bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and factors associated with thinness among adolescent girls attending high schools in rural and urban high schools of Soro District, Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Akiso Denebo , Belachew Tefera , Arficho Tegegn , Zinab Beakal
Published: November 2021

Background

Despite the government of Ethiopia is striving to reduce the prevalence of the undernutrition, thinness among adolescents is one of the challenging nutritional issues in lifecycle approach in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was aimed on determining the prevalence of thinness and its associated factors among adolescent girls attending high schools in Soro District, Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia.
Methods

Institution based comparative cross sectional study design was employed. The study was conducted from March 15 to April 15, 2019 in high schools of rural and urban settings of Sorro District, Hadiya Zone. Both binary and multivariable logistic regression analysis were done to identify the factors associated with thinness among adolescent girls.
Result

A total of 414 adolescent girls were participated in this study making the response rate of 100%. The mean age were (17.01± 1.55) and 16.90 ± 1.48, P = 0.437) among adolescent girls in rural and urban high schools respectively. The overall prevalence of the thinness among female adolescents attending high schools in Soro district, Hadiya Zone was 6.8%. There was no statistically significant difference in thinness among adolescent girls in rural and urban high schools. Household wealth tertile AOR: 4.19; 95% C.I: 1.13-15.47, P <0.05, source of drinking water AOR: 2.31; 95% C.I: 1.01-5.30, P <0.05, dietary diversity AOR: 3.99; C.I: 1.15-13.82, P <0.05 and skipping breakfast AOR: 2.97; C.I: 1.28-6.92, P <0.05 were found to be independent factors associated with thinness.
Conclusion

Being low in household wealth tertile, unprotected source of drinking water, inadequate dietary diversity and skipping breakfast were those factors identified to be independently associated with thinness among female adolescents. Attention should be given from government and nongovernmental organizations by empowering household economic capacity, extending access for pure drinking water and increasing nutrition sensitive agriculture focusing on maintaining food varieties.
A metal-free approach for the hydrogenolysis of unactivated C(aryl)–C(alkyl) bonds
Authors: Wang Huadong , Xu Yuliang , Yang Yizhou , Liu Yizhen , Li Zhen
Published: November 2021

The hydrogenolysis of C–C bonds is among one of the most important processes in the petroleum industry which has been considered as a viable way to recycle waste polyolefins. These transformations typically rely on heterogeneous catalysts and take place at high temperature and high pressure with limited selectivity. Employing homogenous transition metal catalysts, while allowing the hydrogenolysis of C–C bonds to proceed under much milder conditions, is only suitable for substrates containing strained C–C bonds or directing groups. Here we report that a borenium complex can catalyze the selective hydrogenolysis of unstrained C(aryl)–C(alkyl) bonds of alkylarenes at ambient temperature, affording the corresponding alkanes and arenes. This method does not require the assistance of directing groups, and tolerates a range of functional groups. Mechanistic studies suggest a reaction pathway that involves a synergistic activation of dihydrogen by the borenium complex and alkylarenes, followed by retro-Friedel-Crafts reaction to cleave the C(aryl)–C(alkyl) bonds. The synthetic utility of this protocol was demonstrated by the conversion of post-consumer polystyrene into valuable benzene and phenylalkanes with mass recovery above 90%, thus opening up new avenues for the recycling of aromatic chemicals from waste plastics.
Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation on Recycled and Virgin HDPE Corrugated Pipes Used in Road Drainage Systems
Authors: Nguyen Khanh Q. , Cousin Patrice , Mohamed Khaled , Robert Mathieu , El-Safty Adel , Benmokrane Brahim
Published: November 2021

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe is one of the materials of interest for use in road drainage systems. The combination of ultraviolet (UV) light, temperature, and moisture can produce weak spots and lead to pipe degradation during the storage, installation, and repair process. The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in the chemical, morphological structure, and thermomechanical properties of recycled and virgin pipes under UV exposure. Laboratory accelerated aging tests were conducted by exposing pipes to UV for 3600 hours with an irradiance of 0.89 W/(m2 nm) at a wavelength of 340 nm. A cycle of 12 hours—comprised of 8 hours of UV radiation at 60°C and 4 hours of no UV radiation at 50°C corresponding to no water condensation—was performed to condition the specimens. HDPE specimens were taken out after 3600 hours and analyzed with FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy), SEM (scanning electron microscopy), DSC (differential scanning calorimetry), oxidative-induction time (OIT) measurements, and tensile tests. The results show that the recycled pipes maintained good properties and were not significantly affected by UV radiation, similarly to the virgin pipes. Statistical analysis using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) shows that there was no significant difference between tensile strength, elastic modulus, and hardness measurements before and after UV exposure. There were only a few small changes in the surface of the pipes. The addition of carbon black, antioxidants, and UV stabilizers prevented further aging of the pipes during UV exposure.
Enamel Remineralization and Dentine Tubules Occlusion by Bioactive Formulations Based on Ion-Doped Nanohydroxyapatite and Precursor Nanoparticles.
Authors: Ionescu Andrei Cristian , Esposti Lorenzo Degli , Iafisco Michele , Brambilla Eugenio
Published: November 2021

Recent health care products are based on formulations claimed to provide enamel remineralization and dentinal tubules occlusion through calcium-phosphate bioactive nanocompounds ( ion-doped hydroxyapatite and precursor nanoparticles). This study aimed to test and characterize for the first time the structure and composition of a representative sample of remineralizing toothpastes and topical mousses available on the market. The enamel remineralization and dentinal tubules occlusion efficacy of tested formulations were investigated in vitro. Formulations were characterized in terms of water- and acid-insoluble fractions, and PXRD, FTIR, and EDS analyses were performed to determine their composition and investigate the presence of bioactive compounds and doping elements. All formulations containing Ca-P bioactive nanocompounds showed remineralizing ability, notably when hydroxyapatite and amorphous calcium phosphate compounds were doped with small amounts of CO3-, F, Mg, and Sr. Topical mousse formulations showed a higher tubules occlusion capability than toothpastes, independently from their composition. In conclusion, all tested formulations could express remineralizing potential both on enamel and dentin thanks to the presence of biomimetic Ca-P compounds. The presence of doping elements or CPP-ACP seems essential to allow such performances.
Autonomous Underwater Vehicles - achievements and current trends
Authors:   Research Center for Navy, Damian R G
Published: November 2021

The field of underwater robotics has reached an impressive technological momentum over the past decades by merging areas such as electrical, mechanical and systems engineering. A particular interest is presented by autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV), given the progress in the implementation of revolutionary technologies to overcome the challenges associated with autonomous operation in the underwater environment. The purpose of this paper is to present a synthesis of what has been achieved so far with regard to AUVs, from the factors and conditions that underlie their operation on issues related to different models and implemented technologies, up to current development trends
Classification of Scale Items with Exploratory Graph Analysis and Machine Learning Methods
Authors: KOYUNCU İlhan , KILIÇ Abdullah Faruk
Published: November 2021

In exploratory factor analysis, although the researchers decide which items belong to which factors by considering statistical results, the decisions taken sometimes can be subjective in case of having items with similar factor loadings and complex factor structures. The aim of this study was to examine the validity of classifying items into dimensions with exploratory graph analysis (EGA), which has been used in determining the number of dimensions in recent years and machine learning methods. A Monte Carlo simulation was performed with a total number of 96 simulation conditions including average factor loadings, sample size, number of items per dimension, number of dimensions, and distribution of data. Percent correct and Kappa concordance values were used in the evaluation of the methods. When the findings obtained for different conditions were evaluated together, it was seen that the machine learning methods gave results comparable to those of EGA. Machine learning methods showed high performance in terms of percent correct values, especially in small and medium-sized samples. In all conditions where the average factor loading was .70, BayesNet, Naive Bayes, RandomForest, and RseslibKnn methods showed accurate classification performances above 80% like EGA method. BayesNet, Simple Logistic and RBFNetwork methods also demonstrated acceptable or high performance under many conditions. In general, Kappa concordance values also supported these results. The results revealed that machine learning methods can be used for similar conditions to examine whether the distribution of items across factors is done accurately or not.
E-tax system effectiveness in reducing tax evasion in Nigeria
Authors: Olubukola Otekunrin Adegbola , Ikechukwu Nwanji Tony , Felix Eluyela Damilola , Inegbedion Henry , Eleda Temitope
Published: November 2021

This study examined how electronic tax system (E- tax system) reduces tax evasion in Nigeria. The survey sample was drawn from Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) staff and small and medium-scale enterprise taxpayers registered in F.C.T., Abuja, Nigeria. Primary data was derived from a questionnaire administered to a population of 60 officials and employees of the FIRS and taxpayers at a small and medium-scale enterprise registered in F.C.T., Abuja, Nigeria. The secondary data used was extracted from the tax revenue collection report on the FIRS platform for 2000–2019 (20 years). The conclusive research design was used. General linear model and linear regression were used to analyze the data collected. The E-tax system was measured using actual tax revenues and the level of electronic tax services. In contrast, tax evasion was measured using tax compliance and mind-set of taxpayers towards E-tax system. Taxpayers’ attitudes towards E-tax system, actual tax revenue, tax compliance and the level of electronic tax services were used as mediating and control variables; thus, results established a significant relationship, and this relationship is an adverse one. The work shows that an effective electronic tax system will significantly reduce tax evasion. Therefore, the proper implementation of the electronic tax system helps mitigate the problem of tax evasion that causes economic and social detriments in the tax administration system.
REKAYASA ULANG PROSES BISNIS PADA DEPARTEMEN PENJUALAN, LOGISTIK, DAN AKUNTING (STUDI KASUS: PT GRAMA BAZITA)
Authors: Mochyidin Ainun , Hartanto Meliana Dewi , Devara Rian , Rantetana Marcellus
Published: November 2021

The continued development of the business world today requires companies to have an ‘edge’ to compete with other companies. Any characteristic of the company that gives them an opportunity for growth should be put to good use. The use of information technology should support its operating costs and even increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the company. However, the use of this information technology must be balanced with the readiness of existing resources to operate. Without the support of resources, especially human resources available, the use of this technology would be something that is useless. This thesis aims to assist PT. Grama Bazita in improving the efficiency of existing processes that will ultimately reduce the cost and time. The methodology used in the writing of this thesis is an analytical method which consists of a survey of running processes, analysis of the survey findings, and the identification of the needs of information technology as well as designing a new process which should prove more efficient than the prior business processes. From the analysis, it can be concluded that information technology is one of the factors driving reengineering, as well as the business needs to improve competitiveness.
ANALISIS VALUASI NILAI WAJAR SAHAM PT. ADARO ENERGY TBK MENGGUNAKAN METODE FREE-CASH FLOW TO FIRM (FCFF)
Authors: Hutapea Ecryna Cyntia , Poernomoputri Tyara Pratiwi , Sihombing Pardomuan
Published: November 2021

PT Adaro Energy Tbk, an Indonesian private company engaged in coal mines and became the largest thermal coal producers both in Indonesia, which also operates coal mines and have the single biggest in the southern hemisphere. Coal products PT Adaro Energy Tbk has medium levels of energy content, and assign its trademark with the name of the Envirocoal. PT Adaro Energy Tbk is officially listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI) on July 16, 2008 and was recorded as the largest company in the history of the Stock Exchange for deals done in rupiah (whereas in the US $ is the currency of the latter), and an IPO 4th largest for the year 2008 in Asia (excluding Japan) with a stock offering as much 11.139331 billion shares. To assess the stock price of PT Adaro Energy Tbk in the market, the valuation of shares is needed, where the valuation of these shares will be known intrinsic value (fair price). The method used in this valuation is the Discounted Cash Flow method using the model of Free Cash Flow to Firm. Valuation results would be very useful to be used as the basis for making investment decisions to buy, hold or sell stock. Based on the calculation that stock valuations have been carried out, obtained the intrinsic value of PT Adaro Energy Tbk amounting to Rp 1,570 while the price of shares in PT Adaro Energy Tbk as at July 6, 2012 is $ 1,866, with the conclusion of the stock price of PT Adaro Energy Tbk undervalued or is below the market price.
BANK MONITORING AS AN EXTERNAL GOVERNANCE MECHANISM AND THE BORROWERS’ FIRM VALUE
Authors: Dina Alexandra Ryan Ahmad , Hermawan Ancella Anitawati
Published: November 2021

The objective of this research is to examine the effect of bank monitoring as an alternative of corporate governance mechanisms on the borrowers’ firm value. The strengths of bank monitoring on the borrowers are measured based on the magnitude of the bank loan, the size of the loan from banks with high monitoring quality, the length of a bank loan outstanding period, and the number of lenders. The research hypotheses were tested using multiple regression model with a sample of 230 companies listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange during 2009. The empirical results show that only the size of the loan from banks with high monitoring quality and the number of lenders significantly influences the borrowers’ firm value. These findings imply that only banks with high monitoring quality could play an important role in the corporate governance and therefore increasing the firm value by their monitoring function.  Furthermore, bank monitoring is less effective if a company borrows from many banks, and therefore decreasing the firm value.
Persona, Sociedad y Cultura
Authors: Llergo Bay Fernanda
Published: November 2021

El presente texto corresponde a la participación que la Dra. Fernando Llergo Bay, Rectora General de la Universidad Panamericana y el IPADE, pronunció a propósito de la inauguración del Seminario Permanente “Persona sociedad y cultura”, organizado por el Departamento de Humanidades del campus Aguascalientes de nuestra Universidad e iniciado en el primer semestre de este año. Con la autorización de su autora, lo incluimos en éste, nuestro primer número, porque ilustra con claridad el espíritu que anima nuestra publicación. Se han realizado algunas ediciones menores con el propósito de adaptar el escrito a este medio.
Peningkatan Nilai Agama dan Moral Anak Usia Dini Melalui Kegiatan Latihan Manasik Haji
Authors: Munawaroh Hidayatu , Ningsih Sri Rahayu
Published: November 2021

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah; 1) untuk mengetahui perkembangan nilai agama dan moral anak-anak di TK Aisyiyah 4 Reco sebelum dilaksanakan kegiatan latihan manaik haji/umrah, 2) untuk mengetahui seberapa besar penigkatan perkembangan nilai agama dan moral anak usia dini di TK Aisyiyah 4 Reco setelah dilaksanakan kegiatan latihan manasik haji/umrah, 3) untuk mengetahui hambatan dan kendala yang ditemui saat pelaksanaan keguatan latihan manasik haji/umrah di TK Aisyiyah 4 Reco.  Penelitian ini mengunakan metode kualitatif deskriptif.  Pengumpulan data menggunakan teknik observasi partisipan, wawancara mendalam dan dokumentasi.  Subyek penelitiannya adalah pihak-pihak yang ada di TK Aisyiyah 4 Reco, diantaranya adalah: guru, siswa, dan wali murid TK Aisyiyah 4 Reco.  Pada penelitian ini menggunakan langkah-langkah penelitian naturalistic, sehingga analisis data dilakukan langsung di lapanagan dengan pengumpulan data.  Setelah melaksanakan kegiatan latihan manasik haji/umrah, anak yang mempunyai capaian perkembangan MB (Mulai Berkembang) meningkat menjadi BSH (Berkembang Sesuai Harapan), yaitu 5% menjadi 27%  Anak yang BSH (Berkembang Sesuai Harapan) meningkat menjadi BSB (Berkembang Sangat Baik, yaitu 13% menjadi 73%.  Dengan demikian dapat disimpulkan bahwa kegiatan latihan manasik haji/umrah dapat meningkatkan perkembangan nilai agama dan moral anak usia dini di TK Aisyiyah 4 Reco.
Performance verification of novel rotor line start PMSM
Authors: Zöhra Berkan , Akar Mehmet
Published: November 2021

In this study, 5.5-kW 1500 rpm IEC-60034-30-1:2014-IE4 super premium efficiency class Line Start Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (LS-PMSM) was presented with an innovative rotor design utilizing two different slot types have been used. The slots offered in two different geometries make a significant contribution to the motor in the form of a high starting torque thus increasing the synchronization ability. The prototype was manufactured for the optimal model obtained via analytical methods and Finite Element Software. Torque ripples that pose an important issue for permanent magnet motors were tried to be reduced by way of a skewed stator structure. In addition, motor frame and stator main dimensions were acquired from a standard IE2 induction motor design during the manufacturing of the prototype. Experimental studies for the suggested LS-PMSM topology put forth a 6 % higher efficiency in comparison with low efficiency IE2 standard induction motors with the same shaft power. Results for the starting performance, torque ripples and back-EMF were presented for the prototype motor under a constant load of 0-1.25 p.u. It was verified as a result of the study that LS-PMSMs can be used as an alternative to induction motors in pump and fan industrial applications.
Wavelet packet analysis on blasting vibration signal under different cutting method
Authors: Man Ke , Liu Xiaoli , Song Zhifei
Published: November 2021

For the smooth blasting method, the straight parallel hole cutting method, single wedge hole cutting method and double wedge hole cutting method have been devised. Corresponding to the devised cutting methods, the blasting test have been carried out in site. By the blasting vibration monitor technology, the blasting effect and peak blasting vibration velocity have been considered and compared. From the points of blasting footage, half hole ratio of the peripheral hole, rock slag throwing distance and the homogenization degree of rock slag, the blasting effect has been assessed separately. In advance, for straight parallel hole cutting, there is a rather higher ratio in the low frequency band area, the Power Spectral Density (PSD) mainly concentrated in the range of 0-100 Hz. However, for the wedge hole cutting, the PSD mainly ranges from 0 to 800 Hz, concentrated in a higher frequency band area. Meantime, for straight parallel hole cutting, the overall energy distribution is in the low frequency part, and the distribution difference is a bit large. For the single wedge hole cutting, about 25 % of the energy in the second layer is concentrated in the range of 1000-2000 Hz. In the third layer, about 20 % of the energy is concentrated in the range of 1500-2000 Hz. Furthermore, for the double wedge hole cutting, the energy distribution is basically uniform, and there is equivalent vibration energy distribution in each frequency band. In the second layer, about 50 % of the energy is concentrated in the high frequency part, that is in the 1000-2000 Hz. Even in the range of 1750-2000 Hz, there is about 20% of the energy still distributed here.
Study on the streamflow compensation characteristics of reservoirs in Luanhe River Basin based on Copula function
Authors: Wan Fang , Xiao Lingfeng , Chai Qihui , Li Li
Published: November 2021

With the rapid development of economy and society, the contradiction between supply and demand of water resources is increasing. Efficient utilization and allocation of limited water resources are one of the main means to solve the above contradictions. In this paper, the multidimensional joint distribution of natural streamflow series in reservoirs is constructed by introducing the mixed Copula function, and the probability of wet and dry encounters between natural streamflow is analyzed. Luan River is located in the northeastern part of Hebei Province, China, taking the group of Panjiakou Reservoir, Douhe Reservoir and Yuqiao Reservoir in the downstream of Luan River Basin as an example, the probabilities of synchronous and asynchronous abundance and depletion of inflow from the reservoirs are calculated. The results show that the probability of natural streamflow series between reservoirs is 61.14% for asynchronous wetness and dryness, which has certain mutual compensation ability. Therefore, it is necessary to minimize the risk of water supply security in Tianjin, Tangshan and other cities, and strengthen the optimal joint water supply scheduling of reservoirs. The research results are reasonable and reliable, which can provide reference for water supply operation of other basins.
Investigation of impact of climate change on small catchments using different climate models and statistical approaches
Authors: Guven Aytac , Pala Abdulhadi , Sheikhvaisi Mohamad
Published: November 2021

The use of a statistical downscaling technique is needed to investigate the hydrological consequences of climate change on the local hydropower capacity. Global Circulation Models (GCMs) are crucial tools used in various simulations for potential climate change effects, including precipitation and temperature. Statistical downscaling methods comprise the improvement of relations between the large-scale climatic parameters and the local variables. This study presents the trend analysis of the observed variables compared to the statistically downscaled emission scenarios that are adopted from the Canadian Second Generation Earth Systems Model (CanESM2) in the basin of Göksu River which is located in Turkey. The key purpose of the research is to evaluate both the predicted monthly precipitation and the projections of GCMs within the three simulated scenarios of RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5 by Gene Expression Programming (GEP). In addition, the findings of statistical downscaling of monthly mean precipitation will be compared to the Linear Regression (LR) model. The R-value is 0.827 and 0.755 for precipitation of the GEP model for the periods of calibrating and validation. In comparison with the LR model for the validation and calibration periods (1971–2005), the results of the GEP model prove its applicability in projecting the data for monthly mean rainfall. Generally, in the simulated periods of 2021–2100, the mentioned scenarios forecast a decline in the monthly mean precipitation in the basin. Moreover, the scenario of RCP8.5 projected more suitably for the case study than expected under the scenarios RCP4.5 and RCP2.6. The mean statistically downscaled CanESM2 model was compared with the trend analysis of the areal mean precipitation over the case study area, and the trend was shown as decreasing. However, the RCP 8.5 scenario was the more quasi-asymptotic for trend.
Application of CoMn/CoFe layered double hydroxide based on metal–organic frameworks template to activate peroxymonosulfate for 2,4-dichlorophenol degradation
Authors: Liu Chenyu , Wei Haitong , Gao Yanhui , Wang Ning , Yuan Xiaoying , Chi Zhilong , Zhao Guangli , Song Shuguang , Song Jianjun , Jin Xinghui
Published: November 2021

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have unique properties and stable structures, which have been widely used as templates/precursors to prepare well developed pore structure and high specific surface area materials. In this article, an innovative and facile method of crystal reorganization was designed by using MOFs as sacrificial templates to prepare a layered double hydroxide (LDH) nano-layer sheet structure through a pseudomorphic conversion process under alkaline conditions. The obtained CoMn-LDH and CoFe-LDH catalysts broke the ligand of MOFs and reorganized the structure on the basis of retaining a high specific surface area and a large number of pores, which had higher specific surface area and well developed pore structure compared with LDH catalysts prepared by traditional methods, and thus provide more active sites to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS). Due to the unique framework structure of MOFs, the MOF-derived CoMn-LDH and CoFe-LDH catalysts could provide more active sites to activate PMS, and achieve a 2,4-dichlorophenol degradation of 99.3% and 99.2% within 20 minutes, respectively. In addition the two LDH catalysts displayed excellent degradation performance for bisphenol A, ciprofloxacin and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated that the valence state transformation of metal elements participated in PMS activation. Electron paramagnetic resonance manifested that sulfate radical () and singlet oxygen (1O2) were the main species for degrading pollutants. In addition, after the three-cycle experiment, the CoMn-LDH and CoFe-LDH catalysts also showed long-term stability with a slight activity decrease in the third cycle. The phytotoxicity assessment determined by the germination of mung beans proved that PMS activation by MOF-derived LDH catalysts can basically eliminate the phytotoxicity of a 2,4-D solution. This research not only developed high-activity LDH catalysts for PMS activation, but also expanded the environmental applications of MOF derivants.
Clinical Features of Acute Retinal Necrosis with Optic Neuropathy
and Central Retinal Artery Occlusion as Initial Manifestations
Authors: Tong Bainan , Yang Li , Bai Feng , Jia Yan , Liu Xiaoli
Published: November 2021

Acute retinal necrosis normally occurs at the periphery retina and gradually
merges and progresses to the posterior pole. Optic neuropathy and central retinal artery
occlusion as initial manifestation is very rare. We report the case of a patient with optic
neuropathy and central retinal vessels as the first manifestations of acute retinal
necrosis. Antiviral drugs, corticosteroids, and drugs that improve blood circulation were
given. The necrotic retina and swollen optic disc disappeared gradually. However, the
final vision of this eye declined to no light perception. From the first case report in 2001
to now, a total of 8 sporadic cases have been reported. The average onset age is
60.85±14.05 years. Most of them had no history of virus infection. Cardiovascular
disease history maybe a risk factor. Acute retinal necrosis should be considered in
patients with retinal vascular occlusion accompanied by granulomatous anterior uveitis.
Further research is needed to determine whether treatments in addition to antiviral and
corticosteroid therapy are needed.
From Inhibition of GABA-A Receptor-Mediated Synaptic Transmission by
Conventional Antidepressants to Negative Allosteric Modulators of Alpha5-
GABA-A Receptors as Putative Fast-Acting Antidepressant Drugs:
Closing the Circle?
Authors: Fernández-Teruel Alberto
Published: November 2021

:

The present perspective paper shortly and specifically addresses the issues of whether inhibition of GABA-A receptor-mediated synaptic transmission may be involved in antidepressant-like actions and the therapeutic effects of conventional antidepressant (AD) drugs, and whether the recent development of negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) of the alpha5-GABA-A receptor may constitute significant progress in our knowledge on the neurobiology and the treatment of depression.
Overcoming the Challenges of Detecting GPCR Oligomerization in the
Brain
Authors: Fernández-Dueñas Víctor , Bonaventura Jordi , Aso Ester , Luján Rafael , Ferré Sergi , Ciruela Francisco
Published: November 2021

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute the largest group of membrane receptor
proteins controlling brain activity. Accordingly, GPCRs are the main target of commercial drugs for
most neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. One of the mechanisms by which GPCRs regulate
neuronal function is by homo- and heteromerization, with the establishment of direct protein-protein
interactions between the same and different GPCRs. The occurrence of GPCR homo- and heteromers
in artificial systems is generally well accepted, but more specific methods are necessary to address
GPCR oligomerization in the brain. Here, we revise some of the techniques that have mostly
contributed to reveal GPCR oligomers in native tissue, which include immunogold electron microscopy,
proximity ligation assay (PLA), resonance energy transfer (RET) between fluorescent ligands
and the Amplified Luminescent Proximity Homogeneous Assay (ALPHA). Of note, we use the archetypical
GPCR oligomer, the adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR)-dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) heteromer
as an example to illustrate the implementation of these techniques, which can allow visualizing
GPCR oligomers in the human brain under normal and pathological conditions. Indeed, GPCR
oligomerization may be involved in the pathophysiology of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Synthesis, Spectral Investigations, Biological Potential and Molecular
Docking Study of Novel Schiff Base and its Transition Metal Complexes
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Aggarwal Pallvi , Varol Mehmet , Sharma Shashi , Rani Anita , Abbas Zahoor , Prakash Vinit , Tuli Hardeep Singh
Published: November 2021

Aim:

The present study was designed to synthesize novel Schiff bases and their metal
complexes with promising antimicrobial and anti-angiogenic potential.

Background:

Currently, drug resistance has been seen in a diverse range of microbes, which is considered
a major threat to widespread infectious diseases. Therefore, it is essential to investigate novel
therapeutic molecules with broad-spectrum activities.

Method:

The novel Schiff base ligands were synthesized by using a condensation reaction of
ethylenediamine with p-chloroacetanilide and p-bromoactanilide. Fe(III), Ni(II), Mn(II), and Co(II)
metal complexes were prepared by refluxing the ligand with respective metal chloride salts in a 2:1
molar ratio.

Results:

Structures of the synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, UV-VIS,
and mass spectrometry. Anti-microbial activities of all the synthesized compounds were determined
against bacterial strains (S. aureus and K. pneumoniae) and fungal strains (A. niger and Trichophyton
rubrum) by using the well plate diffusion method. DNA photo-cleavage and anti-angiogenic
properties were evaluated by gel electrophoresis and CAM assay, respectively. Molecular
docking studies were performed to analyze the binding interactions of synthesized compounds with
topoisomerase II alpha.

Conclusion:

The present preliminary efforts may be helpful to design novel drugs with therapeutic
potential.
Legal consciousness and legal culture in the era of total digitalization
Authors: Baranov Pavel P. , Mamychev Alexey Y. , Dremliuga Roman I. , Miroshnichenko Olga I.
Published: November 2021

The paper analyses the change in ideas about law in the digitalization era. Noting the insufficient theoretical substantiation of attempts to impose on modern law any special characteristics arising from the widespread development of digital technologies, the authors admit that in the era of virtual reality, the laws of the digital virtual world begin to actively compete with the laws of nature. This entails a slight decrease in the role of law as a traditional regulator of social relationships. However, according to the authors, one should not artificially diminish the role of law even in the era of digitalization. In this regard, the paper discusses the main trends in the study of legal digitalization processes. The first trend is due to the need to promptly respond by legal means to the emergence of new areas of legal regulation caused by the widespread use of digital information technologies. The second trend assumes the expansion and rethinking of the subject and object of legal science within the context that new digital "participants" of legal relations born due to intelligent human activity emerge.
Student-centered online assesment in foreign language classes
Authors: Bratel Olena , Kostiuk Maryna , Bratel Sergiy , Okhrimenko Ivan
Published: November 2021

In 2020 educational institutions in many countries had to implement online learning due to quarantine restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The research aims to study the peculiarities of the distance learning technologies used by Ukrainian foreign languages teachers for formative and summative assessment and their impact on students. At the end of 2020, a survey about online resources used for creating different types of tasks for foreign language classes in Ukraine was conducted by the authors of the study, and the main characteristics of the most popular online resources were analyzed. According to the survey, the majority of Ukrainian teachers use such platforms to create tasks for assessment: Kahoot, Google Forms, Quizlet, Classtime, Quizizz, Socrative, Quizalize, Gimkit, Blooket, Liveworksheets, and Wizerme. Some of these resources provide a strong element of competition that makes them perfect for formative assessment, while the others better suit summative assessment as they have a clear interface and don’t include distracting elements. While designing online tasks for the assessment, teachers should also take into consideration the possibilities online resources provide to reduce their students’ anxiety and stress caused by performing test tasks.
Terminological description of extremism in international acts and national criminal laws
Authors: Zhilina Natalia Yu. , Lukyanchikova Elena F. , Kovalenko Dmitrij V. , Mironuk Ivan V. , Prokhorova Marina L.
Published: November 2021

Based on a meaningful analysis of international legal act provisions and criminal legislation of foreign states, the article presents the approaches to the terminological characterization of the concept of "extremism" and its legislative regulation. The conclusion is made about the lack of a united strategy to the definition of the studied theory, which complicates international relations and collaboration in the realm of countering extremist crimes. A comparative analysis of the legislative regulation of extremist crimes in foreign countries allows us to identify common features and trends in the development of legal responsibility for extremism in foreign countries, to establish differences in the legal regulation of this problem, and to develop approaches to the unification of this concept at the level of international legislation.
Deconstruction of maleficent characters in the movie titled 'maleficent'
Authors: Widyahening Ch. Evy Tri , Wardhani Nugraheni Eko
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this study was to analyze 1) Maleficent character deconstruction, 2) female image deconstruction in the story, and 3) character values ??contained in the studied films. The research method used is a qualitative method with an emphasis on the character of Maleficent. Data collection techniques used are literature study techniques or documentation studies. The data analysis technique analyzes the content or text-based deconstruction survey theory, which begins with selecting data from the rewatching film 'Maleficent' and the rereading of the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale. The idea was used to search for opposition binaries and analyze Maleficent's character both in the film and in the original fairy tale. The results showed that Maleficent's existence was deconstructed into a figure of a magic woman who was kind, compassionate, motherly and always maintained the calm and safety of Princess Aurora. Deconstruction takes place on other supporting characters in evil films, such as the king and princess Aurora. The deconstruction can be seen in the image of women depicted in the film. Princess Aurora's image is deconstructed into a vital, assertive, straightforward, brave, and critical figure.
Legal problems of using alternative energy sources in Russia and abroad
Authors: Tabunshikov Andrey T. , Barkalova Galina I. , Chirishyan Angelika R. , Novikov Andrey B. , Popova Larisa I.
Published: November 2021

The paper is devoted to topical problems of legal regulation of public relations in the field of alternative (renewable) energy sources in Russia and abroad. The paper shows the formation and development of the legal framework governing the investigated area of public relations in Russian and foreign law. The necessity of adopting a special legislative act in the Russian Federation dedicated to the civil regulation of public relations arising from the use of alternative (renewable) energy sources is substantiated.
Legal regulation of crowdfunding and investment platforms
Authors: Garmashev Mikhail A. , Sakhno Julia A. , Peremyshlennikova Inna N. , Sedova Natalya A. , Staroselzeva Marina M.
Published: November 2021

The article provides a comparative analysis of the legal regulation of crowdfunding and investment platforms in Germany, Russia, the USA, and France. Crowdfunding has been researched as a category that is an integral part of investment platforms; in a concise form, the formation of crowdfunding in the declared group of countries is disclosed; identified possible risks and problems when using investment platforms and crowdfunding. The legislation of the United States, France, Germany, and Russia in the field of crowdfunding reveals the main provisions that are directly related to investment platforms and investments, thereby helping interested parties navigate in this environment. Although the legislation of Russia, unlike foreign countries, does not directly mention crowdfunding, which in turn gives rise to legal conflicts of using this activity through the national law on attracting investments, limiting the rights of individual citizens to attract investments.
Looking in from the outside: The case of the excluded self-publisher
Authors: Poliakova Liz
Published: November 2021

A significant portion of books on Amazon are self-published using Kindle Direct Publishing. Self-publishers are given an opportunity to share their work with the world with a few clicks of their mouse. However, traditional publishing infrastructures are not as welcoming to the self-publisher. This paper undertakes to perform a policy analysis of government funding frameworks available to workers of the Canadian publishing industry. Through performing a discourse analysis, the study finds that the self-publisher is ineligible to apply for funds and grants from the government both on the provincial and the federal levels. The self-publishing business model is not recognized as a legitimate one and is often equated with vanity publishing, which comes with a stigma. Furthermore, traditional publishing industry workers act as gatekeepers who also exclude the self-publisher from the conversation around the changing landscape of the Canadian publishing industry. Even though the self-publisher should be recognized as a legitimate worker of the cultural industries, they are not acknowledged as such both by government officials who distribute grants and traditional publishers. This study adds to the limited scope of research conducted on self-publishing in order to break the boundaries that self-publishers encounter. The study concludes with recommendations to assess the process of the distribution of government funds and grants in order to incorporate the changing practices of the cultural industries and incorporate new business models such as self-publishing.
Some properties of integration of real-valued function over a fuzzy interval
Authors:   Department of Mathematics, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan, Shakhatreh M. A. , Al-Shorman A. M. ,   Department of Mathematics, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
Published: November 2021

One of the most fundamental concepts in fuzzy set theory is the extension principle. It gives a generic way of dealing with fuzzy quantities by extending non-fuzzy mathematical concepts. There are a few examples, including the concept of fuzzy distance between fuzzy sets. The extension approach is then methodically applied to real algebra, with considerable development of fuzzy number operations. These operations are computationally appealing and generalized interval analysis. Although the set of real fuzzy numbers with extended addition or multiplication is no longer a group, it retains many structural qualities. The extension concept is demonstrated to be particularly beneficial for defining set-theoretic operations for higher fuzzy sets. We need some definitions related to our properties before we can create the properties of integration of a crisp real-valued function over a fuzzy interval. It is our goal in this article to develop and demonstrate certain characteristics of a real-valued function over a fuzzy interval in order to broaden the scope of the notion of integration of a real-valued function over a fuzzy interval. Some of these characteristics are linked to the operations of extended addition and extended subtraction, while others are not.
Including the Public in Public eHealth: The Need for Community Participation in the Development of State-Sponsored COVID-19–Related Mobile Apps
Authors: Idris Muhammed Yassin , Korin Maya , Araya Faven , Chowdhury Sayeeda , Medina Patty , Cruz Larissa , Hawkins Trey-Rashad , Brown Humberto , Claudio Luz
Published: November 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has overwhelmed health care systems worldwide, particularly in underresourced communities of color with a high prevalence of pre-existing health conditions. Many state governments and health care entities responded by increasing their capacity for telemedicine and disease tracking and creating mobile apps for dissemination of medical information. Our experiences with state-sponsored apps suggest that because many of these eHealth tools did not include community participation, they inadvertently contributed to widening digital health disparities. We propose that, as eHealth tools continue to expand as a form of health care, more attention needs to be given to their equitable distribution, accessibility, and usage. In this viewpoint collaboratively written by a minority-serving community-based organization and an eHealth academic research team, we present our experience participating in a community advisory board working on the dissemination of the COVID Alert NY mobile app to illustrate the importance of public participation in app development. We also provide practical recommendations on how to involve community representatives in the app development process. We propose that transparency and community involvement in the process of app development ultimately increases buy-in, trust, and usage of digital technology in communities where they are needed most.
eHealth Interventions for Treatment and Prevention of Depression, Anxiety, and Insomnia During Pregnancy: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Silang Katherine A , Sohal Pooja R , Bright Katherine S , Leason Jennifer , Roos Leslie , Lebel Catherine , Giesbrecht Gerald F , Tomfohr-Madsen Lianne M
Published: November 2021

Background

Pregnancy is associated with an increased risk for depression, anxiety, and insomnia. eHealth interventions provide a promising and accessible treatment alternative to face-to-face interventions.

Objective

The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine the effectiveness of eHealth interventions in preventing and treating depression, anxiety, and insomnia during pregnancy. Secondary aims are to identify demographic and intervention moderators of effectiveness.

Methods

A total of 5 databases (PsycINFO, Medline, CINAHL, Embase, and Cochrane) were searched from inception to May 2021. Terms related to eHealth, pregnancy, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), depression, anxiety, and insomnia were included. RCTs and pilot RCTs were included if they reported an eHealth intervention for the prevention or treatment of depression, anxiety, or insomnia in pregnant women. Study screening, data extractions, and quality assessment were conducted independently by 2 reviewers from an 8-member research team (KAS, PRS, Hangsel Sanguino, Roshni Sohail, Jasleen Kaur, Songyang (Mark) Jin, Makayla Freeman, and Beatrice Valmana). Random-effects meta-analyses of pooled effect sizes were conducted to determine the effect of eHealth interventions on prenatal mental health. Meta-regression analyses were conducted to identify potential moderators.

Results

In total, 17 studies were included in this review that assessed changes in depression (11/17, 65%), anxiety (10/17, 59%), and insomnia (3/17, 18%). Several studies included both depression and anxiety symptoms as outcomes (7/17, 41%). The results indicated that during pregnancy, eHealth interventions showed small effect sizes for preventing and treating symptoms of anxiety and depression and a moderate effect size for treating symptoms of insomnia. With the exception of intervention type for the outcome of depressive symptoms, where mindfulness interventions outperformed other intervention types, no significant moderators were detected.

Conclusions

eHealth interventions are an accessible and promising resource for treating symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia during pregnancy. However, more research is necessary to identify ways to increase the efficacy of eHealth interventions for this population.

Trial Registration

PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) CRD42020205954; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=205954
Síndrome de ojo seco. Una revisión de la literatura
Authors: Mendoza-Aldaba Isis Isadora , Fortoul van der Goes Teresa I.
Published: November 2021

En 1903, Schirmer propuso por primera ocasión el concepto de deficiencia de lágrima. Esta enfermedad es de origen multifactorial, ya que influyen elementos como las condiciones ambientales, antecedentes genéticos, fisiológicos, físicos, presencia de agentes relacionados con la edad, el sexo, las enfermedades preexistentes en el individuo y el nivel de actividad física, los cuales predisponen y generan este padecimiento oftalmológico caracterizado por una cubierta lagrimal inestable, y ocasionan una variedad de síntomas o alteraciones visuales que potencialmente pueden acompañarse de daño en la superficie ocular.