bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Language and Education Policies Based on National/Plurilingual Identity in Autonomous Republics: A Case Study of the Gagauzia Autonomous Region
Authors:   Yeditepe University, Turkey, Eren Ebru
Published: August 2021

Autonomous Republics, although situated within the borders of a state, have the right to govern themselves within their own borders. The most concrete indicator of a state’s autonomy is its flag, its national language, its national culture and its national education. In this context, the language and education policies come into play in the building of a new political union and a national identity. For example, Gagauzia (or Gagauzia Autonomous Region), which was shaped by many historical periods from the Ottoman Empire (from the 16th century until 1812) to the Russian Empire (1721-1917) and to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (1922-1991), is nowadays within the borders of the Republic of Moldova. It is an autonomous republic with the right to self-government. This paper aims to analyze the language and education policies determined and applied for the Gagauz Turks in Moldova. It is possible to argue that there is a relationship between the notions of “autonomous republic” and “language and education policy.” In the autonomous republic, this policy will be described as a policy-based not only on the national identity, but also the plurilingualism.
Changes in biochemical parameters in workers exposed to chemical production factors (heptane and hexane)
Authors: Zemlyanova Marina A. , Koldibekova Juliya V. , Peskova Ekaterina V. , Ukhabov Victor M.
Published: August 2021

Introduction. Long-term constant exposure to certain representatives of aliphatic hydrocarbons during the extraction and processing of potash ore can lead to pathological changes on critical organs and systems in production workers. The study aims to evaluate the change in biochemical parameters in workers exposed to chemical production factors (heptane and hexane). Materials and methods. The study of the content of hexane, heptane in the air of the working area and the urine of workers, the establishment of changes in several biochemical (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, glutamyltransferase, epinephrine, and norepinephrine) and general clinical (eosinophils, neutrophils and the eosinophilia index) indicators, modeling of cause-and-effect relationships. Results. Specialists found in the observation group relative to the comparison group: increased levels of heptane and hexane in the urine up to 1.7 times; increased levels of adrenaline and norepinephrine in the blood plasma up to 1.8 times, up to 1.4 times ALAT and γ-GT in the blood serum, up to 1.9 times neutrophils in the nasal secretions associated with increased concentrations of heptane and hexane in the urine; an increase of up to 4.4 times in the frequency of diseases of the nervous system, respiratory organs, and digestion. Conclusions. In the air of the working area of the workers of the flotation shop of the sylvinite processing plant, the concentrations of the studied limit hydrocarbons were below the detection limit; there is an increased concentration of heptane and hexane in the urine. In the workers of the studied production, an increase of 1.4-1.8 times in the level of adrenaline and norepinephrine in blood plasma, 1.2-1.4 times in ALAT and γ-GT in blood serum, 1.9 times in the content of neutrophils in nasal secretions, which characterizes adverse effects from the respiratory, digestive and nervous systems. We proved the dependence of the increased frequency of diseases of the listed organs and systems on the increased concentration of heptane in the urine (R2=0.26-0.43; p=0.0001-0.028).
The Development & Validation of Social Piety Module to Reduce Moral Degradation for Senior High School Students
Authors: Hamid Ilham , Thalib Syamsul Bachri , Gani Hamsu Abdul , Marwati
Published: August 2021

Entering the era of the industrial revolution4.0, the challenges and problems faced by the world ofeducation worldwide are increasingly complex andcomplicated. One of these problems is the level of themoral degradation of students, which is increasinglyworrying. This research is part of research anddevelopment that focuses on the needs analysis, moduledesign, and product validation stages. This study aimed toproduce a learning product in the form of a social pietyguidance module to reduce the moral degradation of highschool students. This research was conducted at SMKN 3Sinjai, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, by involving threecounselling teachers and 15 students in the initial studyphase and two experts in the validation phase. Data werecollected using several data collection techniques such as(a) interviews, (b) observation, and (c) module validationsheets. The results showed that it turns out that a socialpiety guidance module is needed at the high school level toreduce the level of the moral degradation of students,which is then designed to be a module. From the validationtest, information is obtained that the social piety guidancemodule is proven valid based on experts' judgment with acumulative average score of 3.53. Thus, after this module isproven valid, it is recommended that it be tested on users,namely teachers and students.
Study on the Usability of Online Test Websites
Authors: Chen Yen Tzu , Liu Che Hung , Chen Ho Ming
Published: August 2021

Online test websites can provide a more convenient and efficient dynamic learning approach and personalized learning services, which is one of the important approaches to digital learning. However, the usability of online test websites affects users’ learning efficacy. This study explored the impact of the usability of online test websites on users, and the results can help website operators seeking to improve the websites’ usability. Based on the relevant literature, this study synthesized three major metrics of the usability of online test websites and summarized typical work priorities of such websites to design usability test items. The study considered one online test website: A Remedial Education Institution for Learners to Take Civil Service Examination. The results show that, with respect to usability, the website still has quite a few deficiencies that affect users’ effectiveness and efficiency when using the website and cause users to be less satisfied with the website. Based on these results, this study offered four specific recommendations for improving effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction in terms of the usability of the online test website: enhancing interaction and instructions, following the inertia of interface use, simplifying information organization, and diversifying information content.
Strategi Peningkatan Mutu Pendidikan Pada Pelaksanaan Pembelajaran Daring Di Masa Pandemi Covid-19 (Survei Online: Pelajar SMA/SMK/MA di Kabupaten Lamongan)
Authors: Yansari Riza Qomariyah
Published: August 2021

Tujuan dari pembelajaran daring untuk melayani pelajar agar pembelajaran menjadi bermutu sehingga dapat diakses melalui sebuah jaringan dan dapat dijangkau secara luas. Penelitian ini memiliki tujuan untuk menguji strategi dalam peningkatan mutu pembelajaran daring yang diteliti menggunakan aplikasi pengolahan data SPSS 16.0, dengan menggunakan responden 33 orang yang terdiri dari pelajar SMA/SMK/MA di Kabupaten Lamongan. Hasil dari penelitian menunjukkan bahwa strategi peningkatan mutu pendidikan memiliki peran penting pada pembelajaran daring ketika masa pandemi seperti sekarang. Dinas Pendidikan Kabupaten Lamongan melakukan kerjasama dengan penyedia aplikasi Jagoapa dan Smart Foundation telah launching sebuah aplikasi pembelajaran yang bernama e-learning Jago Sinau dimanfaatkan untuk kemudahan dalm membantu proses belajar mengajar di tengah pandemi Covid-19. Dinas Perpustakaan Daerah Kabupaten Lamongan juga meluncurkan aplikasi perpustakaan digital bernama iLamongan yang dapat digunakan untuk membaca e-book secara online maupun offline sehingga memudahkan pelajar dalam melaksanakan pembelajaran daring, adapu 12 aplikasi yang dapat juga diakses para pelajar untuk belajar dirumah antara lain; Meja Kita, Rumah Belajar, Icando, IndonesiaX, Google for Education, Quipper School, Ruang Guru, Sekolahmu, Kelas Pintar, Cisco Webex, Microsoft Offuce, dan Zenius.
Knack et al. [2021] Preprint Faking paper
Authors: Knack Natasha , Blais Julie , Baglole J. Sebastian , Stevenson Ally
Published: August 2021

Self-report psychopathy scales are increasingly used in research and practice despite criticisms that they may be susceptible to response distortion and bias. We assessed the utility of including the Virtuous Responding (VR) and Deviant Responding (DR) validity scales from the Psychopathic Personality Inventory-Revised (PPI-R) for identifying underreporting and overreporting, respectively, on both the full and short-form versions of the Self-Report Psychopathy scale (SRP 4 and SRP-SF) in a pre/post experimental design. Using a sample of 384 male community members and a clinical comparison group of 99 males from a forensic outpatient program, we demonstrated that SRP scores were more susceptible to overreporting than underreporting, and that overreporting significantly and negatively affected convergent validity. Finally, baseline psychopathy scores were unrelated to successful response distortion (i.e., changing scores in correct direction while remaining undetected by the validity scales). It is recommended that assessments using self-report psychopathy scales consider including validity indices to detect response distortion. In doing so, it will be important to consider that general impression management may be conceptually distinct from specific forms of response distortion, such as the intentional amplification or minimization of psychopathic traits.
Series of 1-D ER and IP traverses reveal vestige of regional geological structure
Authors:   Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria, Jonah S. A.
Published: August 2021

At the Basement Complex geological province of central Nigeria, in the state of Niger, just northeast of the Bida Sedimentary Basin, there is the character of non-complexity and high uniformity in the local geology over an appreciable linear spread. This appreciation makes it a standard practice to do one-dimensional vertical electrical sounding surveys in the search for groundwater resources at this area with the expectation of reliable results. This seeming “simplicity” means that intense manual labour can be invested in acquiring a large data-field at a local area of survey where resources are not readily available to do a standard two-dimensional survey of the conventional kind. This is especially significant for the proposed area of development at the Gidan Kwano Campus of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Thus, with this awareness and the use of the ABEM Terrameter 4000 equipment, the aim of this study was to do an intense acquisition of one-dimensional electrical resistance and concomitant induced polarization programme for this proposed area of development so as to achieve the objective of garnering information about exploitable groundwater locations before structural developments cover these points up. Typical point-to-point one-dimensional tandem electrical resistance and concomitant induced polarisation surveys were completed along east-west profile lines for about 309 survey stations of the available 441 principal locations of the 4 km2 extent of the proposed new development. After due processing and interpretation of the data-field of this survey, whilst remarking that the induced polarisation data-set was used herein as quality control “refiner” only, clusters of reliable groundwater locations were observed at the southwest end of the 4 km2 areal extent of the proposed new development. It conforms to the dip of the landform and comparatively significant overburden-material thicknesses observed over there. Interestingly, in a twist of serendipity, the series of diagonal subsurface “fault-lines” that connect one promising groundwater prospect with the other, describable by a prominent northeast-southwest dip, aligns exactly with the Kazaure-Karaukarau-Kushaka-Ilesha Schist Belt. In the modern geography setting of the present time, the Kazaure-Karaukarau-Kushaka-Ilesha Schist Belt actually traverses a lengthy diagonal across the landscape of Nigeria, cutting through such Nigerian states as Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna, Niger, Kwara, Ekiti, and Osun. There is virtually no surface indicator of this once-prominent schist belt and what this study reveals is its vestigial signature
Evaluation of the impact of chemical admixtures on the compressive strength properties of concrete
Authors:   Department of Civil Engineering, Delta State University, Oleh Campus, Nigeria, Agbi G. G. , Tachere O. Z. ,   Department of Civil Engineering Technology, Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro, Nigeria, Juwah H. O. ,   Department of Civil Engineering Technology, Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro, Nigeria
Published: August 2021

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of chemical admixtures on the compressive strength of concretes. The concretes were produced with the concrete mix ratio of 1:2:4, while water to cement (w/c) ratios of 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5 and 0.55 were adopted. Different concrete mixtures were produced using two chemical admixtures (hydroxycarboxylic acid and MasterRheobuild 1100) applied at the rate of 1.3% (weight of the cement), during the production process. Laboratory results of the fine aggregate used for the concrete production showed that it was well graded met international standards. All the concretes were produced and tested in accordance to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard procedures. Results indicated that the concrete produced with the chemical admixtures showed better concrete performances both in the fresh and hardened state. After 28 days of casting, concrete produced with MasterRheobuild 1100 admixture had the best compressive strength (32 MPa); compared with the compressive strength of the concrete produced with the hydroxycarboxylic acid admixture (28 MPa), and the control concrete samples that had compressive strength of 25 MPa. In addition, the fresh concrete produced with chemical admixtures gave a better slump than the fresh concrete produced without any chemical admixture. Likewise, hydroxycarboxylic acid admixture performs better among the two admixtures used, given a more linear relationship between the slump and water/cement ratio. These results showed the importance of chemical admixtures when higher compressive strength becomes a vital factor in structural constructions
Evaluation of the mechanical properties of sawdust, oil bean pod filler, raffia palm fibre and CaCO3 filled/epoxy hybridized composite
Authors:   Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology, Delta state polytechnic, Ozoro, Nigeria, Akpenyi-Aboh O.N. , Tachere O. Z. ,   Department of Civil Engineering Technology, Delta state polytechnic, Ozoro, Nigeria
Published: August 2021

This work was carried out to develop green composite from organic materials which are cheaply available within Nigeria. This study deals with the hybridization of epoxy composite with different organic materials. Five diffident composites were produced with the hybridization of matrix, sawdust (SD), raffia palm fibre (RPF), oil bean pod filler (OBPF) and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) mixed at different volume. The composite samples were produced through the hand layup method, and their tensile and flexural properties, determined in accordance to ASTM International procedures. Results obtained from the laboratory tests indicated that the reinforcement materials greatly influenced the mechanical properties of the composite samples. The result revealed that the hybrid composite of SD, CaCO3 and RPF had the best, compared to the other composite with different reinforcement materials. Similarly, it was observed that the composite produced with SD, OBPF and RPF had better tensile and flexural properties as compared to the composite reinforced with SD and CaCO3. This study affirmed that organic materials can be used to replace inorganic material (CaCO3), hence the actualization of green composite is practically feasible
Seedling performance of different provenances of selected indigenous tree species in Debub Ari District, Southern Ethiopia
Authors:   Southern Agricultural Research Institute, Jinka Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 96 Jinka, Ethiopia, Tsegaye Mintesnot , Lemage Belayneh ,   Southern Agricultural Research Institute, Jinka Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 96 Jinka, Ethiopia, Hido Alemayehu ,   Southern Agricultural Research Institute, Jinka Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 96 Jinka, Ethiopia
Published: August 2021

Better understanding of variations in seed traits and seedling vigor in various populations of a given species is vital for appropriate nursery and tree planting technology. The main objective of this study was to identify better provenance for indigenous trees by testing seed germination and seedling traits. Seeds of six indigenous trees (Vachellia abyssinica, Vachellia seyal, Faidherbia albida, Balanites aegyptiaca and Terminalia laxiflora Engl.) were collected from different geographic areas. One hundred (100) polyethylene pots (20 cm height and 12 cm diameter) were filled with 2:1:1 ratio of local, forest soil and sand composition for seedlings. A Complete Randomized Design (CRD), 5 x 4 polyethylene pots in four replications of 20 polyethylene pots for each provenance was designed in the nursery and the provenances for selected species. Different early growth performance parameters were measured for each tested provenance. All collected data were analyzed by using ANOVA while the least significance difference was computed for mean separation. The seedling performance of Vachellia abyssinica and Vachellia seyal were significantly varied among the provenances. Vachellia abyssinica from Butajira provenance had the highest mean values across all the studied parameters. Except height, Kako provenance had the highest mean values across all the early performance parameters of Vachellia seyal. Seedling performances of Faidherbia albida in the nursery was significantly varied among the provenances except for root collar diameter. Provenance from Wondo Genet had the highest mean values of germination percent and comparable leaf numbers with provenance from Hawassa. It can be concluded that the observed patterns of variation will have the implication for genetic resources conservations and tree improvement. Accordingly, Butajira and Kako provenances could be taken as a good source of seed collection for Vachellia abyssinica and Vachellia seyal, respectively. Wondo Genet and Hawassa provenances could also ensure the provision of planting materials of Faidherbia albida for farmers. Further progeny tests in the field should be undertaken for a longer period to obtain definitive recommendations for early selection
Evaluation of the impact of anthropogenic activities on wetland soil qualities: A case study of Isoko South Area of Delta State, Southern Nigeria
Authors:   Department of Civil Engineering Technology, Delta State Polytechnic, Nigeria, Ogbaran A. N. , Joseph-Akwara I. E. ,   Department of Civil Engineering Technology, Delta State Polytechnic, Nigeria
Published: August 2021

This research was carried out to evaluate the impact of dumpsite and farming methods (anthropogenic Activities) on wetland soil qualities. Soil samples were collected from three strategic locations in Irri and Uzere communities at Delta State of Nigeria, and a reference station (control) about 5 km away from the study site. The sampling was done at the end of the rainy season (September, 2020), when the flood water had started rescinding, at two soil depths (5 to 10 cm and 45 to 50 cm). The concentration of iron, nickel, copper and cadmium concentration of the soil samples were determined with the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS), according to procedures approved by ASTM International. Results obtained from the chemical analysis revealed irregular concentration and distribution of the heavy metals within the studied area. Regardless of the sampling depth, the highest heavy metal concentrations were observed around the active dumpsite. Ranking order of the heavy metals’ concentrations in all the sampling locations was Fe ˃ Cu ˃ Ni ˃ Cd. It was observed from the results that the profile concentrations of the heavy metals increased with an increase in the soil depth. Using the contamination factor to assess the heavy metals contamination of the wetland, the results showed that the area ranged from moderate to considerable level of contamination, while pollution load index reveled that wetland soils were moderately polluted with the heavy metals. In terms of the soil pollution, the overall results revealed that area closed to the wastes dumpsite (site 1) was heavy polluted with the heavy metals
Structural, Electronic and Magnetic Properties of Impurities Defected Graphene/MoS2 Van Der Waals Heterostructure: First-principles Study
Authors: Neupane H. K. , Adhikari N. P.
Published: August 2021

Two-dimensional (2D) pristine and defected van der Waals (vdW) heterostructure (HS) materials open up fortune in nanoelectronic and optoelectronic devices. So, they are compatible for designing in the fields of device applications. In the present work, we studied structural, electronic and magnetic properties of vdW (HS) graphene/MoS2 ((HS)G/MoS2), Nb impurity defect in vdW (HS) graphene/MoS2 (Nb-(HS)G/MoS2), and Tc impurity defect in vdW (HS) graphene/MoS2 (Tc-(HS)G/MoS2) materials by using spin-polarized DFT-D2 method. We examined the structure of these materials, and found that they are stable. Based on band structure analysis, we found that (HS)G/MoS2, Nb-(HS)G/MoS2 and Tc-(HS)G/MoS2 have metallic characteristics. Also, (HS)G/MoS2 and Tc-(HS)G/MoS2 materials have n-type Schottky contact, while Nb-(HS)G/MoS2 material has p-type Schottky contact. To understand the magnetic properties of materials, we have used DoS, IDoS and PDoS calculations. We found that (HS)G/MoS2 is a non-magnetic material, but Nb-(HS)G/MoS2 and Tc-(HS)G/MoS2 are magnetic materials. Magnetic moment of Nb-(HS)G/MoS2 and Tc-(HS)G/MoS2 materials are -0.24 μB/cell and +0.07μB/cell values respectively from DoS/PDoS calculations, and 0.26 μB/cell and 0.08μB/cell values respectively from IDoS calculations. Up-spin and down-spin states of electrons in 2p orbital of C atoms, 3p orbital of S atoms, 4d orbital of Mo atoms, 4d orbital of Tc atom in Tc-(HS)G/MoS2, and 2p orbital of C atoms, 3p orbital of S atoms, 4p & 4d orbitals of Mo atoms, 4p & 4d orbitals of Nb atom in Nb-(HS)G/MoS2 have major contribution for the development of magnetic moment.
Substitutional Lithium Doping on Germanene: A First-principles Study
Authors: Basel J. , Pantha N.
Published: August 2021

The density functional theory (DFT) based first-principles calculations have been adopted for the study of structural, electronic and magnetic properties of pure and single Lithium (Li) atom doped germanene monolayer. Due to the higher intrinsic carrier mobilities and large spin orbit gap, germanene has great possibility of being integrated into the silicon based semiconductor industry. Different studies have been done to change the band gap value from its’ pristine zero band gap state. We have doped the single Li atom into the germanene system with the intention of tuning the band gap and other electronic and magnetic properties. Band structure calculations show pristine germanene is semi-metallic in nature whereas the Li doped system is fully metallic with the overlapping of the conduction and valance bands in the Fermi level. Under density of states (DOS) calculations, it is evident that both pristine and doped system are non-magnetic in nature with symmetric DOS plot.
Seismic phases of 25 April 2015 (Mw 7.8) Earthquake and 12 May 2015 (Mw 7.3) Earthquake Predicted by AK135 Model - A comparison
Authors: Tiwari R. K. , Paudyal H.
Published: August 2021

A strong Mw 7.8 (depth = 8.2 km) earthquake initiated ~80 km northwest of the Kathmandu on 25 April of 2015 was followed by the Mw 7.3 (depth = 15 km) earthquake on 12 May. The seismic phases of these earthquakes were predicted at Kakani, Kathmandu seismic station (27.80°N and 85.28°E) using software model AK135 . The model predicts 21 arrivals for Gorkha earthquake with first p phase arriving at incident angle 82.65° in 11.516 seconds and final phase SKIKSSKIKS in 3270.791 seconds with incident angle 0.02°. Similarly, for the Dolakha earthquake 27 arrivals are predicted with the first arrival p phase at incident angle 74.35° in 14.504 seconds and final arrival SKIKSSKIKS phase at incident angle 0.03° in 3268.823 seconds. The 5 depth phases and 8 core phases predicted are similar for both the earthquakes while 8 and 12 mantle phases are predicted for Gorkha earthquake and Dolakha earthquake respectively. In addition, two crustal phases (Pn, Sn) were predicted only for Dolakha earthquake. The additional phases are critically refracted seismic phases indicating the existence of the Moho discontinuity between the crust and upper mantle. Their existence for Dolakha earthquake could be the indication of different geological provinces of the source region of the earthquakes, differing in age, crustal thickness, temperature, and tectonic stress. The ratio of P wave ad S wave velocity is found to be 1.67 for the regions. These seismic phases reflect their sensitivity to different layers of the earth and carry information about the geometrical and physical properties of discontinuities inside the earth.
Study of Dust Cavity around the White Dwarf WD 0352-049 in Infrared Astronomical Satellite Map
Authors: Paudel M. S. , Bhandari P. , Bhattarai S.
Published: August 2021

In this work, we have studied the far-infrared images of the dust cavity around the White Dwarf WD 0352-049 available in Infrared Astronomical Satellite Map from Sky View Observatory. The size of the cavity is 24.48 pc × 8.10 pc. We have studied the relative infrared flux density and calculated the dust color temperature and dust mass. The temperature of the whole cavity structure lies between a maximum value 24.09 ± 0.50 K to a minimum 21.87 ± 0.61K with fluctuation of 2.22 K and an average value of 23.09 ± 1.11 K. The small fluctuation of dust color temperature suggests that the dust in cavity structure is evolving independently and less disturbed from background radiation sources. The color map shows the identical distribution of flux at 60 μm and 100 μm and the inverse distribution of dust color temperature and dust mass. There is a Gaussian-like distribution of relative flux density, dust color temperature and dust mass. The Gaussian distribution of temperature suggests that the dusts in cavity are in local thermodynamic equilibrium. The study of relative flux density and dust color temperature along the major and minor axis shows there is a sinusoidal fluctuation of flux and temperature, which might be due to the wind generated by White Dwarf located nearby the center of the cavity structure. The total dust mass of the dust is found to be 0.07 Mʘ and that of gas is 13.66 Mʘ. The Jeans mass of the structure is less than the total mass of gas in the structure, suggesting the possibility of star formation activity by gravitational collapse in the future. Also, the study of inclination angle suggests that the three-dimensional shape of the structure is uniform and regularly shaped.
Laparoscopic pelvic adnexal surgery in Nobel Medical College
Authors: Chaudhary Amar Nath , Baral Gehanath , Shrestha Prajmi , Bhanshakarya Rakina
Published: August 2021

Aim: To share early experience of gynaecological laparoscopic surgeries for adnexal masses in Nobel Medical College and Teaching Hospital (NMCTH).
Methods: This is a observational descriptive study in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Nobel Medical College, Biratnagar for one year in 2019-2020. All the patients undergoing laparoscopic pelvic surgeries for adnexal masses were analysed for indication, type of procedure, complications and histopathological diagnosis.
Results: A total of 123 laparoscopic surgeries were performed. Preoperative diagnosis in most of the cases was adnexal mass followed by adnexal evaluation for subfertility. The common surgical procedure was cystectomy followed by salpingo-oophorectomy in 80% of cases. The most common histopathological diagnosis was mature cystic teratoma (42; 34%) followed by endometriosis (29; 23.8%) and cystadenoma (25; 20.3%).
Conclusions: Adnexal evaluation and surgical treatment were performed with laparoscopy. The common pathologies were mature cystic teratoma, endometriosis and ovarian cystadenomas.
Fixed time synchronization of a class of chaotic systems based via the saturation control
Authors: Fu Jiaojiao , Luo Runzi , Huang Meichun , Su Haipeng
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we discuss the fixed time synchronization of a class of chaotic systems based on the backstepping control with disturbances. A new and important fixed time stability theorem is presented. The upper bound estimate formulas of the settling time are also given which are different from the existing results in the literature. Based on the new fixed time stability theorem, a novel saturation controller for the fixed time synchronization a class of chaotic systems is proposed via the backstepping method. Finally, the new chaotic system is taken as an example to illustrate the applicability of the obtained theory.
Micronutrient Malnutrition – A Glimpse on the Current Strategies and Future Prospects
Authors: Janaswamy Srinivas  , Dahal Prashant , Janaswamy Srinivas 
Published: August 2021

The inadequacy of micronutrients, namely essential vitamins and minerals in the human diet, manifests a wide range of moderate to serious health concerns collectively known as micronutrient malnutrition. It affects half of the global population, and food-based strategies such as balanced diet, supplementation and food fortification are effective. The balanced diet and dietary supplementation are desirable and sustainable; however, their efficacy is uncertain due to the required demands to improve dietary habits. Interestingly, food fortification – addition of micronutrients to processed foods - supplies micronutrients without the need to alter eating habits and unquestionably stands out as a systematic approach to moderate the statistical rise in micronutrient malnutrition. On the other hand, biofortification - plant breeding and/or genetic engineering - is a convenient and sustainable strategy with myriad possibilities to augment micronutrients status that could endure through generations. These approaches coupled with meticulously organized innovative policies and a competent food value chain will indeed aid in addressing the micronutrient deficiency toward building a productive and efficient generation.
Estudo retrospectivo dos níveis séricos de ureia e creatinina em cães com lesão renal crônica tratados com célula tronco
Authors: Souza Pâmela , Botton Camila Molan , Magalhães Tais Soares , Calhau Bruna Ferraz , Santos Enrico Jardim Clemente , Winck Caroline Pinho
Published: August 2021

It was executed a retrospective study to compile and highlight information from the clinical history and laboratory exams of urea and creatinine in patients undergoing cell therapy for the treatment of chronic kidney disease. The sample consisted of 18 cases of dogs attended at the Clínica Veterinária Professor Israel, in the period between 01/01/2012 and 01/10/2016 with chronic renal disease and that were treated with stem cells. Most animals were older than 10 years, there was not a predisposition to one sex and 55% were diagnosed with other comorbidities. The study suggests that in general, cell therapy for the treatment of chronic kidney disease has a positive result. Animals with better results after treatment were those classified as IRIS I and IRIS II since the renal parenchyma was more preserved. Referring to animals classified as IRIS III, 55% also responded positively to the treatment, decreasing the serum levels of urea. However, animals classified as IRIS IV did not demonstrate the same results, as the parenchyma had been severely compromised and the disease had progressed.
Vulvovaginite por estrutura óssea no canal vaginal de cadela castrada: Relato de caso
Authors: Silva Gabriela , Dalegrave Suélen , Oliveira Eduardo Conceição , Flecke Laís Rezzadori , Rorig Maria Cecilia de Lima , Daga Carolain Schorr , Wendpap Elis Natacha , Azevedo Luana Baptista
Published: August 2021

The reproductive system of females is considered highly important for the survival of the species. The aim of this study is to report the care of a spayed adult female dog, diagnosed with bone structure in the vaginal canal, causing recurrent vaginitis and cystitis. The patient arrived for care with a history of polaquiuria, purulent vulvar discharge and excessive licking of the vulva 2 months ago. On physical examination, normal mucous membranes were found, normal respiratory rate, grade 3 murmur on cardiac auscultation, and during vaginal touch, she had a lot of painful sensitivity. The diagnosis was made by radiography of the dorsal pelvis, which revealed the presence of three radiopaque structures in the vaginal canal, in addition to an ultrasound examination that showed cystitis. The treatment was based on the manual removal of the present structures, under general anesthesia, with the aid of a vaginal speculum and hemostatic forceps. After the bone structure removal procedure, meloxicam (0.1 mg / kg) was administered to the patient intravenously; dipyrone sodium (25 mg / kg) and enrofloxacin (10 mg / kg) subcutaneously (SC). The material was sent for histopathological examination in 10% formaldehyde. Histopathological examination revealed the presence of mineralized bone matrix associated with tissue structure with skin morphology containing hair follicle remains and keratin in them. The patient was discharged after anesthetic recovery with a prescription for enrofloxacin 10 mg / kg SID for 7 days; Meloxicam 0.1 mg / kg, SID, for 3 days and tramadol hydrochloride 4 mg / kg BID, for 5 days. This work demonstrates the importance of the diagnosis based on the information obtained in the anamnesis, and in the complete physical examination, considering the gynecological examination in this context, performed through vaginal touch, in addition to other mechanisms that are necessary for stabilizing the patient and correcting the disease, with purpose of improving the clinical picture and success in therapy.
Tendência temporal e caracterização dos casos de sífilis gestacional no estado de Alagoas, Brasil
Authors: Silva Karina
Published: August 2021

Syphilis is a systemic infectious disease of bacterial nature whose etiologic agent is Treponema pallidum, being one of the major diseases that constitute the group of sexually transmitted infections – STIs, which affects one million pregnant women a year worldwide, inducing more than 300 thousand fetal and neonatal deaths. In the case of gestational syphilis (SG), the high frequency of outcomes has serious consequences for pregnancy and for the child. Therefore, this study sought to analyze the temporal trend of syphilis cases in pregnant women and to characterize the epidemiological profile of these women in the state of Alagoas, in the period between the years 2009 to 2018, through analyzes of the maternal sociodemographic variables obtained through National Notifiable Diseases System (SINAN) and time series trend related to SG cases. The results demonstrate that, in parallel to what happens in a large part of Brazil, in Alagoas, the number of reported cases of syphilis in pregnant women has been constantly increasing in recent years.
Intoxicação por metaldeído em cão: Relato de caso
Authors: Carrasco Adriano , Batisti Pasquali Ana Clara , Alves Itame Jacqueline , Lima Rosa Camila , Amaral Oliveira Luciana do , Faccini Pinheiro Mariana , Christina Seki Meire
Published: August 2021

Due to the use of snail venom (metaldehyde) and ease of ingestion by domestic animals, the intoxication of dogs becomes common. Among the several alterations, those that stand out are hypersalivation, convulsions, renal and hepatic damages. The treatment consists of the control of the clinical signs and reduction of the systemic damages caused mainly by the oxidative stress. N-acetylcysteine, in this case, acted as an antioxidant, playing a key role in patient recovery.
New synonyms in the Entiminae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Yunakov N.N.
Published: August 2021

New synonymy is established for the following taxa: Stasiodis Des Gozis, 1886 (= Sciaphilomorphus Alonso Zarazaga & Lyal, 1999, syn. n.), Otiorhynchus subg. Nihus Reitter, 1912 (= Metopiorrhynchus Reitter, 1912, syn. n.), Otiorhynchus subg. Dorymerus Seidlitz, 1890 (= Nehrodistus Reitter, 1912, syn. n.), O. (Microphalantus) puncticornis Gyllenhal, 1834 (= glabratus Krynicki, 1834, syn. n.), O. (Meriplodus) manderstjernae Ballion, 1878 (= balassogloi Stierlin, 1883, syn. n.), O. (Proremus) pauxillus Rosenhauer, 1847 (= mazurai Formánek, 1910, syn. n.), O. (Podoropelmus) albidus Stierlin, 1861 (= strictipennis Magnano, 1999, syn. n.), O. (Choilisanus) caucasicus Stierlin, 1872 (= subsp. querceti L. Arnoldi, 1965, syn. n.), Sciaphobus (Sciaphobus) caesius (Hampe, 1870) (= vigo Yunakov, 1998, syn. n.), Eusomatus taeniatus Krynicki, 1834 (= laticeps Stierlin, 1884, syn. n.), Polydrusus (Chrysoyphis) sericeus (Schaller, 1783) (= thalassinus Gyllenhal, 1834, syn. n.). Lectotypes of Otiorhynchus manderstjernae Ballion, 1878 and O. glabratus Krynicki, 1834 are designated.
A new species of Bicryptella Townes from Honduras (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Cryptinae)
Authors: Kasparyan D.R.
Published: August 2021

A new species of ichneumon-flies, Bicryptella yanegai sp. n. (Cryptinae), is described from Honduras. The genus Bicryptella is recorded from North America for the first time. A key for separation of the new species from South American species of the genus is given.
ACOMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE CONDITION OF THE LEGUMES ON THE NATURAL AND SEEDED FODDER AREAS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ALTAI
Authors: Syeva S. Ya. , Karnaukhova N. A. , Zvereva G. K. , Khramova E. P. , Bugaeva M. V. , Ledyaeva N. V. , Salnikova E. A. , Basargina O. M.
Published: August 2021

The flora of the Altai Mountains is characterized by a rich variety of representatives of the Fabaceae family, which are found in a wide range of habitats and under various anthropogenic loads. The genera Astragalus L. and Oxytropis DC. are the most numerous in terms of species diversity. Many representatives of the genera Vicia L., Trifolium L., Hedysarum L., Latirus L., Melilotus Mill., Medicago L., Pisum L. are good forage plants. The vegetation in the steppe grasslands of the Altai Mountains indicates the presence of predominantly intensive grazing farm animals, in which there is the formation of transient communities by reducing the participation of the prey species and the role of not eaten, eaten bad, harmful and poisonous plants. At the same time, the share of the legume component in the living ground phytomass in meadow steppes is quite high (25–50 %), in real steppes it is about 5–28%, and in desolate steppes – 11–17 %, which is largely due to the species diversity of legumes and their adaptability to natural, climatic and anthropogenic factors. Species Onobrychis arenaria, Medicago falcata are found in the meadow steppe, and Astragalus austrosibiricus, A. tibetanus, A. brevifoliu, and Oxytropis argentata are found in the steppe pastures, which develop a good green mass and have relatively high morphometric indicators. Astragalus testiculatus, A. laguroides, A. dilutes, Oxytropis pumila, Hedysarum gmelinii, Gueldenstaedtia monophylla, and harmful pasture plants – Thermopsis mongolica, Caragana pygmaea – are adapted to drier stony habitats. Of the wild relatives of cultivated plants from familia Fabaceae in the flora of the Altai Mountains there are more than 10 species. According to the results of environmental testing of 13 varieties of annual legumes (Vicia L., Pisum L., Glycine L.), it was found that they are characterized by higher rates of green mass yield (by 12–16%) than traditional varieties of these crops in the mid-mountain zone of the Altai Republic.
CONDITION OF THE PANCREAS IN NEWBORN CALVES WITH DYSPEPSIA AFTER ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY
Authors: Elenschleger A. A. , Erokhin A. S.
Published: August 2021

The pancreas performs the functions of both external and internal secretion, has a great influence on the growth and development of young cattle. Thus, the function of the external secretion is the synthesis and excretion of juice into the duodenum, which includes digestive enzymes and electrolytes, and the internal secretion is the synthesis and excretion of hormones into the blood. Timely identification of the causes of developing deviations from the norm in the body and the adoption of appropriate measures is due to the fact that when raising cattle at industrial enterprises, diseases are widespread, and the manifestation of clinical signs of the disease in one animal often signals the presence of problems in the entire sex and age population. The aim of our research was to determine the functional state of the pancreas in newborn calves during rehabilitation after antibiotic therapy for dyspepsia. The research was carried out on a farm located on the territory of the Altai Territory. In the course of the research, three experimental groups of calves were formed, in which the clinical, biochemical and morphological status was studied. To obtain the results of biochemical studies, a biochemical semi-automatic analyzer with an open Clima MC – 15, RAL system was used, and for morphological studies, an automatic analyzer with a closed MicroCC-20Plus system was used. In the course of the research, it was found that the studied indicators blood samples indicate a violation of intestinal absorption and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency caused by dyspepsia and subsequent antibiotic therapy, while calves from the experimental group receiving the probiotic complex Vetom 1.2 showed better dynamics in restoring homeostasis after the disease.
Syrinx shunts for syringomyelia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of syringosubarachnoid, syringoperitoneal, and syringopleural shunting
Authors: Rothrock Robert J. , Lu Victor M. , Levi Allan D.
Published: August 2021

OBJECTIVE

Syringomyelia is a debilitating, progressive disease process that can lead to loss of neurological function in patients already experiencing significant compromise. Syringosubarachnoid, syringoperitoneal, and syringopleural shunts are accepted treatment options for patients with persistent syringomyelia, but direct comparisons have been lacking to date. The authors conducted a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis to compare clinical outcomes between these three syrinx shunt modalities.

METHODS

Utilizing PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines for systematic reviews, Ovid Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, American College of Physicians Journal Club, and Database of Abstracts of Review of Effectiveness were searched to identify all potentially relevant studies published from inception until July 2020. Data were extracted and analyzed using meta-analysis of proportions. The primary study outcome was the rate of reoperation based on the initial shunt modality. Secondary outcomes included clinical improvement, clinical deterioration, and complications following shunt placement.

RESULTS

A total of 22 articles describing 27 distinct treatment cohorts published between 1984 and 2019 satisfied the inclusion criteria. This captured 473 syrinx shunt procedures, 193 (41%) by syringosubarachnoid shunt, 153 (32%) by syringoperitoneal shunt, and 127 (27%) by syringopleural shunt, with an overall median clinical follow-up of 44 months. The pooled incidences of revision surgery were estimated as 13% for syringosubarachnoid, 28% for syringoperitoneal, and 10% for syringopleural shunts, respectively (p-interaction = 0.27). The rate of clinical improvement was estimated as 61% for syringosubarachnoid, 64% for syringoperitoneal, and 71% for syringopleural shunts. The rate of clinical deterioration following placement was estimated as 13% for syringosubarachnoid, 13% for syringoperitoneal, and 10% for syringopleural shunts.

CONCLUSIONS

The preferred modality of syrinx shunting remains a controversial topic for symptomatic syringomyelia. This study suggests that while all three modalities offer similar rates of clinical improvement and deterioration after placement, syringoperitoneal shunts have a greater rate of malfunction requiring surgical revision. These data also suggest that syringopleural shunts may offer the best rate of clinical improvement with the lowest rate of reoperation.
Overlapping single-level lumbar fusion and adverse short-term outcomes
Authors: Farooqi Ali S. , Detchou Donald K. E. , Glauser Gregory , Strouz Krista , McClintock Scott D. , Malhotra Neil R.
Published: August 2021

OBJECTIVE

There is a paucity of research on the safety of overlapping surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of overlapping surgery on a homogenous population of exactly matched patients undergoing single-level, posterior-only lumbar fusion.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively analyzed case data of 3799 consecutive adult patients who underwent single-level, posterior-only lumbar fusion during a 6-year period (June 7, 2013, to April 29, 2019) at a multihospital university health system. Outcomes included 30-day emergency department (ED) visit, readmission, reoperation, and morbidity and mortality following surgery. Thereafter, coarsened exact matching was used to match patients with and without overlap on key demographic factors, including American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score, sex, and body mass index (BMI), among others. Patients were subsequently matched by both demographic data and by the specific surgeon performing the operation. Univariate analysis was carried out on the whole population, the demographically matched cohort, and the surgeon-matched cohort, with significance set at a p value < 0.05.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in morbidity or any short-term outcome, including readmission, reoperation, ED evaluation, and mortality. Among the demographically matched cohort and surgeon-matched cohort, there was no significant difference in age, sex, history of prior surgery, ASA class, or CCI score. Overlapping surgery patients in both the demographically matched cohort and the matched cohort limited by surgeon had longer durations of surgery (p < 0.01), but no increased morbidity or mortality was noted. Patients selected for overlap had fewer prior surgeries and lower ASA class and CCI score (p < 0.01). Patients with overlap also had a longer duration of surgery (p < 0.01) but not duration of closure.

CONCLUSIONS

Exactly matched patients undergoing overlapping single-level lumbar fusion procedures had no increased short-term morbidity or mortality; however, duration of surgery was 20 minutes longer on average for overlapping operations. Further studies should assess long-term patient outcomes and the impact of overlap in this and other surgical procedures.