bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Аналитическое решение задачи синтеза трехзвенного ступенчатого чебышевского СВЧ-фильтра
Authors: Арефьев А.С.
Published: January 2022

The problem of synthesis of the three–link stepped Chebyshev's microwave filter is reduced to two independent fourth degree equations, including a single link wave impedance as unknown. The solution of Descartes – Euler is applied to these equations. It is proved, that in case of wave impedances of extreme links are equal, the problem of the filter synthesis has two solutions. Identical phase–frequency responses correspond to these solutions. It is proved, that for every one of links a product of the wave impedances, relating to these solutions, is equal to a square of the wave impedance of transmission line, including filter.
Online Support and Intervention for Child Anxiety (OSI): Development and Usability Testing
Authors: Hill Claire , Reardon Tessa , Taylor Lucy , Creswell Cathy
Published: January 2022

Background

Internet-based treatments for child anxiety may help to increase access to evidence-based therapies; however, user engagement, uptake, and adherence within routine clinical practice remain as challenges. Involving the intended end users in the development process through user-centered design and usability testing is crucial for maximizing user engagement and adoption of internet-based treatments, but so far this has been lacking for internet-based treatments for child anxiety.

Objective

The aim of this study is to develop an internet-based treatment for child anxiety through a process of user-centered design (phase 1) and usability testing (phase 2), based on an existing evidence-based, face-to-face, therapist-supported, parent-led cognitive behavioral therapy intervention. It is intended that the internet-based version of this treatment would consist of a parent website, case management system for clinicians, and mobile game app for children.

Methods

Parents, children, and clinicians who were familiar with the face-to-face version of the treatment were recruited from 2 National Health Service clinics. In phase 1, participants participated in 3 workshops to gain feedback on the overall concept, explore their wants and needs for the websites and game, generate ideas on how the treatment may look, and gain feedback on initial mock-ups of the websites and game. In phase 2, participants attended 3 individual usability testing sessions where they were presented with working prototypes of the website or game and asked to perform a series of tasks on the website (parents and clinicians) or play the game (children). The frequency and details on usability errors were recorded. Participants were asked for their feedback on the website and game using a standardized usability questionnaire and semistructured interviews. The websites and game were iterated after each round of usability testing in response to this feedback.

Results

In phase 1, participants approved the general concept and rated the initial mock-ups of the website and game positively. In phase 2, working prototypes were rated positively and usability errors declined across the iterations and were mainly cosmetic or minor issues relating to esthetic preference, with few issues regarding ability to navigate the website or technical issues affecting functionality. Feedback from the semistructured interviews further supported the positive response of participants to the website and game, and helped identify areas for improvement during the iteration process. The final iteration of the website and game are presented.

Conclusions

Taking an iterative approach to development through user-centered design and usability testing has resulted in an internet-based treatment for child anxiety (Online Support and Intervention for child anxiety) that appears to meet the needs and expectations of the intended users (parents, children, and clinicians) and is easy and enjoyable to use.
Characterizing Awareness of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV Prevention in Manila and Cebu, Philippines: Web-Based Survey of Filipino Cisgender Men Who Have Sex With Men (Preprint)
Authors: Restar Arjee , Surace Anthony , Adia Alexander , Goedel William , Ogunbajo Adedotun , Jin Harry , Edeza Alberto , Hernandez Laufred , Cu-Uvin Susan , Operario Don
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

The Philippines is experiencing an HIV crisis and is considering implementing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as a national public health strategy for HIV prevention for cisgender men who have sex with men (cis-MSM). However, critical information on the awareness of PrEP among cis-MSM is needed to roll out this public health initiative.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to assess PrEP awareness and related correlates (ie, sociodemographic variables, social factors, and health care access and use) among Filipino cis-MSM.

METHODS

We conducted a web-based survey with Filipino cis-MSM (n=179) residing in the cities of Manila and Cebu, Philippines. Multivariable analysis procedures were performed to examine the factors associated with PrEP awareness.

RESULTS

Our sample demonstrated high awareness (134/179, 74.9%) and interest (159/179, 88.8%) in taking PrEP. The adjusted model showed that greater odds of PrEP awareness were associated with having a college education or higher versus a high school education or lower (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 7.30, 95% CI 1.01-52.47), earning between PHP 10,000 (US $198.6) and PHP 20,000 (US $397.2) versus <PHP 10,000 (US $198.60; aOR 9.32, 95% CI 1.41-6.22), having had a prior HIV test (aOR 6.06, 95% CI 1.20-13.55), having high HIV knowledge (aOR 3.50, 95% CI 1.11-10.98), and having friends who discussed PrEP (aOR 11.17, 95% CI 2.73-14.5).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrate that Filipino cis-MSM are aware of and interested in taking PrEP, but there is currently an unmet need for such biomedical HIV prevention technologies among this population. Incorporating PrEP education into routine HIV screening and leveraging cis-MSM social networks may be useful in optimizing potential PrEP implementation in the Philippines.
Enabling Research and Clinical Use of Patient-Generated Health Data (the mindLAMP Platform): Digital Phenotyping Study (Preprint)
Authors: Vaidyam Aditya , Halamka John , Torous John
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

There is a growing need for the integration of patient-generated health data (PGHD) into research and clinical care to enable personalized, preventive, and interactive care, but technical and organizational challenges, such as the lack of standards and easy-to-use tools, preclude the effective use of PGHD generated from consumer devices, such as smartphones and wearables.

OBJECTIVE

This study outlines how we used mobile apps and semantic web standards such as HTTP 2.0, Representational State Transfer, JSON (JavaScript Object Notation), JSON Schema, Transport Layer Security (version 1.3), Advanced Encryption Standard-256, OpenAPI, HTML5, and Vega, in conjunction with patient and provider feedback to completely update a previous version of mindLAMP.

METHODS

The Learn, Assess, Manage, and Prevent (LAMP) platform addresses the abovementioned challenges in enhancing clinical insight by supporting research, data analysis, and implementation efforts around PGHD as an open-source solution with freely accessible and shared code.

RESULTS

With a simplified programming interface and novel data representation that captures additional metadata, the LAMP platform enables interoperability with existing Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources–based health care systems as well as consumer wearables and services such as Apple HealthKit and Google Fit. The companion Cortex data analysis and machine learning toolkit offer robust support for artificial intelligence, behavioral feature extraction, interactive visualizations, and high-performance data processing through parallelization and vectorization techniques.

CONCLUSIONS

The LAMP platform incorporates feedback from patients and clinicians alongside a standards-based approach to address these needs and functions across a wide range of use cases through its customizable and flexible components. These range from simple survey-based research to international consortiums capturing multimodal data to simple delivery of mindfulness exercises through personalized, just-in-time adaptive interventions.
App-Based Relaxation Exercises for Patients With Chronic Neck Pain: Pragmatic Randomized Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Pach Daniel , Blödt Susanne , Wang Jiani , Keller Theresa , Bergmann Beatrice , Rogge Alizé A , Barth Jürgen , Icke Katja , Roll Stephanie , Witt Claudia M
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Chronic neck pain is a highly prevalent condition. Learning a relaxation technique is recommended by numerous guidelines for chronic neck pain. Smartphone apps can provide relaxation exercises; however, their effectiveness, especially in a self-care setting, is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this pragmatic randomized trial is to evaluate whether app-based relaxation exercises, including audio-based autogenic training, mindfulness meditation, or guided imagery, are more effective in reducing chronic neck pain than usual care alone.

METHODS

Smartphone owners aged 18 to 65 years with chronic (>12 weeks) neck pain and the previous week’s average neck pain intensity ≥4 on the Numeric Rating Scale (0=no pain to 10=worst possible pain) were randomized into either an intervention group to practice app-based relaxation exercises or a control group (usual care and app for data entry only). For both groups, the follow-up data were collected using app-based diaries and questionnaires. The primary outcome was the mean neck pain intensity during the first 3 months based on daily measurements. Secondary outcomes included neck pain based on weekly measurements, pain acceptance, neck pain–related stress, sick-leave days, pain medication intake, and adherence, which were all measured until the 6-month follow-up. For the primary analysis, analysis of covariance adjusted for baseline neck pain intensity was used.

RESULTS

We screened 748 participants and enrolled 220 participants (mean age 38.9, SD 11.3 years; mean baseline neck pain 5.7, SD 1.3 points). The mean neck pain intensity in both groups decreased over 3 months; however, no statistically significant difference between the groups was found (intervention: 4.1 points, 95% CI 3.8-4.4; control: 3.8 points, 95% CI 3.5-4.1; group difference: 0.3 points, 95% CI −0.2 to 0.7; P=.23). In addition, no statistically significant between-group differences regarding neck pain intensity after 6 months, responder rate, pain acceptance, pain medication intake, or sick-leave days were observed. There were no serious adverse events that were considered related to the trial intervention. In week 12, only 40% (44/110) of the participants in the intervention group continued to practice the exercises with the app.

CONCLUSIONS

The study app did not effectively reduce chronic neck pain or keep the participants engaged in exercising in a self-care setting. Future studies on app-based relaxation interventions should take into account the most recent scientific findings for behavior change techniques.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02019134; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02019134

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

RR2-10.1186/1745-6215-15-490
Understanding social influence of social media for healthy nutrition and lifestyle: qualitative insights (Preprint)
Authors: Dailah Hamad
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Although previous studies have highlighted the negative effects of the promotion of unhealthy food and beverages on social media, there is limited understanding regarding the role of social media to develop social influence that can trigger social learning for the development of healthy lifestyle behaviour. This study intends to contribute by upgrading the knowledge on how advance social platforms can act as an effective educational medium for health professionals to engage with a community about healthy nutrition and lifestyle.

OBJECTIVE

This study intends to contribute by upgrading the knowledge on how advance social platforms can act as an effective educational medium for health professionals to engage with a community about healthy nutrition and lifestyle.

METHODS

The study took a social constructionist approach because such an approach can improve understanding of the social context of food consumption, living habits, use of social media and awareness about healthy lifestyle behaviour in the context of Saudi Arabia. This study collected data from health professionals (dietitians, psychiatrists, nutritionists) as well as the general public of Saudi Arabia using focus groups discussion and semi-structured interviews.

RESULTS

The findings of this study reveal that information and knowledge sharing among celebrities, friends, friends of friends, health professionals and patients created a social wave to learn from each other’s experiences and develop the motivation to practice healthy lifestyle behaviour. The painful stories of patients, warnings of health professionals, and the benefits of compliance with social influence led to improvements in health (happy mood, low diabetes and blood pressure, better mental condition) and increased motivation in the community to adopt healthy lifestyle behaviour.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study reveal that information and knowledge sharing among celebrities, friends, friends of friends, health professionals and patients created a social wave to learn from each other’s experiences and develop the motivation to practice healthy lifestyle behaviour. The painful stories of patients, warnings of health professionals, and the benefits of compliance with social influence led to improvements in health (happy mood, low diabetes and blood pressure, better mental condition) and increased motivation in the community to adopt healthy lifestyle behaviour.
Las olas feministas, ¿una metáfora innecesaria?
Authors: Chaparro Amneris
Published: January 2022

En este artículo ofrezco una  exploración sobre la conformación de la metáfora de las olas feministas entendida como desplazamiento epistemológico. Después de un breve recuento histórico, doy cuenta de que, si bien la metáfora resulta útil paravisibilizar y sistematizar la lucha de las mujeres, un acercamiento más profundo da cuenta de sus limitaciones, omisiones y sesgos, así como de la falta de acuerdo sobre su temporalidad. Pese a lo anterior, sugiero que la metáfora es un recursoepistemológico valioso para pensar no sólo el pasado sino también el presente y el futuro de los feminismos.
Reducing visual analog scale (VAS) in circumcision patient by the additional of topical anesthesia agent in local anesthesia procedures
Authors: M. Fadel Dikaprio  , Romdhoni Muhammad Fadhol , Riyanto Refni Riyanto , Susiyadi
Published: January 2022

Circumcision could be painful before, during, and after the surgery. The local anesthesia is often used in medical practice in order to reduce pain during circumcision. Topical anesthesia works by eliminating pain sensation after direct application on skin. This study aimed to investigate the effect of additional of topical anesthesia agent for circumcision on the visual analog scale (VAS). It was a cross sectional study using the data of medical records from a Circumcision Clinic (Rumah Sunatan) in Purwokerto, Central Java conducted from July 2019 to March 2020. As a result, there were 127 subjects (70.6%) belong to Mild Category VAS, while 26 subjects (14.4%) got Moderate, and 27 subjects (15.0%) fall under Severe Category. The application of topical anesthesia for circumcision could reduce the VAS value by 70.6 %.
Antimicrobial activity of Pycnarrhena cauliflora (Miers.) Diels. methanol extract
Authors: Eti Nurwening Sholikhah  , Maulina Diah  , Mustofa  , Masriani  , Susi Iravati  , Samekto Wibowo
Published: January 2022

Pycnarrhena cauliflora (Miers.) Diels., local name sengkubak, is one of indigenous plants from West Kalimantan that has been used as natural flavor. Pycnorrhena cauliflora is one of species of Menispermaceae family which is rich in bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids. This alkaloids are known to have various biological activities including antiprotozoal, antiplasmodial, antifungal and antibacterial activities. This study aimed to investigate antimicrobial activity of  the P. cauliflora (Miers.) Diels. methanolic extracts against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The methanolic extract of P. cauliflora (Miers.) Diels., root, leaf and stem were prepared by maceration. The disk-diffusion method was then used to determine the antimicrobial activity of the extracts against Streptococcus pyogenes, S. mutants, Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Salmonella typhi, Shigella flexneri, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli after 18-24 h incubation at 37 oC. Amoxicillin was used as positive control for gram-positive bacteria and ciprofloxacin was used as gram-negative bacteria. The inhibition zones were then measured in mm. Analysis were conducted in duplicates. The results showed in general the methanolic extracts of P. cauliflora (Miers.) Diels. root (inhibition zone diameter= 10-23 mm) were more active than that leaf (0-15 mm) and stem (0-17 mm) extracts against gram-positive bacteria. The zone inhibition diameter of amoxicillin as positive control was 8-42 mm. In addition, the methanolic extracts of P. cauliflora (Miers.) Diels. root (12-17 mm) were also more active than that leaf (0-12 mm) and stem (0-12 mm) extracts against gram-negative bacteria. The zone inhibition diameter of ciprofloxacin as positive control was 33-36 mm. In conclusion, the methanolic extract of P. caulifloria (Miers.) Diels. root is the most extract active against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Further study will be focused to isolate active compounds in the methanolic extract of the root.
Machiavelli’s Political Thought and Its Inspiration—Text Analysis Based on the Prince
Authors: Haokai Zhang
Published: January 2022

Machiavelli is one of the founders of modern bourgeois political theory. The birth of his masterpiece The Prince creates a new pattern of western political thought, which marks the first time that political science has escaped from the bondage of religion and ethics. At the same time, Machiavelli is also named “Machiavelliism”. The so-called “no means to achieve the purpose” has become the greatest misunderstanding of Machiavelli. Based on the prince analysis of Machiavelli’s political thought, around his national unity of Italy launched the national regime, military, monarchy and other aspects of thinking.
Calentamiento global y desarrollo sostenible, avances y retos actuales en la política pública de México
Authors: Morales Lara Bernardo
Published: January 2022

En este ensayo se analizan de manera general los avances de México en materia de desarrollo sostenible y en la reducción de las emisiones de gases efecto invernadero, con el propósito de explicar el cumplimiento de nuestro país con los compromisos internacionales promovidos, principalmente, por la Organización de las Naciones Unidas (ONU).
Detection of IgG and IgM Levels in Patients with COVID-19 in Mosul Province, Iraq
Authors: Kahya Hasan Faisal Hussein , Mahmood Mohammed Taha
Published: January 2022

The pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) has become the most dangerous viral infection worldwide. Since its identification in late 2019, the number of medical trials to combat the infection has sharply increased. Here, we investigated the profiles of IgG and IgM in 85 patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection from day 1 after symptom onset until day 35 with 5-day intervals. Serum samples were collected and stored until use. We observed that IgM levels were detectable on day 5 post symptom onset and increased sharply, with the highest rate detected in moderate cases (32.332 ± 4.32, n=10). Subsequently, a significant reduction in IgM was observed until it was undetectable on day 35 after symptom onset. Meanwhile, IgG levels were detected on day 10 post symptom onset, and the highest rate was observed in moderate cases (8.232 ± 2.3, n=10). A significant increase in IgG rate was observed in all patients, with the highest rate in moderate cases (42.432 ± 4.34, n=67) on day 35 post symptom onset. The statistical difference between the case and control groups was significant (p≤0.001). Two out of 85 patients died during the study.
Clinical, Epidemiological and Microbiological Profile of A Potentially Pathogenic Environmental Saprophyte, Burkholderia pseudomallei; at A Tertiary Care Hospital in Coastal India
Authors: Vinayan Sruthi , Bhat U. Pratibha
Published: January 2022

Melioidosis is a severe systemic infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, a gram-negative bacillus with bipolar staining. It is an environmental saprophyte endemic to Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. The disease can have varying manifestations. This is a retrospective study of the clinical and microbiological profile of culture-proven cases of melioidosis who presented to a tertiary care hospital in Coastal Karnataka between January 2018 and December 2020. The epidemiological, demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics were studied and analyzed. A total of 27 cases were seen during the study period. All patients were from the western coastal areas of India. Fever was the most common presenting complaint. Analysis of the clinical manifestations showed 11 (40.74%) with bacteremia. Pneumonia was the most common primary clinical presentation with 11 cases (40.74%). 9 (33.3%) patients had an abscess in some part of the body on presentation. Secondary foci were seen in 5 (18.5%) patients. The prominent risk factors seen were history of type 2 diabetes mellitus, age >40 years, alcoholism and smoking. 13 (48.15%) were started with the treatment regimen for melioidosis. Only 8 (29.63%) were prescribed the eradication treatment regimen. One case which was inadequately treated came back with reactivation of melioidosis. Varied clinical presentation of melioidosis makes the specific clinical diagnosis difficult. Due to the high mortality and morbidity rate, early diagnosis and prompt management is warranted, this requires clinical vigilance and an intensive microbiological workup. Lack of adherence to the treatment protocol can lead to reactivation.
Development of pteridophyte catarium (herbarium catalog) media in plantae materials for X graders of SMA Islam Batu
Authors: Asshiddiqie Faqih , Amin Mohamad , Purwanti Elly , Hudha Atok Miftachul , Fauzi Ahmad
Published: January 2022

: Plantae material is one of the materials that requires a direct observation process to determine the characteristics, morphology, metagenesis, and benefits for the environment, especially in Pteridophyte material. So far, students only use textbooks and students have not been invited to learn with contextual learning objects. Thus, media is needed to facilitate direct observation and identification of plants. The purpose of this research is to produce learning media Pteridophyte catarium (Catalog Herbarium). This type of research is research and development (R&D) with the ADDIE development model. The results showed that the quality of the product according to media experts was very feasible with an assessment percentage of 77.08%, as well as according to material experts who said it was very feasible with a 95% rating percentage. The results of the teacher's response were 79.16% and the results of readability by students on a small and large scale respectively were 76.5% and 81.16%, indicating very decent quality. It was concluded that the product in the form of Pteridophyte catarium learning media was very suitable to be used as a teacher's learning media in plantae biology learning activities.
Development of a biology practicum module with microtech-nical preparations on the structure and function of plant tissue
Authors: Arifin Samsul , Amin Mohamad , Husamah H. , Hudha Atok Miftachul , Miharja Fuad Jaya
Published: January 2022

There has been no development or preparation of microtechnical modules on the material structure and function of plant tissues equipped with preparations. Therefore, the purpose of this research and development was to produce modules equipped with microtechnical preparations and analyze their quality through validation of teaching materials experts, material experts, and readability by teachers and students on small- and large-scale trials. This type of research was Research and Development (R&D) with the ADDIE development model which has five stages, namely: analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. The results of the development research were in the form of a product of a biology practicum module with microtechnical preparations. The quality of the modules according to the teaching materials experts and materials experts was very good with the percentages of 80.6% and 99.4%, respectively. The result of the teacher's response was 81.4% with a very good category and readability by students on a small and large scale respectively 88% and 82.7%. Based on this assessment, it shows that the module with this preparation was suitable for use as teaching material by teachers in biology learning activities on the structure and function of plant tissue.
Development of echinoderm comic as learning media in Junior High School
Authors: Octaviana Rena , Sari Nurhaty Purnama , Agustina Fenny
Published: January 2022

Comic media development is essential for junior high school students. Because in learning the echinoderm material, students' motivation is shallow. This research aims to 1) develop echinoderms comics, 2) find out how to develop comic learning media, 3) find out whether comic learning media was suitable for scientific learning. This research and development used the Hannafin and Peck model with three stages they were 1) needs analysis, 2) design stage and 3) development and implementation. The methods of collecting data were used observation and questionnaires. Comic media validation consisted of material experts, media experts, and educators. The subjects in this research were students of class VII Junior High School Islam Integral Luqman Al-Hakim 02 Batam. The quality of comic media is based on material expert validation, a suitable category (85.14%). The result of media expert validation was an excellent category (92.00%). Students who responded at the small group test stage were an excellent category (93.61%). Finally, students answered a suitable category at the big group test (88.25%). Echinoderm comics have been ideal for science learning based on the explanation above.
"Liver as excretory organ": Developing Android-based flash learning media for middle school students
Authors: Muninda Yasmine Salsabila , Pantiwati Yuni , Purwanti Elly , Permana Tutut Indria
Published: January 2022

Studying the liver as an excretory organ is still a problem for students. The availability of learning media that can represent learning is urgently required. This study aims to develop and analyze the feasibility and practicality of Android-based flash learning media on the liver as an excretory organ for eighth-grade students. This Research and Development (R&D) uses the Borg and Gall model with a limit of up to stage seven. The results of expert validation show that learning media is included in the "very feasible" category according to media experts and material experts, with the percentage order of 86% and 95%. The media practicality by the teacher's response showed that media was categorized as very practical (94%). Then, student response toward the media was reached 85% and categorized as practical. The test of the effectiveness of learning media on critical thinking skills showed that there was a significant difference between the pretest and posttest scores. The results of this study need to be continued at the next R&D stage to get the feasible product.
Development of HOTS-based biology learning documents using ADDIE Model
Authors: Sari Enies Nabila Fithri Tiara , Amin M. , Hudha Atok Miftachul , Fatmawati Diani , Fauzi Ahmad
Published: January 2022

Empowerment of Higher-Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) is often not optimal due to the lack of availability of HOTS-based learning documents. The purpose of this development research was to produce HOTS-based biology learning tools on motion system material for class XI high school. This development research uses the ADDIE model which has five stages: analyze, design, develop, implement and evaluate. The product development was validated by learning experts and material experts and then tested on students. The validation sheet was used as a data collection instrument. The validation results from learning experts stated that the learning syllabus was very feasible (84.3%), lesson plans were very feasible (80.2%), student worksheets were feasible (72.2%), and test questions were very feasible (83%). Meanwhile, the validation results from material experts stated that all learning documents were feasible (the percentage of eligibility for syllabus, lesson plans, student worksheets, and test questions were 77%, 70%, 80%, and 80%, respectively). After being tested on students, student responses and the results of their evaluation scores indicate that the learning documents that have been developed are suitable for use. In addition, the HOTS learning tools developed are practical and effective in the learning process, so as to create a student-centered learning process and be able to improve students' HOTS.
Lithuanian Slang Adverbs of Slavic Origin
Authors:   Vilnius University, Kudirka Robertas
Published: January 2022

The article morphologically analyzes Lithuanian slang adverbs (215) of Slavic origin (mostly from Russian, sometimes from Polish and Belarusian), selected from Dictionary of Lithuanian Slang and Nonnormative Lexicon. There are four types of adverbs selected for analysis: hybrid derivatives of the suffix -ai from suffixal and nonsuffixal adjectives, adverbs without formants, and adverbialized word combinations. The aim of the analysis is to identify systematic morphological patterns and adaptive features. The analysis has shown that in Lithuanian slang Slavic adverbs are adapted phonetically and orthographically according to the principle of substitution of foreign phonemes as close as possible to their own. The Slavic slang lexicon tends to copy derivative models and integrate them into and inflectional paradigms of Lithuanian: morphological features are inherited from Slavic languages and specifically transformed in the Lithuanian language system; variability in borrowed slang appears due to spontaneous adaptation to language recipient features.
Latviešu zinātnes valodas pētniecības virzieni 21. gadsimtā: literatūras apskats
Authors:   Liepājas Universitāte, Laiveniece Diāna , Dubova Agnese
Published: January 2022

Zinātnes valoda ir valodas paveids, kas tiek izmantots pētniecības procesa un rezultāta aprakstam zinātniskā tekstā mutvārdos vai rakstveidā. Līdz 21. gadsimta sākumam latviešu zinātnes valoda skatīta un raksturota funkcionālo stilu kontekstā un vispārīgā veidā, nosaucot galvenās stila pazīmes un īsi raksturojot tam raksturīgo leksiku, bet nepievēršot detalizētu uzmanību zinātnes valodas lingvistiskajiem aspektiem. 21. gadsimta sākumā latviešu zinātnes valodas pētniecībai pievēršas vairāki valodnieki, tāpēc, skatot šo procesu attīstībā, nodalāmi trīs galvenie zinātnes valodas pētniecības virzieni: pētījumi par zinātniska teksta makrostruktūru vai atsevišķiem tās elementiem, pētījumi par zinātniska teksta mikrostruktūru un to veidojošajiem elementiem un pētījumi par latviešu zinātniskajiem tekstiem sastatījumā ar citām valodām.
Old Latvian Comparative Constructions
Authors:   Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Ostrowski Norbert
Published: January 2022

What functioned as the primary comparative construction in seventeenth-century Latvian was a construction with the conjunction nekā ‘than’ (literally: ‘not like’), which typologically represents the so-called conjoined comparative in Stassen’s terminology (Stassen 1985). This is consistent with the state of affairs evidenced in sixteenth-century Lithuanian, where, as primary comparative constructions of inequality (COI), we find constructions with conjunctions comprising negation: neg(i), nei(gi), neng, nekaip, net, nent ‘than’ (Ostrowski 2018).
Effect of a glyphosate formulation on freshwater plankton: A community combined metric approach
Authors:   Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología. Departamento de Ciencias Naturales. Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias. Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL). CP 3000. Santa Fe. Argentina, Polla W.M. , Regaldo L. ,   Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Reno U. ,   Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Popielarz A. ,   Instituto Nacional de Tecnología (INTEC – CONICET - UNL). Parque Tecnológico Litoral Centro. CP 3000, Santa Fe. Argentina, Gervasio S. ,   Instituto Nacional de Tecnología (INTEC – CONICET - UNL). Parque Tecnológico Litoral Centro. CP 3000, Santa Fe. Argentina, Fernández V. ,   Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología. Departamento de Ciencias Naturales. Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias. Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL). CP 3000. Santa Fe. Argentina, Gagneten A.M. ,   Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología. Departamento de Ciencias Naturales. Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias. Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL). CP 3000. Santa Fe. Argentina
Published: January 2022

Aim: The aim of this study was to experimentally assess the effects of glyphosate formulation on plankton composition by using different community parameters through a mesocosm experiment. Methodology: A 600 l mesocosm experiment was performed for 7 days, including a control (without glyphosate) and two concentrations of glyphosate. Results: Glyphosate caused a significant decrease in cladoceran density and a significant increase in rotifer, Chlorophyceae, and Euglenophyceae densities. In addition, zooplankton size diversity as well as microalgal evenness diminished. Interpretation: The decrease in cladoceran density may have benefited rotifers since they are less competitive for food resources. Moreover, the decrease in cladoceran foraging pressure over Chlorophyceae and Euglenophyceae may have benefited them. The different tolerances and competitiveness within the plankton components make the structure of this community a good indicator of environmental disturbance.
Comparative studies of codon usage profile of Anisakis simplex (Nematoda) and Carassius gibelio (Prussian carp)
Authors:   Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Jammu- 180 001, India, Ahmed W. , Gupta S. ,   CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine Jammu- 180 001, India, Mukherjee I. ,   Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Na Sádkách, České Budejovice-11720, Czech Republic, Babu V.K. ,   Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Jammu- 180 001, India, Singh R. ,   Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Jammu- 180 001, India
Published: January 2022

Aim: The aim of the present study was to understand the molecular relationship between nematode (parasite) and fish (host) through codon usage bias (CUB) analysis. Methodology: The Codon usage bias analysis has been performed in fish Carassius gibelio (Prussian carp) and nematode fish parasite Anisakis simplex. The complete coding sequences (CDS) of C. gibelio (Prussian carp) and A. simplex (Nematode) were retrieved from National Center for Biotechnology Information and followed to that we have performed bioinformatics analysis to understand the codon usage pattern between host and parasite. Results: Different CUB indices like Relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU), Effective number of codons (ENC), Codon adaptation index (CAI) and Codon bias index (CBI) revealed a similar pattern in the codon usage in C. gibelio and A. simplex. In addition, inclusive analysis using different plots (ENC, parity, neutrality) had shown the influence of both the evolutionary forces i.e mutational and translational selection on codon usage pattern. This describes the role of evolutionary forces in determining the conserved genome to establish species-specific function-level differences for efficient survival. Interpretation: The present study elucidated the association between Carassiusgibelio (host) and Anisakis simplex (parasite) based on the similar pattern of codon usage bias between both the species.
Metagenomic analysis decodes the fungal diversity of bio-dynamic preparations
Authors:   Department of Biosciences, Integral university, Lucknow- 226 026,India, Vaish S. , Garg N. ,   Division of Post Harvest Management, ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Rehmankhera, Lucknow – 226 101, India, Ahmad I.Z. ,   Department of Bioengineering, Integral university, Lucknow-226 026, India, M. Muthukumar ,   Division of Crop Improvement and Biotechnology, ICAR- Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Lucknow-226 101, India
Published: January 2022

Aim: Biodynamic farming system involves use of 8 different biodynamic preparations (BD 500-BD 507). Multi functionality of any ecosystem is due to its microbial diversity and community composition of microbes. So the present study was aimed to determine the total fungal population viz. unculturable ones, metagenomic analysis was done. Methodology: In the present study, 18S rDNA sequencing of V3-V4 amplicon regions was performed to identify and characterize fungal diversity, which existed in these preparations. Results: Alpha diversity was found to be maximum in BD506 with 868 OTU (operational taxanomic units) and minimum in BD507 with 254 OTU. At phylum level, the most abundant phylum was Ascomycota as recorded in 7 BD preparations with exception in the BD 500 (Unassigned). At genus level highest percentage of OTU abundance was observed for unassigned genus in all BD preparations, except Mortierella in BD 500 and BD 502; Microascus in BD 501 and BD504; Gymnoascus in BD503, Scedosporium in BD 505, Mucor in BD 506 and Hyphopichia in BD 507. On the basis of species diversity, BD502, 503 and 506 showed high percentage of OTU abundance for Mucor racemosus, while Mortierella oligospora was abundant in BD500, Dipodascus geotrichum in BD 501, Kernia pachypleura in BD504, Petriella setifera in BD505 and Hyphopichia burtonii in BD 507. Interpretation: This indicated a unqiue class of fungus predominating each type of BD preparation. Furthermore, a large proportion of unassigned fungi at phylum and genus level were detected in metagenome analysis which might have specific roles in contributing for their overall effectiveness of each kind of BD preparations.
Genetic variability and population structure of Leucinodes orbonalis (Guenée), a severe insect pest of brinjal in India
Authors:   Department of Applied Agriculture, Rajiv Gandhi South Campus, Banaras Hindu University, Mirzapur- 231 001, India, Padwal K.G. , Chakravarty S. ,   Department of Applied Agriculture, Rajiv Gandhi South Campus, Banaras Hindu University, Mirzapur- 231 001, India, Srivastava C.P. ,   Department of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi - 221 005, India
Published: January 2022

Aim: The present study was undertaken to provide valuable insights regarding population genetic structure of Leucinodes orbonalis from diverse agro-ecologies of India. Methodology: Molecular characterization of L. orbonalis populations collected from five major agro-climatic zones of India was carried out using mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene. Collected specimens were subjected to DNA extractions, partial PCR amplification and sequencing of the target gene, and multiple sequence alignments. Results: The results showed very less diversity in the nucleotide positions of the COI sequences of 79 studied specimens, with a low number of segregating sites (30), nucleotide diversity (0.00438) and overall mean genetic distance (0.004 ± 0.001). The significant negative values of neutrality tests and unimodal mismatch distribution supported the demographic expansion theory in Indian L. orbonalis. Analysis of the molecular variance revealed that 93.13% of the genetic variation was within populations, and the variation among populations was only 6.87%. The pairwise genetic differentiation was also found to be low to moderate between most of the populations. Multiple haplotypes were recorded from all the populations, and both neighbour-joining tree as well as the haplotype network showed that clustering of the haplotypes was independent of the geographical location. Interpretation: Thus, it can be inferred that Indian populations of L. orbonalis have very low genetic variation levels concerning the COI gene. There is a possible occurrence of stable inherited gene flow among populations, thereby reducing genetic variation in India.
Influence of probiotics on physico-chemical and organoleptic characteristics of sweet orange juice
Authors:   Department of Food Microbiology and Safety, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Agricultural University (MAU), Parbhani- 431 402, India, Deshpande H.W. , Katke S.D. ,   Department of Food Microbiology and Safety, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Agricultural University (MAU), Parbhani- 431 402, India, Poshadri A. ,   Department of Food Microbiology and Safety, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Agricultural University (MAU), Parbhani- 431 402, India
Published: January 2022

Aim: The study was undertaken to evaluate the survival probiotic organisms and its influence on the physical, chemical, nutritional and sensory characteristics of sweet orange juice. Methodology: Two samples of probiotic juice were prepared with 10 percent innoculum containing LAB strains (Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Lactobacillus plantarum). Sample A (without encapsulated strains) and Sample-B (with encapsulated strains) were prepared and incubated for 10hrs at 35oC. After incubation, the physico-chemical analysis of both the samples were analyzed for TSS, pH, acidity, total sugars, reducing sugars and ascorbic acid content. Results: The results of TSS, pH, acidity, total sugars, reducing sugars and ascorbic acid content for sample –A and Sample –B were 11.4˚Brix, 3.51, 0.82 percent, 6.1 percent, 1.5 percent, 4.6 percent, 40mgml-1 and 11.6˚ Brix, 3.68, 0.77 percent, 6.4 percent, 1.7 percent, 4.9 percent, 40 mg ml-1, respectively. Sensory evaluation revealed that overall acceptance of probiotic juice containing encapsulated strains and free strains in the first week was 8.3 and 7.8, respectively. Even after 4 weeks of storage, the overall acceptance for juice with encapsulated strains was better than free strains with a score of 7.5 and 7.0 at the end of storage period. Interpretation: The sweet orange juice with encapsulated strains has high viable cell count (109cfu ml-1) even after 4 weeks of storage resulted in stable therapeutic probiotic sweet orange juice. It is further, suitable for commercial production of probiotic sweet orange juice with probiotic cultures.
The effect of flood on seasonal dynamics of Haemaphysalis (Acari: Ixodidae) tick vectors in Western Ghats forest area of Kerala, South India
Authors:   Department of Medical Entomology and Zoology, National Institute of Virology-Kerala unit, Alappuzha – 688 005, India, Balasubramanian R. , Sahina S. ,   Department of Medical Entomology and Zoology, National Institute of Virology-Kerala unit, Alappuzha – 688 005, India
Published: January 2022

Aim: Climate and weather conditions play a crucial role in the dynamics and distribution of ticks and tick-borne diseases. In this study, we explored the influence of a heavy rainfall (flood) occurrence on the seasonal activity and density of host-seeking Haemaphysalis tick vectors in Wayanad district, Kerala, India. Methodology: Wayanad district in Kerala state was selected as the study area. Ticks were collected from December 2017 to May 2019, monthly for five consecutive days by dragging method. Tick density was analyzed with climate data obtained from the meteorological station. Results: The total number of ticks collected post-flood decreased to 59% in Kurichiyad (site 1) and 63% in Muthanga (site 2), and the seasonal nymphal peak density was shifted. A seasonal peak of tick activity was normally observed from December to February. This peak occurrence was missing after flood in the study areas created with waterlogging and vegetation overgrowth. Interpretation: The present study revealed the effect of flood events in the study sites with significant differences in the abundance of five Haemaphysalis tick species during pre and post-flood periods and forest and wildlife habitats. This difference in the changing climatic conditions and increasing annual flood seasons in the Western Ghats may shift this region's ticks questing activity and tick-borne disease ecology.
Effect of mangosteen peel extract on BPA-exposed murine during gestation
Authors:   Department of Allied Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, 31900, Malaysia, Loh K.L. , Kwong P.J. ,   Department of Agricultural and Food Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, 31900, Malaysia, Chan M.Y. ,   Department of Chemical Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, 31900, Malaysia, Tan G.C. ,   Department of Allied Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, 31900, Malaysia
Published: January 2022

Aim: To evaluate the potential protective effects of mangosteen peel extract against BPA-induced abnormalities on-pregnant mice fetus at implantation stage and offspring at post-parturition. Methodology: Pregnant mice were orally administered with BPA (100mg kg-1 b.wt.) and mangosteen peel extract (200mg kg-1 b.wt.) for 16 days. In order to evaluate the effect of MPE treatment on fetus at implantation stage, the pregnant mice were euthanized at day 18 and the fetus number and morphology were examined. Another group of treated dams, were allowed to undergo parturition for evaluating the of maternal weight, litter size and offspring sex-skewness. Results: Upon feeding Mangosteen peel extract (MPE), the average daily weight gain of dams were not significantly different from the control and BPA treated dams. The fetus derived from BPA treated dams were detected with abnormalities such as under development, haemorrhage and absence of vein, whereas fetus from dam treated with MPE and BPA as well as control were normal. The average litter size of all the treatment groups were not significantly different from the control group. BPA treated mice had lower pups survival up to 6 weeks compared to the groups treated with MPE and control. Test of proportion analysis showed BPA-treated group had significantly higher fraction female ratio. Interpretation: BPA is known as endocrine disruptor causing oxidative stress to female reproductive system, hence mangosteen peel extract contains antioxidant substances that have the potential to ameliorate the adverse effects of BPA exposure on dams during pregnancy and its fetus development.
Tsangaya System of Education and its Positive Effects on Almajiri and Society in Potiskum, Yobe State Nigeria
Authors: Idriss Ibrahim Dahiru , Hj Hamzah Norhayati
Published: January 2022

Tsangaya System of Education, generally called Makarantan Allo or traditional Qur’anic school has been in existence for decades, its history can be traced back to the early days of the coming of Islam to Nigeria. It has been a source of moral and scholastic training of the Muslim dominated societies in the northern part of Nigeria. The system which provides essentially, basic Qur’anic education to the Almajiri (students) has contributed tremendously in promoting Qur’anic education, inculcating self-discipline, spiritual growth of Muslim individuals and the communities. Therefore, this article examines the positive effects of Tsangaya System of Education on the Almajiri in Potiskum Yobe State, Nigeria. The study employed a qualitative approach that entails the techniques of documentation and interviews in collecting data while thematic analysis was utilized for data analysis. The findings revealed that Tsangaya System of Education in Potiskum area of Yobe State has positive effects on the Almajiri in the area such as mastering the recitation, memorization and writing of the glorious Qur’an as well as inculcating good behavioural modes.