bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacteriology of Antral Effluents and their Sensitivities at IKOT EKPENE and Calabar, South-South Nigeria.
Authors: Mgbe DR Robert B , Offiong Dr Mbora E. , Adekanye Dr Abiola  Grace , Emanghe Dr Ubleni
Published: July 2021

Sinusitis is a common infection all over the world. It occurs very often together with rhinitis and the term rhinosinusitis is used interchangeably with sinusitis. It is usually triggered by viral inflammation of the sinuses which is later followed by bacterial infection,

 Objective: The aim of this study is to find out the microbial distribution in antral sinus effluents in calabar and Ikot ekpene and to determine their sensitivity pattern.

Method: Patients with symptoms like headache, cacosmia, purulent nasal discharge and confirmed radiological evidence of sinusitis had antral washout done on one or both sides. The effluent was collected and immediately sent to the microbiology lab for microscopy, culture and sensitivity.

 Results: Forty eight patients were used for the study during a nineteen year period; year 2000- 2019.There were 30 males and 18 females with a male:female ratio of 1.6:1. The age range was 10-70 years with a mean age of 40 years.  The distribution of microbes seen was as follows; Staphylococcus species(29.1%), Streptococcus species(18.7%), Coliforms (16.7%), Heamophilus, Proteus, Bramharella and Pseudomanas (4.2%) each, Candida (2.0%) and no growth in(16.7%). Ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, genticin, ceftriaxone and augmentin had good sensitivity to the microbes while chloramphenicol and ampicillin had very low sensitivity.

 Conclusion: Rhinosinusitis occurs more in adults. Staphylococcus streptococcus and coliforms are the dominant species in our environment.  Ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone and augmentin are the antibiotics with the highest sensitivity.
Synthesis and biological activities of alcohol extract of black cumin seeds (Bunium persicum)-based gold nanoparticles and their catalytic applications
Authors: Bahattab Omar , Khan Ibrahim , Bawazeer Sami , Rauf Abdur , Qureshi Muhammad Nasimullah , Al-Awthan Yahya S. , Muhammad Naveed , Khan Ajmal , Akram Muhammad , Islam Mohammad Nazmul , Bin Emran Talha
Published: July 2021

Fast, simple, and environmentally friendly gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) capped and stabilized with black cumin (Bunium persicum) seed alcohol extract are reported. The aqueous gold ions (Au3+) were treated with B. persicum (BP) seed extract, which resulted in a rapid color change to red, indicating the synthesis of Au-NPs. UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, SEM, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques were used to further characterize the Au-NPs. Its stability was assessed against various pH levels and sodium chloride levels (NaCl), different salts of same concentration as well as at a range of temperature (30–100°C). The UV-Vis spectrum in the Au-NPs produced a 540 nm plasmon surface resonance, and a 25–50 nm range of particulates was shown in the SEM analysis. In addition, the FTIR spectra confirmed the inclusion in the capping and decrease of Au-NPs of amines, amide groups, and alcohols. The EDX analysis confirmed the presence of element Au. Furthermore, Au-NPs were tested for enzyme inhibition and antibacterial and antifungal activities and showed remarkable response. These findings have concluded that BP seed extract is an effective bio-reductant of gold nanoparticle synthesis, which can be further applied in different biomedical and pharmaceutical industries.
Numerical simulation of the particle-wall collision strength and swirling effect on the performance of the axial flow cyclone separator
Authors: Mao Yanqin , Pu Wenhao , Cai Liang , Li Chaojie , Wang Xiaoyue , Zhan Zhixing
Published: July 2021

The axial cyclone separator has simple structure, operates to reducing dust concentration in grain storehouses, and features low production cost, and convenient installation. Aiming to obtain the separation characteristics of an axial flow guide separator, the particle wall collision and the performance of multi-tubes were simulated with Fluent. The renormalization group (RNG) k − ε model was used to study the turbulent modeling and the user define function (UDF) was used to calculate the particle-wall collision. The simulation and experimental results were compared to verify the computation model. The results showed that the basic feature of the flow pattern remains stable and the separation efficiency of 800 kg/m3 particles is higher than 2650 kg/m3 particles when the inlet velocity increases from 2 to 5 m/s. When the inlet velocity was 5 m/s, the normal velocity restitution ratio had a significant effect on the efficiency, the separation efficiency of 167 μm particles changed from 76.74 to 97.93% and a smaller normal velocity restitution ratio had a higher the efficiency. In comparison, the efficiency remained unchanged when changing the tangential velocity restitution ratio. Furthermore, the effects of three target wall materials on the separation efficiency were investigated. And the simulated efficiency the of 296 μm particle of 2024 aluminum, 410 stainless steel and Ga1–4V titanium were 82.15, 79.52 and 77.53% respectively. Besides, effects of tube diameter on performances of cyclone separator were discussed and high intense collisions between particles and walls may occur in a small diameter of cyclone tube, causing deteriorated separation performance. Moreover, with the addition of the dust chamber, the efficiency of cyclone used in combination is slightly improved since the vortex in the exhaust pipe has been finely changed.
Rendering waste oil as a new source for the synthesis of emulsifier: optimization, purification, and characterization
Authors: Göksel Saraç Meryem , Doğan Mahmut
Published: July 2021

The enzymatic glycerolysis conditions in the production emulsifier by using the rendering waste oil were optimized in the present study. The effects of changes in duration (1–27 h), temperature (50–80 °C), enzyme (5–20%), and glycerol (5–20%) concentration, addition of solvent (acetone, acetonitrile, chloroform, methanol, ethanol, and tert-butanol) and water addition (3.5% of glycerol rate), and ultrasound application on the enzymatic glycerolysis reaction medium for mono- and diglyceride production were investigated. After determining the optimum conditions, the effects of the ultrasonic bath on the physic-chemical and rheological properties of emulsifier, the oxidation tests were examined. Using the preparative column chromatography method, three different emulsifier compositions were achieved and named E100, E50-50, and E50-40-10 by their monoglyceride, diglyceride, and triglyceride contents, respectively. Then, the post-purification emulsion properties and rheological behaviors of emulsifier samples were determined. E50-40-10 emulsifier was found to be the best sample in terms of rheological properties and emulsion stability.
Oil-in-water emulsions stabilized by sodium alginate microgels
Authors: Wu Yuehan , Hu Meng , Chen Fangfang , Zhang Chao , Gao Zhiming , Xu Longquan , Cui Shaohua
Published: July 2021

In this research, sodium alginate (ALG) microgels were prepared with different ALG concentrations, and physicochemical and emulsifying profiles of these hydrophilic microgels were comparatively analyzed. Results showed that these microgels possessed different size, hardness, and surface charge. All these microgels could stabilize an oil-in-water emulsion through the Mickering mechanisms, and smaller microgels had better emulsifying capacity. The surface hydrophobicity and interfacial tension of the microgels had no exact effects on their emulsifying behaviors. Compared with the harder microgels (prepared with high ALG concentration, e. g. 4 mg/mL), the emulsifying capacities of the softer ones (prepared with low ALG concentration, e.g. 1 mg/mL) were more sensitive to the high salt concentration (200 mM NaCl) but stable under acidic environment (pH 2.0). Our research would afford a new strategy for the manufacture and application of the novel polysaccharide-based emulsifiers.
The impact of vestibular symptoms and electronystagmography results on recovery from sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Vofo Gaelle , de Jong Marrigje Aagje , Kaufman Michal , Meyler Julia , Eliashar Ron , Gross Menachem
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) represents a frequently encountered otological entity, of various types and severity, with an array of associated symptoms including vertigo. This is a devastating life-changing condition with a blurry prognosis. The objective of this study was to determine the clinical association of vestibular impairment by electronystagmography (ENG) and caloric tests, and their ability to predict prognosis.

Methods

An observational, crossectional study was carried out amongst patients admitted with SSNHL. Each consenting patient had an audiometry test performed on admission as well as ENG and caloric tests. Treatment included oral steroids and carbogen with intratympanic steroids used only as salvage treatment. Follow-up was completed after 6 months when hearing gains were evaluated. Finally, an association was sought between the rate of recovery and ENG and caloric test results.

Results

Of 35 patients included, marked recovery was seen in patients without vertigo when compared to those with vertigo (p=0.003). A statistically significant association was found between the presence of vertigo and hearing deterioration (p=0.008). More so, normal electronystagmography results were associated with marked recovery (p=0.04).

Conclusions

The vestibular end organs are both subjectively and objectively affected in SSNHL as demonstrated by the abnormal ENG and caloric tests in our study despite the small sample size. Concomitant vestibular involvement carries poorer prognosis and routine identification may help foresee the recovery of patients with SSNHL and as such, aid in patient counseling. ENG and caloric tests are easily available and may be recommended for all patients with SSNHL.
The role of the brain-sparing effect of growth-restricted fetuses in newborn germinal matrix/intraventricular hemorrhage
Authors: Kirlangic Mehmet Mete , Sahin Erdem , Madendag Yusuf , Vural Yalman Merve , Akdemir Esra , Eraslan Sahin Mefkure , Col Madendag Ilknur , Acmaz Gokhan
Published: July 2021

Objectives

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the brain-sparing effect (BSE) of fetal growth restriction (FGR) in newborn germinal matrix/intraventricular hemorrhage (GM/IVH).

Methods

A total of 320 patients who delivered prior to the 34th gestational week were analyzed from data records. 201 patients were divided into two groups according to cerebro-placental ratio (CPR): early fetal growth restriction (FGR) with abnormal CPR group (n=104) and appropriate for gestational age with normal Doppler group (control) (n=97). Using the normal middle cerebral artery (MCA) Doppler as a reference, multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between the BSE and the primary outcome.

Results

The rate of Grade I–II germinal matrix/intraventricular hemorrhage (GM/IVH) was 31(29.8%) in the group possessing early FGR with abnormal CPR and 7(7.2%) in the control group, showing a statistically significant difference. The rate of grade III–IV GM/IVH was 7(6.7%) in the group possessing early FGR with abnormal CPR and 2 (2.1%) in the control group, showing no statistically significant difference. We found that gestational age at delivery <32 weeks was an independent risk factor for GM/IVH. In addition, we found that other variables such as the presence of preeclampsia, fetal weight percentile <10, emergency CS delivery, 48-h completion after the first steroid administration and 24-h completion rate after MgSO4 administration were not independently associated with the primary outcome.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that the rate of GM-IVH was increased in the group possessing early FGR with abnormal CPR; however, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that BSE was not an independent risk factor for GM/IVH.
Are OECD Countries in a Rule of Law Recession?
Authors: Balmori de la Miyar Jose R.
Published: July 2021

This paper examines whether there is a rule of law recession among member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). This formal inquiry is motivated by the recent findings of a democratic recession across several countries with a long tradition of democratic values. I conduct both quantitative and qualitative analyses using the rule of law index from the World Justice Project, as well as different government and academic reports. Results show that, by and large, there is no rule of law recession among OECD member countries. Findings indicate that 12 out of the 28 OECD member countries analyzed in this paper continue to expand their level of adherence to the rule of law during the period 2014–2020. In fact, just as many OECD member countries have stable scores in their respective rule of law index. In contrast, only Turkey, Hungary, Korea, and Poland exhibit a rule of law recession.
Optical current generation in graphene: CEP control vs. ω + 2ω control
Authors: Heide Christian , Boolakee Tobias , Eckstein Timo , Hommelhoff Peter
Published: July 2021

The injection of directional currents in solids with strong optical fields has attracted tremendous attention as a route to realize ultrafast electronics based on the quantum-mechanical nature of electrons at femto- to attosecond timescales. Such currents are usually the result of an asymmetric population distribution imprinted by the temporal symmetry of the driving field. Here we compare two experimental schemes that allow control over the amplitude and direction of light-field-driven currents excited in graphene. Both schemes rely on shaping the incident laser field with one parameter only: either the carrier-envelope phase (CEP) of a single laser pulse or the relative phase between pulses oscillating at angular frequencies ω and 2ω, both for comparable laser parameters. We observe that the efficiency in generating a current via two-color-control exceeds that of CEP control by more than two orders of magnitude (7 nA vs. 18 pA), as the ω + 2ω field exhibits significantly more asymmetry in its temporal shape. We support this finding with numerical simulations that clearly show that two-color current control in graphene is superior, even down to single-cycle pulse durations. We expect our results to be relevant to experimentally access fundamental properties of any solid at ultrafast timescales, as well as for the emerging field of petahertz electronics.
Transition to strong coupling regime in hybrid plasmonic systems: exciton-induced transparency and Fano interference
Authors: Shahbazyan Tigran V.
Published: July 2021

We present a microscopic model describing the transition to a strong coupling regime for an emitter resonantly coupled to a surface plasmon in a metal–dielectric structure. We demonstrate that the shape of scattering spectra is determined by an interplay of two distinct mechanisms. First is the near-field coupling between the emitter and the plasmon mode which underpins energy exchange between the system components and gives rise to exciton-induced transparency minimum in scattering spectra prior to the transition to a strong coupling regime. The second mechanism is the Fano interference between the plasmon dipole and the plasmon-induced emitter’s dipole as the system interacts with the radiation field. We show that the Fano interference can strongly affect the overall shape of scattering spectra, leading to the inversion of spectral asymmetry that was recently reported in the experiment.
Deep Learning–Based Forecasting of COVID-19 in India
Authors: Pillai Punitha Kumaresa , Durairaj Devaraj , Samivel Kanthammal
Published: July 2021

During the past two decades, the world has confronted many pandemic disease outbreaks. Ebola, severe acute respiratory syndrome, Middle East respiratory syndrome, and, recently, coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have had a massive global impact in terms of stress on local and global human health, economic destruction, and, above all, damage to usual human life. Analyzing past similar infections will help in drawing inferences such as maintaining social distancing, herd immunity, and vaccinating massively to go forward beyond this pandemic. The development of a forecasting model of COVID-19 infectious disease spreading rate plays a vital role in the future preparation of hospital facilities, such as setting up isolated wards, oxygen cylinders, and ventilators, etc., for future patients by the government. Also, the forecasting technique and model is in immediate need for us to understand and face the effect of this and future pandemics. The main objective of this work is to develop an intelligent model based on deep learning for forecasting or estimating COVID-19 future spreading rate in terms of confirmed, recovered, and deceased cases of 85 days in 4 states in India and India overall. Deep learning neural networks, a kind of machine learning technique, are a powerful tool to predict the future because of their nature of discovering complex nonlinear dependencies. A deep learning long short-term memory (LSTM) network, which is explicitly designed for learning long-term dependencies, is utilized in this work. Hence, one can predict 1 day ahead to any number of (up to 400) days ahead by using this model. To evaluate the performance of the deep learning forecasting model and to endorse its forecasting accuracy, the criteria of mean absolute error, mean square error, root mean square error, mean absolute percentage error, and Ro are used. The results of the proposed deep learning–based LSTM model are validated by statistical analysis and graphical analysis. Moreover, the proposed model exhibited superior forecasting accuracy.
Isolation of thermophilic enzyme-producing Parageobacillus bacteria from chipped woody waste
Authors: Yunitsyna Olesya , Sinelnikov Igor , Kisil Oksana , Bolotova Ksenia , Aksenov Andrey , Simonsen Galina
Published: July 2021

The morphological and biochemical properties were investigated for 18 types of thermophilic bacteria isolated from a woody-chip pile at a wood processing plant in Northern Russia. Genetic fingerprinting and 16S rRNA identification were used to divide the investigated microorganisms into groups according to their genetic affiliation. It was found that the isolated bacteria belonged to a minimally studied genus of Parageobacillus and exhibited optimum temperature and pH in the ranges of 57 to 60 °С and 7.0 to 8.5, respectively. The amylase activity was determined for all of the 18 isolated strains. Catalytic properties of the bacteria-produced xylanases were evaluated with respect to their activity towards xylan and xylan-containing carbon substrates. Biotechnological potential of the two most promising bacterial strains (Parageobacillus caldoxylosilyticus and Parageobacillus thermoglucosidasius) and their possible use in xylanase production was evaluated. The results showed that bacteria present in the chipped woody waste is an important source of thermoalkalophilic enzymes.
Influence of slab structure on the performance of bamboo based concrete formwork
Authors: Liu Cai , Wu Qirong , Wu Xiaolian , Han Mengzhu , Guan Xin , Lin Jinguo
Published: July 2021

To reduce the density of bamboo-based concrete formwork on the premise of meeting the performance requirements, the bamboo was first treated by cold plasma, and then by increasing the distance between the adjacent bamboo strips of the radial bamboo curtain in the middle layer, the internal porosity was increased. The production of lightened bamboo based concrete formwork, which meets China’s forestry industry standards, was achieved. Four groups of bamboo-based concrete formworks with different slab structures were designed. The key results showed that slab structures have an extremely significant effect on the density, MOR, MOE, IB, and TS of the bamboo-based concrete formwork. A group of optimal slab structures was obtained by comparing their physical and mechanical properties (1st and 9th floor-phenolic resin impregnated paper, 2nd and 8th floor-bamboo mat, 3rd and 7th floor-tangential bamboo curtain, 4th and 6th floor-radial spaced bamboo curtain). Based on the required physical and mechanical properties, its density was 0.62 g·cm-3, which was 27.1% lower than that of traditional bamboo plywood template (0.85 g·cm-3) circulating on the current market. This lightened BBCF can save raw materials, facilitate transportation and reduce labor intensity in the application process so that it will be widely used in building construction.
The Effect of the Pushkin Speech in Russian Journalism
Authors: Viktorovich Vladimir
Published: July 2021

The article presents a systematic analysis of the Russian press of 1880, which actively responded to Dostoevsky’s Pushkin Speech. The interpretive boom around his speech is of particular interest for the study of the formative processes of public and national consciousness in Russia. In the history of journalism, the debates that took place at that time can be equated with modern information wars. At the same time, this episode is one of the decisive ones for the ‘Dostoevsky problem’ in criticism and, more broadly, in the Russian public consciousness. The “Pushkin Speech” was obviously of a unifying nature, but it, and even more so the 1880 “A Writer’s Diary,” caused a severe split in journalism, which reflected the mindset of the Russian society. At first, there is a change of semantic accents in telegrams and correspondence, and then the key concept of "panhumanity" is presented exclusively as a “dream” in publications opposing Dostoevsky, one that is not only incompatible with reality, but also distracts from pressing socio-economic problems. There is also an expansion in meaning in the form of the notorious “messianism” of Dostoevsky. The most commonly used concept used by journalists that are hostile to the writer is mysticism as a euphemism for faith. In parallel, a different understanding of the Pushkin speech is being formed in some publications (Mysl’, Nedelya, Novoe Vremya, a little later — Rus’). It views it as a verbalization of the national idea in its focus on the panhuman as a feasible ideal. The dispute that ensued around Dostoevsky’s speech led to the self-determination of the leading trends of Russian thought.
Prescription Drug Dispensing to US Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Chua Kao-Ping , Volerman Anna , Conti Rena M.
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

After the US coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak, overall prescription dispensing declined but then rebounded. Whether these same trends occurred for children is unknown.

METHODS

Using the IQVIA National Prescription Audit, which contains monthly dispensing counts from 92% of US retail pharmacies, we assessed changes in the monthly number of prescriptions dispensed to US children aged 0 to 19 years during 2018–2020. We compared dispensing totals in April to December 2020 and April to December 2019 overall, by drug class, and among drug classes that typically treat acute infections (eg, antibiotics) or chronic diseases (eg, antidepressants).

RESULTS

Between January 2018 and February 2020, the median monthly number of prescriptions dispensed to children was 25 744 758. Dispensing totals declined from 25 684 219 to 16 742 568 between March and April 2020, increased to 19 657 289 during October 2020, and decreased to 15 821 914 during December 2020. Dispensing totals during April to December 2020 (160 630 406) were 27.1% lower compared with April to December 2019 (220 284 613). Among the 3 drug classes accounting for the most prescriptions in 2019, the corresponding percentage changes were −55.6% for antibiotics, −11.8% for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder medications, and 0.1% for antidepressants. Among drug classes that typically treat acute infections and chronic diseases, percentage changes were −51.3% and −17.4%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Prescription dispensing to children declined by one-quarter in April to December 2020 compared with April to December 2019. Declines were greater for infection-related drugs than for chronic disease drugs. Decreased dispensing of the latter is potentially concerning and warrants further investigation. Whether reductions in dispensing of infection-related drugs are temporary or sustained will be important to monitor going forward.
The uniqueness of the best non-symmetric $L_1$-approximant for continuous functions with values in $\mathbb{R}^m_p$
Authors: Tkachenko M.Ye. , Traktynska V.M.
Published: July 2021

The article considers the questions of the uniqueness of the best non-symmetric $L_1$-approximations of continuous functions with values in $\mathbb{R}^m_p, p\in (1;+\infty )$ by elements of the two-dimensional subspace  $H_2= \mathrm{span} \{1, g_{a,b}\}$, where $$g_{a,b}(x)=\left\{ \begin{matrix} -b\cdot (x-1)^2, & x\in [0;1), & \\0, & x\in [1;a-1), & (a\geq 2, b>0),\\(x-a+1)^2,& x\in [a-1,a],&\end{matrix} \right.$$It is obtained that when $b\in (0;1)\cup (1;+\infty), a\geq 2$, the subspace $H_2$ is a unicity space of the best $(\alpha ,\beta )$-approximations for continuous on the $[0;a]$ functions with values in the space  $\mathbb{R}^m_p, p\in (1;+\infty )$. In case $b=1$, $a\geq 4$ it is proved that the subspace  $H_2$ is not a unicity subspace of the best non-symmetric approximations for these functions.Received results summarize the previously obtained Strauss results for the real functions in the case $\alpha = \beta = 1$, as well as the results of Babenko and Glushko for the the best $(\alpha ,\beta )$-approximation for continuous functions on a segment with values in the space $\mathbb{R}^m_p, p\in (1;+\infty )$.
On solving paired integral equations by means of $p$-analytic functions
Authors: Busurulov A.A.
Published: July 2021

On solving paired integral equations by means of $p$-analytic functions.
New classes of formulae, convenient for analytic description of geometric figures
Authors: Zenkin O.V.
Published: July 2021

New classes of formulae, convenient for analytic description of geometric figures.
To the problem of linear conjugation
Authors: Mishchishin I.I.
Published: July 2021

To the problem of linear conjugation.
Congruences of disks of constant curvature
Authors: Vydra M.L. , Lishchinskii E.F.
Published: July 2021

Congruences of disks of constant curvature.
Strong summability of differentiated conjugate double Fourier series
Authors: Kilberg Ye.M.
Published: July 2021

Strong summability of differentiated conjugate double Fourier series.
On one generalization of cut surfaces
Authors: Vakarchuk B.S. , Stepanenko P.T.
Published: July 2021

On one generalization of cut surfaces.
The role of private tutoring in admission to higher education: Evidence from a highly selective university in Kazakhstan
Authors: Hajar Anas , Abenova Saule
Published: July 2021

The present mixed-methods study explored first-year undergraduate students of a highly selective university in Kazakhstan's perceptions of having private tutoring (PT) and how far it had helped them gain a place at this university. The quantitative data were collected through a close-ended questionnaire from 144 participants to understand their socioeconomic backgrounds and PT experiences over the previous two years, in terms of the scope, types, costs and the subjects studied in the PT they had received. The subsequent qualitative data were collected through interviewing 8 participants to capture in detail the perceived impact of PT on their overall achievement. The study found that 86 out of 144 participants (60%) had received PT. Most of them (72%) had sought PT as an enrichment strategy to obtain higher scores in high-stakes examinations and thus secure a place at that university. Some participants explained the disadvantages of PT, including the financial burden on their families and it being a potentially unfair advantage in a competitive context. The findings of the study are instructive for educators and policy makers in Kazakhstan in revealing the limitations of schooling in the public sector. The pedagogical implications and areas for ongoing research are suggested.
Disposal of a Homicide Victim by Dismemberment and Burning
Authors: Roberts Julie , Baldry Alison
Published: July 2021

Burning can have a profound effect on the appearance of bone and increase its susceptibility to mechanical damage. In criminal cases where there has been a deliberate attempt to dispose of human remains in this way; there is also often a need to distinguish between damage caused by heat, ante-mortem and peri-mortem trauma, and post-mortem damage. This case demonstrates how the forensic anthropologist and archaeologist contributed to a complex investigation where a homicide victim had been dismembered, burned and concealed. The use of archaeological and anthropological techniques at the scene, in the mortuary and the laboratory, provided evidence that enabled the sequence of events surrounding the disposal of the deceased to be reconstructed. The expert witness testimony given in court showed the benefits of employing these skills and assisted in securing the conviction of the offenders who are both serving life sentences.
Wilms’ Tumor in Adults—Conventional and Unconventional Presentations of a Rare Entity with a Review of Literature
Authors: Tripathi Sujata , Mishra Amit , Popat Vijay , Husain Syed Altaf
Published: July 2021

Wilms’ tumor (WT) in adults is a rare neoplasm. Only a few reports are available in the literature. The tumor often masquerades as renal cell carcinoma (RCC). For accurate reporting, histopathological examination (HPE) plays a vital role in early diagnosis and prompt administration of multimodality treatment helps to improve the prognosis.We comprehensively analyzed five cases of adult WT presenting in the third to fifth decade with flank pain, hematuria, fever, and palpable lump. After complete clinical, biochemical, radiological, and HPE evaluation, tumor was staged and treatment was planned accordingly.Patients with low-stage WT were treated with open radical nephrectomy and chemotherapy. One of the patients diagnosed with inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombus apart from the above treatment also underwent IVC thrombectomy. Another young male presenting with distant metastasis (stage IV) and focal anaplasia on histology received preoperative chemotherapy and then planned for surgery. Unfortunately, the tumor being unresectable, second-line chemotherapy was given but he ultimately succumbed to death. All other patients are on regular follow-up and disease-free.Adult nephroblastoma is a rare clinical entity with hostile behavior. The presence of IVC thrombus is not a contraindication to surgery. Although the management strategy as per pediatric protocol by the inclusion of multimodality approach improves survival, still the overall prognosis in adults is dismal. There is a need for a standardized treatment protocol to encourage a homogenous approach for this rare disease and thereby improve survival.
Extreme Clusters of Grains in Random Microstructures of Polycrystals
Authors: Tashkinov A. A , Shavshukov V. E
Published: July 2021

It was experimentally observed that in polycrystalline materials under low macro loading of the specimen the first sites of failure initiation take place in the specific clusters of few grains. In some grains of these extreme clusters, the local (meso-) strains and stresses are high enough to cause first damages or plastic slips. In the stochastic microstructure of polycrystals, the formation of an extreme cluster is random and rare. Nevertheless, they govern the failure process initiation and can severely affect the reliability of polycrystalline machine parts. It is time and resource consuming to search and investigate extreme clusters on the real specimens of polycrystalline materials experimentally. A theoretical tool is desirable. Here we present the powerful computational method to look for extreme clusters, to investigate their possible patterns, and to evaluate the absolute maximums of local strains/stresses that can be achieved in these clusters. The experimentally observed clusters consist of few (3-4) preferably oriented neighboring grains or even of one big supergrain. The strain and stress bursts arise due to an interaction of the grains. One can expect that in bigger clusters, larger local bursts of fields can be generated. We found the typical forms of the extreme clusters (small and big) in four different polycrystals with grains of a weak and strong anisotropy for the case of uniaxial tension. In all regarded cases, the extreme clusters have the forms of the symmetrical patterns. In big clusters of highly anisotropic grains, the maximum of mesostrain exceeds the macrostrain by several times. In clusters of weakly anisotropic grains, the local strain concentration is rather moderate (tens of percents).
The nonstationary thermoelectric elasticity problem for a long piezoceramic cylinder
Authors: Shlyakhin D. A , Kalmova M. A
Published: July 2021

А new closed-loop solution for the coupled nonstationary problem of thermoelectric elasticity is designed for a long piezoceramic radially polarized cylinder. The case of the nonstationary load acting on its inner cylindrical surface is considered as a function of temperature change at a given law of the convection heat exchange on the outer face wall (boundary conditions of heat conductivity of the 1st and 3rd types). Electrodynamic cylinder surfaces are connected to a measuring device with a high input resistance (electric idling). We investigate the problem where the rate of the temperature load changes does not affect the inertial characteristics of the elastic system. It makes it possible to expand the initial linear computational relations with the equilibrium, electrostatics and heat conductivity equations with respect to the radial component of the displacement vector, electric potential as well as the function of temperature field changes. Hyperbolic LS-theory of the thermal conductivity is used in the computations. The problem is solved with a generalized method of biorthogonal finite integral transformation based on a multicomponent ratio of eigen functions of two homogeneous boundary value problems. The structural algorithm of this approach allows identifying a conjugated operator, without which it is impossible to solve non-self-conjugated linear problems in mathematical physics. The resulted computational relations make it possible to determine the stress-strain state, temperature and electric fields induced in the piezoceramic element under an arbitrary external temperature effect. By connecting the electroelastic system to the measuring tool, we can find voltage. Firstly, the analysis of the numerical results allows identifying the rate of the temperature load changes, at which it is necessary to use the hyperbolic theory of thermal conductivity. Secondly, it allows determining the physical characteristics of the piezoceramic material for the case when the rate of changing the body volume leads to a redistribution of the temperature field. The developed computational algorithm can be used to design non-resonant piezoelectric temperature sensors.
Smart Classroom and E-Learning
Authors: Kali Samayita , Das Sahosrabdi
Published: July 2021

Education is the key to success and in the world today, learning can take place in traditional classroom setting or in online mode. This paper discusses about the smart classes and e-learning as a modernized method of education in today’s’ scenario which provides quality
education to students by helping them in better concept formation, concept elaboration, improvement in reading skills and academic achievement. Nowadays, various institutes use smart teaching techniques day to day. This technology has been in the scenario since the 1980s. E-learning is an
innovative and new approach: it’s interesting and different from the monotonous classroom teachings. It has created a great impact on our society as well as on education system. In all the paper entails how this technology is growing in the world at a steady rate and taking the world
of education to a different level. The objective is to bring forth the impact smart classes and e leaning has created on the education system as well has on the society. The research talks about how useful this growing technology is and even the ways of progressing it in the future. This technology
has its own merits and demerits but is welcomed by the society in a great manner. Another factor to bring forth is the role of Smart Classroom and E-learning in times of a worldwide pandemic. This technology reaches all over the world thus opening up thousands of opportunities for people across
the globe.
Covid-19 no Brasil em 2020: impacto nas mortes por câncer e doenças cardiovasculares
Authors: Jardim Beatriz , Migowski Arn , Corrêa Flávia de Miranda , Silva Gulnar Azevedo e
Published: July 2021

Objetivos: Analisar o impacto da pandemia de COVID-19 na mortalidade por câncer e doenças cardiovasculares (DCV) como causa principal e comorbidade no Brasil e regiões em 2020. Métodos: Foram utilizadas as bases de dados do Sistema de Informações de Mortalidade (SIM) de 2019 e 2020 com óbitos ocorridos no período de março a dezembro desses anos referentes ao câncer e às DCV enquanto causa básica e como comorbidade na morte. Também foram analisados os óbitos por COVID-19 em 2020. Para o cálculo da razão de mortalidade padronizada (RMP) e estimativa do excesso de mortes, os dados de 2019 foram considerados como padrão. Resultados: Entre março e dezembro de 2020 ocorreram no Brasil 181.377 e 291.375 mortes por câncer e DCV, respectivamente, indicando redução de 9,7% e de 8,8% em relação ao mesmo período no ano anterior. Este padrão foi mantido nas cinco regiões brasileiras com menor variação para o câncer (-8,4% na Região Sul a -10,9% na Região Centro Oeste). Para as DCV houve uma maior variação, com -2,2% na Região Norte até -10,5 nas regiões Sudeste e Sul. No mesmo período de 2020, o câncer e as DCV foram classificados como comorbidade em 18.133 e 188.204 óbitos, indicando um excesso proporcional, se comparado aos dados de 2019, de 82,1% e 77,9%, respectivamente. Esse excesso foi mais expressivo para as duas condições estudadas na região Norte com uma razão de 2,5 entre mortes observadas e esperadas. Conclusões: O excesso de óbitos por câncer e DCV como comorbidade em 2020 pode indicar que a COVID-19 teve um importante impacto entre pacientes portadores dessas condições.
Factores de riesgo de los trabajadores de salud con COVID-19 en un hospital de Lima-Este, 2020
Authors: Chávez Sosa Janett , Gaytan Caycho Brandon
Published: July 2021

Objetivo: Determinar los factores de riesgo de los trabajadores de salud con COVID-19 de un Hospitalen Lima-Este. Metodologia: Estudio transversal retrospectivo de casos y controles, que considerócomo caso a los trabajadores de salud con COVID-19 y cómo control a los que no tenían la infección,teniendo una muestra total de 84 trabajadores (28 casos y 56 controles). Los factores de riesgo que seconsideraron fueron: medidas antropométricas (IMC y circunferencia abdominal), riesgo de padecerDiabetes Mellitus (Test de Findrisk) y Enfermedad Arterial Periférica (Índice tobillo/brazo). Para elanálisis de datos se utilizó el paquete estadístico SPSS v.24. Para el análisis univariado, se emplearontablas de frecuencia simple y para el bivariado tablas de contingencia con prueba de chi-cuadrado. Porúltimo, se empleó la medida de asociación Odds Ratio (OR). Resultados: El 69% de los trabajadoresde salud fueron del sexo femenino y el 31% masculino, con una edad promedio de 44,2 ± 9,6 años.La variable IMC (OR = 67,5; IC 95% = 8,44 – 53,94) y circunferencia abdominal (OR = 6,67; IC 95%= 1,43-31,1) se asociaron a un mayor riesgo de presentar COVID-19. Sin embargo, no tener el riesgode padecer Diabetes Mellitus (OR = 0,19; IC 95% = 0,06-0,53) constituyó un factor protector para nopresentar COVID-19. Conclusión: Un IMC y circunferencia abdominal elevados aumentan el riesgode presentar COVID-19 en trabajadores de salud. En cambio, no tener un riesgo de padecer DiabetesMellitus es un factor protector para no presentar COVID-19.
De «el perezoso del dátil» a «esperar a que caiga la breva»
Authors: López Bernal Desirée
Published: July 2021

En este trabajo nos proponemos estudiar un cuentecillo árabe que puede encontrarse en la génesis del refrán español «Estar esperando a que caiga la breva», el cual proclama la pereza de su protagonista. A lo largo de estas páginas, estableceremos el vínculo de dicho relato con las cuantiosas muestras escritas y orales de un cuento protagonizado por varios perezosos que aguardan la caída en sus bocas de un higo o una breva y que penetró en la segunda mitad del s. XIX desde Argelia en Francia, desde donde hizo su entrada en España. Las versiones y variantes que hemos reunido nos permitirán probar su dispersión escrita y oral en ambos países europeos, al igual que en varios del mundo árabe, ligado en estos últimos a distintos refranes. Finalmente, abordaremos su parentesco con el cuento tipo ATU 1950 y concluiremos formulando las líneas argumentales de un posible nuevo tipo folclórico.
«Cuanto más hunde un árbol sus raíces, más alto crece»
Authors: Correa Ramón Amelina
Published: July 2021

Un significativo cuadro de la Orden Concepcionista presenta a su fundadora, Beatriz de Silva, en una iconografía simbólica que la muestra como tronco de una suerte de fecundo árbol de Jesé femenino, que extiende sus ramas. Pero si se presta atención a sus raíces, cobra evidencia la complejidad que suele suponer el camino hacia la construcción hagiográfica, en el que confluyen materiales de diversa procedencia, algunos de los cuales manifiestan la reminiscencia de un acervo folclórico común. Así sucede con algunos de los elementos centrales que se establecen en este caso, no pocos de los cuales pueden rastrearse en los diversos catálogos tipológicos que clasifican el material tradicional, como el canónico Índice ATU (Aarne, Thompson y Uther) o el Motif-Index of Folk Literature de Stith Thompson.
Fuegos en la noche y amores contrariados
Authors: Gómez Garrido Luis Miguel
Published: July 2021

Este artículo hace el seguimiento del viejo tópico literario de la luz que guía (o que intenta guiar) por la noche a amantes separados que aspiran a unirse, y que por lo general, acaban muriendo trágicamente. Se analizan leyendas orales modernas registradas en España, cuentos del tipo ATU 666*, mitos clásicos (Ovidio, Museo), recreaciones españolas posteriores (de Truchado, Bocángel, Góngora, Quevedo, Pardo Bazán) y canciones líricas. Se concluye que la oralidad, que vivió en la raíz del mito y que sigue siendo el cauce de las últimas recreaciones del tópico, es el paradigma en que todos estos discursos alcanzan mayores niveles de variación y creatividad.
REACTION OF PYRIDO[2,1-a]ISOINDOLE WITH З (R)- AND (S)- N-α-METHILBENZYLMALEIMIDE
Authors: Yegorova T. , Barnych B. , Voitenko Z.
Published: July 2021

Selective chemical reactions create new possibilities for controlled synthesis of compounds with pre-designed properties for further use in medical chemistry, material science and other fields. This is especially useful for such synthetic methodology as [4+2] cycloaddition.

Current work is dedicated to study of reactions between N-chiral maleinimides with cyclic dienes based on the pyridoisoindol. Pyrido[2,1-a]isoindol turned out to be the most practical object to study the first example of asymmetric variant of the Diels-Alder reaction involving condensed isoindols. Previously, we established that this heterocyclic system, in contrast to other azino- and azoloisoindols, upon undergoing cycloaddition with non-chiral maleinimides gives only rearranged adducts of the first type. This type of compounds have also interesting stereochemistry: in solid state they have twisted double bond (twist angle 7-10°), while in solution they exist as a mixture of athropodiastereomeres due to the asymmetric Carbon atom and hindered rotation around С–С bond between exocyclic double bond and 2-(α-pyridil)phenyl fragment. Initial expectation was that chiral induction would influence the ratio of corresponding athropodiastereomeres. Calculations show that there are four possible athropodiastereomeres due to the chiral center and sterically hindered chiral axis. In case of non-chiral dienophiles, reaction results in two major diastereomeres (for our purposes marked as A and B) with 70:30 ration and two minor isomers (marked С and D respectively), the latter constituting less than 5% of the total amount. Major and minor isomers are in constant complex equilibrium, controlled via slow rotation of around corresponding С-С bond on one hand (which is the reason for athropodiastereomeres between major forms A and B, shown via NMR spectra at different temperatures), and on the other hand – fast equilibrium due to the 1,5-sigmatropic shift (cause for the minor forms C and D).

Target reaction was studied under standard conditions for this rearrangement and under the kinetic control in the inert atmosphere at -80°С using TiCl4 as catalyzer. We therefore show that reaction pathway is similar to our previous examples and results in rearranged adducts of the first type. Ratio of athropodiastereomeres (both major and minor forms) is different from previous examples using non-chiral 2-substituted maleimides. Asymmetric induction spontaneously transfers from influencing the Diels-Alder reaction to influencing synchronic sigmatropic rearrangement, which is the final stage in the formation of the rearranged adduct of the first type in condensed isoindol systems.
Direct Image Comparison: the Boundaries of Applicability of the «Discrete» and «Multidimensional» Models of Perception of Emotional Expressions
Authors: Zhegallo A.V.
Published: July 2021

Studying perception of emotional expressions suggest, supposed to analyze effectiveness of discrimination between images or the severity of specific emotional experiences. Neither paradigm allows us to fully explicate the observer’s subjective ideas about the relationships between different facial expressions, and to reconstruct the whole subjective space of perceived emotional expressions. In the experiment, a direct assessment was made of the similarity of images of strongly and weakly expressed “basic” emotional ex- pressions. In addition to actually evaluating the similarities, the study participants in free form gave the rationale for their decision. It was found that when performing direct comparison of images of emotional expressions presented for an unlimited time, observers mainly focus on assessing the emotional state in terms of “basic” emotions or equivalent to them. As a rule, strongly expressed emotional expressions are evaluated as “completely dissimilar” to each other. However, in the case of similar semantics of the expressed emotions, the expressions are evaluated as more similar, despite the fact that the observer distinguishes them well enough. Reconstruction of multidimensional space according to pairwise comparison indicates that the “basic” emotional expressions are not independent from each other constructs. The relationships between them correspond to the semantic space described by the Core Affect model. Thus, explicitly the participants in the experiment in explaining the degree of similarity describe the compared images in terms of “discrete” emotions; at the same time, the implicit structure of similarity corresponds to a two-dimensional semantic space with dimensions “pleasant — unpleasant” and “activation — deactivation”.