self-efficacy.Theoretical Contribution/Originality: This study examines the use of mobile payments in Indonesia further.Practitioners/Policy Implications: Mobile payments are not only a lifestyle because the products’ benefits are increasingly numerous and varied.Research Limitations/Implications: This research was only conducted in Java.
Consumption of caffeine among University students in Ajman
Authors: Kazmi Farwa , Ray Priyadarshini , Bhagchandani Muskaan , Mogharbel Mohammed Khalil , Mubin Zubin Hassan , Al-Sharbatti Shatha
Published: March 2021

Background: Researchers have become concerned with caffeine because of risks of addiction, as shown by latest studies. World Health Organization identify caffeine dependence as a clinical disorder. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of Caffeine Use Disorder among participants and identify determinants of Caffeine Use Disorder among participants.Methods: Questionnaires were distributed among university students who consumed caffeinated products and were older than 18 years of age. The research was carried out in 3 universities in Ajman, UAE. The data collected was analyzed using SPSS software.Results: It was found that the prevalence of Caffeine Use Disorder among caffeine consumers was 69%. The prevalence of Caffeine Use Disorder was significantly higher among students: who believed that their consumption had increased since joining the university (p<0.001) compared to other categories. The risk of Caffeine Use Disorder was higher among participants who consumed caffeine to: feel awake (OR=1.567, 95% CI:1.05-2.34), be more productive (OR=2.06, 95% CI:1.28-3.22), and because of peer pressure (OR=2.4, 95% CI:1.03-5.62) and who believed that their caffeine consumption had increased since joining the university (OR=3.68, 95%CI:2.49-5.44).Conclusion: The prevalence and risk of having Caffeine Use Disorder was high among university students, hence more research should be conducted and actions should be taken to reduce the prevalence of Caffeine Use Disorder.
Leprosy in the post elimination era: a retrospective descriptive study from district Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir
Authors: Sangra Sonika , Choudhary Neha , Razdan Nazuk
Published: March 2021

Background: Leprosy is often referred to as the oldest disease known to man. Leprosy as a social disease has been a major public health problem because of the social stigma and ignorance attached to it. India achieved elimination status for leprosy in 2005; however, the reported prevalence continues to be high in some of the states. Leprosy understood as God’s retribution, has been present since the colonial times. Stigma attached to leprosy is typically a social process, experienced or anticipated, characterized by exclusion, rejection, blame or devaluation that result from experience, perception or reasonable anticipation of an adverse social judgment about a person or group. Objective was to study the demographic and epidemiological features of leprosy in the post-elimination era.Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted from July 2019 to September 2019. Case records of newly diagnosed leprosy patients were included in the study. The secondary data was collected from district leprosy society Kathua retrospectively for a period of nine and half years (from April 2010 to September 2019). Data was entered in Microsoft excel and Descriptive statistics were analysed.Results: In our study, 154 total leprosy cases were registered from April 2010 to September 2019. Among the demographic details of leprosy cases, maximum number of cases were in the age group of 31-40 years (38.31%) and childhood leprosy cases were 1.94%. Majority of cases were females as compared to males. Out of 154 cases, 35 cases were outsiders registered in the Kathua district. The treatment completion rate was 100%, no defaulter cases were reported from the past decade.Conclusions: Leprosy continues to be a communicable disease of concern in the post-elimination era. This alarms the need to strengthen contact screening, early case detection, referral activities and even more focus on the pediatric population to sustain elimination.
Awareness and attitude about organ and body donation among medical students and faculty members
Authors: Rasania Prasann , Kumar Kuldip , Mathur Mansi , Rasania S. K.
Published: March 2021

Background: Deh daan, body donation is an act of bestowing one’s body after death to medical college for research and education. Importance of this is also written in our ancient literatures. Knowledge, attitude and behavior of healthcare professionals are important factors in fostering an environment that can encourage and promote organ donation among the entire population. Medical students are the future doctors of the country, and faculty members as a guide and knowledge providers, their positive attitude and high level of knowledge can create a positive environment and promote organ donation.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional type of study was carried out among 360 undergraduate medical students and faculty of Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in South Delhi using self-administered, predesigned, pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Of these 360 undergraduate medical students and faculties, 60 faculty and equal number of students from each year (60/year) were randomly selected.Results: Out of 360 study subjects 222 (63.7%) were male and 138 (36.3%) were female. Almost all respondents were aware of term body donation (88.1%) and organ donation (95.6%). Majority (82.2%) of respondents had correct knowledge regarding time duration for viability of organ donation though the knowledge regarding age limit in donating organ was poor. Majority (87.8%) respondents were willing to support organ donation, almost equal among male (87.4%) and female (88.4%) but only 13.6% were willing to take pledge for organ donation.Conclusions: Through regular seminars on organ donation and body donation the medical fraternity can be kept updated on developments in the transplantation fields and research. This may help them counsel their patients and address their anxieties regarding organ and body donation in a better way.
A study on traditional practice of squeezing of breasts in newborn care among mothers in a tertiary care centre in Malda, West Bengal, India
Authors: Sahoo Sushama , Singh Arpita
Published: March 2021

Background: Newborn care is culturally and traditionally sensitive in every society. India is a vast country with different communities having their own traditional practices of newborn care. Squeezing of breasts in newborn period is one such unique traditional practice prevalent among population of rural background of West Bengal. This study was conducted to explore the traditional practice of squeezing of neonatal breasts and to highlight its related morbidities following the procedure among newborns.Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted at triage of Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of Malda Medical College and Hospital among 352 mothers who presented to us with their sick newborns following squeezing of neonatal breasts. After obtaining proper informed consent, mothers were interviewed. The data were collected using pre-designed questionnaires. Statistical analyses of the data were done using SPSS version 21.Results: In the present study, majority (33.52%) of mothers were 18-21 years old and 92.90% were Muslims. Squeezing of neonatal breasts was usually done on 10th day of life (40.34%) and on 4th day of life (27.27%). Local application following squeezing was done with hot turmeric paste (31.25%) and mustard oil (27.56%). Majority of newborns presented with features of mastitis (39.49%), 15.91% with breast abscess and 35.51% with sepsis.Conclusions: This study highlights the harmful aspects of traditional practice of breasts-squeezing among newborns prevalent in rural Bengal. This practice must be condemned by everyone through an integrated approach of proper health education and counseling of mothers and family members.
Uptake of clinical breast examination services at an urban health centre following community-based awareness programme
Authors: Dyavarishetty Padmavathi V. , Kowli Shobha S. , Sondankar Prachi D. , Chowdary Padmaja K. , Nimbalkar Anjali A. , Pai Varsha V.
Published: March 2021

Background: A significant proportion of women present in advanced stages of breast cancer due to lack of awareness and non-availability of preventive health checkups. Annual clinical breast examination (CBE) in women aged 40-60 years is estimated to reduce mortality in India comparable to that achieved by biennial mammography at considerably low cost. Aim of the project was to encourage women aged 30-70 years to regularly undergo annual CBE.Methods: The five year project was implemented in Mumbai in an estimated population of 15120 distributed in slums and low income group buildings. The beneficiaries of the project were women aged 30-70 years. Two Interventions, i.e. breast cancer education and screening were implemented by the project. List of women eligible for breast cancer screening, was used to track the utilisation of services.Results: Over the period of five years, 14249 one-one health education interactions took place and fourteen group health education sessions were conducted. 59.7% of the women had received health education at least once. Proportion of women trained in doing SBE was 51%. Proportion of women undergoing at least one CBE was 44.1%. Age was significantly associated with availing of services. Two women were detected with breast cancer.Conclusions: This project demonstrated that it is possible to motivate a large number of women to undergo screening, and such health education programmes will slowly improve the awareness and change health seeking behaviour.
COVID-19: timely action to prevent local transmission: a success story from Kannur District, Kerala
Authors: Saraswathy Anitha Subhadra , Raheela Ameena Subair , Sanya Rameela , Morakkan Veena Vandichalil , Paleri Bejoy Chalil , Koppentavida Murali , Kuriakose Steena , Rajan Deepak , Konoth Shaj Mullankandy , Muduvana Preetha , Kumaran Jayasree Anandabhavan , Naik Narayan , Koomullil Sanoj Akkanissery , Radhakrishnan Nithin , Rajagopalan Rahul Kizhakkemadathil
Published: March 2021

Background: The first case of COVID-19 in Kannur district was reported in first week of March, 2020. An elderly female with multiple co-morbidities and confined to house for many years was detected to be positive for SARS-CoV-2 on third week of May, 2020. She neither had relevant travel history nor was a contact of any confirmed COVID-19 case. A special investigation team was assigned to identify the source of infection.Methods: Index case's residential premises and the concerned local Primary Health Centre (PHC) were visited to get an idea about the background details of the index case. The team members participated in focus group discussions for decision making and reviewing steps involved in the process of investigation. Data collection was done mainly through phone interviews using an open- ended questionnaire. Data collected from family members, relatives, neighbours and local leaders were compiled systematically and summarized descriptively to reach a hypothesis.Results: Rigorous contact tracing of index case and appropriate testing of the contacts were done. Interstate truck drivers bringing fish from outside Kerala, who used to deliver fish to the index case’s house were identified as the source of infection. These truck drivers used to deliver fish in the local fish market also. The district administration was immediately alerted and fish market was disinfected and closed which prevented further mushrooming of cases.Conclusions: Early epidemiological investigation for source identification and elucidation of chain of disease transmission is crucial to clamp down the outbreak efficiently.
A community based cross-sectional study on morbidity profile of elderly in a rural area of Puducherry
Authors: Radjasegarane Arulprasad , Vasudevan Kavita , Mathiyalagen Prakash , P. Arul Varman , M. Lopamudra , Chellamuthu Lalithambigai
Published: March 2021

Background: The proportion of elderly increases worldwide. India entered into the list of “greying nation”. The process of biological ageing brings with it various illnesses. This study was conducted with the objective of determining the morbidity profile of elderly people residing in a rural area.Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among elderly aged 60 years and above residing in rural area of Puducherry. Simple random sampling was used to select two sub-centre areas among four, under the field practice area and all the eligible elderly individuals were included. House to house visit was made and after obtaining informed consent, the data were collected using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire and examination.Results: A total of 954 individuals were included in the study of which 66.4% and 33.6% of them were females and males respectively (Mean: 68 ± 6.8 years). Acute and chronic illnesses were present among 4% and 47.7% of elderly individuals respectively. Hypertension (42.5%) was observed to be the predominant chronic illness followed by Diabetes (29.6%), Osteoarthritis (8.1%) and Asthma (7.9%), Visual problems (4.3%), Coronary artery disease (2.9%), Cerebrovascular accident (1.2%) and hearing problems (0.9%).Conclusions: Chronic illnesses were more common among elderly than acute illnesses. Hence it is recommended to screen elderly individuals utilizing the platform of community based assessment for non-communicable diseases. The study also recommends implementing stringent tobacco control measures so as to curtail the silent epidemic of non-communicable diseases.
A study on the knowledge, attitude and practice among health care personnel in secondary care hospital of Prayagraj district
Authors: Dwivedi Garima , Prakash Shiv , Prakash Gyan , Singh Richa , Anand Deepak , Mishra Richa
Published: March 2021

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) defines medical waste as waste generated by health care activities including a broad range of materials, from used needles and syringes to soiled dressings, body part, diagnostic samples, blood, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and radioactive material. Bio medical waste creates great risk of being injured or infected to medical professionals, if not handled properly. Objective of the study was to assess knowledge, attitude and practice regarding bio-medical management among health-care personnel in secondary care hospitals in Prayagraj district.Methods: A total 615 personnel were listed in urban and 363 in rural secondary care hospitals. Sample size was calculated to be 470. The study subjects were selected from each stratum randomly in proportion to the size of strata in order to complete the sample size from both urban and rural. This was a questionnaire based cross-sectional study.Results: Doctors, nurses and lab technician had satisfactory knowledge, practice and good attitude regarding biomedical waste management. It was observed that in urban hospitals 68.96% doctor, 66.01% nurses, 59.25% lab technicians and 55.12% sanitary staff had complete knowledge while in rural 62.85% doctors, 64.28% nurses, 46.4% lab technician and 42.85% sanitary staff had complete knowledge. Majority of healthcare personnel had positive attitude in both urban and rural hospitals. Regarding practice urban hospitals were doing satisfactory practice as compared to rural hospital.Conclusions: The study revealed that the attitude among health-care personnel was good while knowledge and practice were to the tune of satisfactory.
Study of prevalence of anaemia and its socio demographic co-relates among adolescent girls of Bhopal city
Authors: Shrivastava Shweta , Shrivastava Preshant , Melwani Veena
Published: March 2021

Background: The present study was planned to assess the prevalence of anemia and study its socio-demographic correlates among adolescents’ girls of 10-19 years in Bhopal city (M.P).Methods: The study was conducted as a community based cross-sectional study on 640 adolescent girls residing in selected ward and willing to participate in the study. Detailed history as mentioned in questionnaire was obtained. Assessment of the anemia status was carried out using Hemoglobin Color Scale (HCS). Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics chi square test were used for the inferential statistics. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Prevalence of anemia among adolescent girls was 72.8%. Anemia was found to be highly significantly associated with education and occupation of parent’s, socio economic status and BMI (p<0.05). Also, anemia was significantly associated with birth order, amount and days of menstrual blood flow (p<0.05)Conclusions: Anemia is highly prevalent in adolescent girls. Evidence suggests that there is need to emphasize on corrective measures for anemia in adolescent girls of 10-19 years before they enter adolescence so as to compensate the additional requirement for growth and development during puberty and combat the extra losses during menstruation.