bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Vitamins and Minerals Enriched Flora in the Management of Calciphytoliths: A Special Focus on Vitamin E
Authors: Govindan Ramu , Meenakshisundaram Tilak , Sivaramakumar Navanita , Naresh Podila , Basavan Duraiswamy , Palanisamy Dhanabal
Published: June 2021

Calciphytoliths (calcium oxalate calculi) have a great influence on human health and are a disease with a high likelihood of recurrence at a rate of more than 10% within a year. Plant flavonoids, saponins, and tannins are reported to be Litholytic by inhibiting calcium oxalate crystals or by their calcium channel blocking activity. Vitamins and minerals containing flora completely prevent deposition of oxalate by preventing pre-oxidation injury and restoring renal tissue antioxidants. So vitamin therapy also might protect against oxalate calculi deposition in the human kidneys. The present chapter discusses the impact of vitamins especially vitamin E, calcium, and low oxalate-containing plants for the management of various urinary or kidney disorders.
Measurement and Calculation of Electron Contamination for Radiotherapy Photon Mode
Authors: Chegeni Nahid , Rahim Fakher , Tahmasbi Marziyeh , Farzanegan Zahra , Hosseini Seyedeh Khadijeh
Published: June 2021

Context: This study was done to review the electron contamination sources and measurement based on dosimetry and simulation techniques for radiotherapy and also to investigate factors affecting electron contamination reduction. Methods: We systematically searched five major indexing databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, ISI web of science, and Cochrane central, using keywords of electron contamination, electron contamination AND measurement, electron contamination AND simulation, and electron contamination AND reduction until Dec 2020. Results: Overall, 35 studies were reviewed, including articles reporting the theory of electron contamination, papers on dosimetry methods to measure electron contamination, studies about simulation methods to assess electron contamination, and articles about reducing electron contamination. The results indicated an increase in electron contamination using a flattering filter, an increase in field size, the presence of prosthesis in the patient's body, and a rise in photon energy. Conclusions: It can be concluded that the excessive delivered doses by electron contamination can cause skin complications, such as erythema, desquamation, and telangiectasia inside or outside the photon field. The amount of electron contamination depends on factors, such as radiation field size, beam energy, and materials placed in the photon path. Electron contamination can be decreased by increasing the source distance to the point of measurement by the dosimeter, applying a lead foil, magnetic deflector, or replacing a portion of air column between patient and radiotherapy system head by helium gas, and also limiting the treatment field.
Cost of Human Life
Authors: Smith Shannon Frances ,   After Dinner Conversation
Published: June 2021

How do you value human life? Is there a price too high to save the life of another? In this work of philosophical short story fiction, Donald is testing new AI software that will run the entire railroad system of the future. It has one final test to pass, the classic ethics dilemma, The Trolley Problem; does it pull the lever and kill one, or do nothing and allow five to die? This should be an easy solution for an unemotional machine. However, the AI decides to do nothing, and allows the five in the simulation to die. When Donald checks its programming, he finds the program has determined, after taking into account lawsuits, delayed passenger complaints, and lost revenue, that doing nothing is the more economically valuable choice. Donald is left with the problem of if, and how, to program the AI on decisions related to value human life.
Managing Children's Services Committee: Lockdowns and Lobby Service: Partnering in Time of Pandemic
Authors: Cerqua Katie , Nori Uma , Williamson Kristin
Published: June 2021

As libraries closed physical doors to protect the families we serve, collaborations and partnerships to meet the needs of children and families took on an even greater importance.Libraries scrambled to ramp up virtual programming, grew digital collections and resources, and built outdoor story walks, all while facing the very real concern that many families continue to lack access to these important services. The ongoing lack of equitable access, further exacerbated by the pandemic, left staff with the need to do what we do best—get creative.
The employment and conduct of undercover agents: Ethical challenges of legal solutions
Authors: Ljubinković Marija
Published: June 2021

The challenge of proving the crimes of the 21st century lies largely with the constant progress and improvement of the methods and ways of action of the perpetrators, which is especially characteristic of the most serious forms of crime that threaten the security of the state and all its citizens. Therefore, there is a need for specific state action both in the prevention of these crimes and in their suppression. This includes the use of special evidentiary actions provided by law. As the most complex one, Serbian legislation provides for the action of employing an undercover agent. The key feature of the undercover agent's actions is contained in Art. 185, para. 4 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which prescribes that it is prohibited and punishable for an undercover agent to incite the commission of a criminal offense. However, other legislatures, such as the U.S. one, are familiar with the institute of the agent provocateur. The question that arises is related to ethics, but also the efficiency of various legal solutions, and the aim of this research is a type of scientific explanation of the relationship of both legal solutions with ethics in general, but also with numerous legal institutes that may be in danger in case of provocation. In conducting this research, in addition to analytical-synthetic and inductive-deductive methods, the statistical method also had an important role, as a short survey was conducted with 82 random respondents.
Degradable packaging materials: Sources, application and decomposition routes
Authors: Šuput Danijela , Popović Senka , Hromiš Nevena , Ugarković Jovana
Published: June 2021

There are many biodegradable and recyclable packaging materials available, alternatives for plastics: paper and cardboard; biodegradable polyethene (degradable due to additives incorporated during production, whose role is to lead to the polyethylene breakdown into CO2, H2O, biomass and minerals when in landfill) and biodegradable plastic (made from renewable biomass-biopolymers in a relatively energy-efficient process). The decomposition routes of degradable materials are reflected in the degradation for which realization a physico-chemical stimulus is required and biodegradation for which microorganisms are responsible. The global biodegradable plastic market was valued at $1.6 billion in 2019 and it is expected to reach $4.2 billion by 2027. The largest segment by application of biodegradable materials is in packaging with a market share of more than 60%. Some examples of degradable packaging existing on the market will be presented in the paper.
Indicators of economic efficiency of sour cherry in different production systems
Authors: Nikolić Srboljub , Sredojević Zorica , Novković Nebojša , Arsić Slaviša
Published: June 2021

The subject of this research is the economic results of conventional and organic production of sour cherries in the Republic of Serbia. The aim of the research is to determine the economic efficiency and the possibility of greater representation of organic production, as a system of conservation of natural resources and especially land. A minimum selling price of organic cherries (0.44 €/kg) has been set, at which producers can achieve a gross margin of 2,530 €/ha, as well as in the conditions of conventional production. By selling organic sour cherries at a much better selling price (0.50 €/kg) than the price of sour cherries from conventional production (0.36 €/kg), producers manage to "cover" production costs of 2,840 €/ha and achieve a gross margin of 3,910 €/ha. The gross margin includes the reimbursed lost economic benefit of 1,030 €/ha and a profit of 2,880 €/ha.
Statistik Demografi Kumbang Predator Stethorus sp. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) pada Tetranychus Kanzawai Kishida (Acari: Tetranychidae)
Authors: Santoso Sugeng , Ramlan Anjas Nirma Septia , Nurmansyah Ali
Published: June 2021

Tetranychus kanzawai Kishida adalah spesies tungau yang dapat menyebabkan kehilangan hasil pada tanaman pertanian sekitar 60–90%. Salah satu cara untuk mengendalikan tungau hama yang ramah lingkungan adalah dengan menggunakan kumbang predator Stethorus punctillum Weise. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menentukan statistik demografi, preferensi, dan tanggap fungsional S. punctillum pada T. kanzawai. Pengujian neraca hayati S. punctillum menggunakan 100 telur, dengan mengamati jumlah individu yang masih hidup sampai betina dewasa menghasilkan keturunan. Preferensi S. punctillum terhadap 50 telur dan 50 individu masing-masing nimfa dan imago T. kanzawai, dengan mengamati jumlah T. kanzawai yang dimangsa oleh larva instar I, II, III, IV dan imago S. punctillum. Tanggap fungsional dilakukan dengan memberi mangsa S. punctillum sebanyak 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 telur T. kanzawai, pengamatan dilakukan pada jumlah telur yang tersisa. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa telur S. punctillum berlangsung selama 7,01 ± 0,72 hari, larva instar I 4,84 ± 0,51 hari, instar II 3,16 ± 0,52 hari, instar III 3,00 ± 0,27 hari, dan instar IV 2,48 ± 0,50 hari. Kemampuan betina menghasilkan telur sebanyak 64,47 ± 2,37 butir. Laju reproduksi kotor (GRR) S. punctillum 64,29 individu/generasi, tingkat reproduksi bersih (Ro) 17,18 individu/betina/generasi, laju pertambahan intrinsik (r) 0,27 individu/betina/hari, rata-rata masa generasi (T) adalah 62,41 hari, dan waktu ganda (DT) adalah 2,51 hari. Data menunjukkan bahwa S. punctillum memiliki preferensi stadia telur T. kanzawai dan kurva tanggap fungsional tipe III dengan Th 7,68 menit dan a 0,22 telur/menit.
The analysis of structural and economic peculiarities of vertical greening systems
Authors: Kolesnikov Aleksandr Georgievich
Published: June 2021

This article examines the promising concepts of formation of vertical greening systems for buildings and structures, as well as the problem of development of environmental approaches towards creating architectural sites using the advanced technological means. The object of this research is the system of vertical greening of facades of buildings and structures. The subject is the analysis of installation of various vertical greening systems, which allowed conducting a comparative assessment of costs. Special attention is given to the design peculiarities of vertical greening systems and their functionality during winter. The article employs the method of systematic analysis of tested techniques for the installation of vertical greening systems based on the criteria of the type of greening to be used, method of installation, irrigation and drainage systems, convenience of use, and cost. The author describes the approaches towards creating various designs of vertical greening systems; compares the systems by technical and economic parameters. These obtained results are presented in a tabular form for selecting the system, taking into consideration various parameters. The solutions are given that allow using the vertical greening systems during winter for various types of structures, indicating that the installation costs depend on the special measures to be used. The examples of implementation of the concepts under review are provided.
Local self-government in Russian small towns: development models (on the example of the Tver Region)
Authors: Maykova Eleonora Yurievna , Simonova Elena
Published: June 2021

The subject of the research of this article is the analysis of models of development of local self-government in small towns of modern Russia and the identification of the self-governing potential of their residents. The study of models of the territorial organization of local self-government and methods of formation of municipal government bodies allows us to identify trends in the evolution of the local self-government system, to determine their nature. The study of the ideas of residents of Russian small towns about the models of local self-government and the attitudes of citizens to participate in solving local problems allows us to identify the socio-cultural foundations of the processes unfolding in modern municipalities. The object of the study is residents of small towns in the Tver region. The methods of document analysis, statistical data analysis, and survey methods were used. The data of sociological monitoring carried out in the Tver region in 2018-2020 by the method of formalized interviewing are presented. В  The models of the territorial organization of local self-government in small towns are investigated, the degree of prevalence of elective procedures for the formation of municipal bodies is studied. The ideas of the population of small towns about the nature of local self-government and its place in the management system of Russian society are analyzed, the attitude of citizens to various models of territorial organization of local self-government and ways of electing the head of the municipality is studied, the nature of the attitudes of citizens to participate in self-governing practices is revealed. A special contribution of the authors to the study of the topic is the analysis of the prevalence of various models of local self-government in small towns, taking into account their spatial and geographical location, resource characteristics and the level of self-governing potential of the population. The information obtained can be used by state and municipal authorities in the process of forming municipal management systems and organizing work with the population to involve them in self-governing practices.
The analysis of architectural typology of residential buildings in Addis Ababa
Authors: Merdassa Feven
Published: June 2021

The urgent problem of growing housing demand of urban population and solution of environmental crises of the XXI century, testifies the need to apply the local knowledge in creating the economically sustainable and cultural sensitive architecture and urban environment like never before. Search for a stable solution requires not only a clear understanding of the needs of current generation, but also grasping the experience of the past. This problem is particularly relevant in the cities that experience rapid urbanization, although culture and tradition also remain important. The object of this research is the different types of residential buildings in Addis Ababa. The article provides a brief historical overview of housing policy and examines the typology of housing architecture in Addis Ababa. In the course of this research, the author analyzed and generalized the documents and resolutions on the urban development policy and land management, as well as employed the methods of analysis, systematization, and comparison of the Russian experience of housing development. The examination of historical prerequisites of development of the city revealed the role of sociopolitical and socioeconomic factors in evolution of the typology of its architecture. The author's contribution consists in the analysis and determination of architectural types of residential buildings of the city. The main conclusion lies in realization of the importance of implementation of the principles of folk architecture for sustainable housing construction in the XXI century, while preserving cultural integrity of the city.
The peculiarities of exclusion of property necessary for professional activity of an insolvent individual from the bankruptcy estate
Authors: Sharonov Viktor Aleksandrovich
Published: June 2021

The subject of this research is the legal norms on the procedure for excluding the property necessary for debtor’s professional activity from the bankruptcy estate. The article covers the question on the possibility of excluding property necessary for the debtor to conduct professional activity, the value of which is 10,000 rubles or higher, from the bankruptcy estate. The goal of this works consists in consideration of a broader interpretation of provisions of the Paragraph 5 of the Part 1 of the Article 446 of the Civil Procedure Code of the Russian Federation jointly with clarifications of the Paragraph 2 of the Resolution of the Plenum of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation of December 25, 2018 No. 48 “On Certain Questions related to the Peculiarities of Formation and Distribution of the Bankruptcy Estate in Cases of Bankruptcy of Citizens” applicable to property of the debtor within the framework of insolvency (bankruptcy) procedure. The author analyzes the relevant civil legislation and insolvency (bankruptcy) law, as well as case law on topic. This article is one of the first attempts to systematize the relevant case law on the subject of exclusion of property necessary for debtor to conduct professional activity from the bankruptcy estate. Based on the results of analysis of the case law, national civil legislation and insolvency (bankruptcy)l law, the conclusion is made on impossibility of exclusion of property used by the debtor for professional activity, the value of which exceeds 10,000 rubles, from the bankruptcy estate in view of the failure of the economic model used by the citizen to ensure a normal life. The author questions the need to extend executive privilege onto the debtor’s property, which is required to conduct professional activity under the insolvency (bankruptcy) law.
On the path towards strong artificial intelligence: cognitive architecture based on a psychophysiological foundation and hybrid principles
Authors: Dushkin Roman
Published: June 2021

This article describes the author's proposal of cognitive architecture for the development of artificial intelligence agent of the general level (“strong" artificial intelligence”). The new principles for the development of such architecture are offered: hybrid approach in artificial intelligence and psychophysiological foundations. The scheme of architecture of the proposed solution, as well as the descriptions of possible areas of implementation are given. Strong artificial intelligence represents a technical solution that can solve arbitrary cognitive tasks accessible to humans (human level intelligence), and even beyond the capabilities of human intelligence (artificial superintelligence). The areas of application of strong artificial intelligence are limitless – from solving the current problems faced by humans to completely new tasks that are yet inaccessible to human civilization or expect for their groundbreaker. This study would be interested to the scholars, engineers and researchers dealing with artificial intelligence, as well as to the readers who want to keep in step with modern technologies. The novelty consists in the original approach towards building a cognitive architecture that has absorbed the results of previous research in the area of artificial intelligence. The relevance of this work is based on the indisputable fact that currently, the research in the area of weak artificial intelligence begin to slow down due to the inability to solve general problems, and the majority of national strategies of the advanced countries in the area of artificial intelligence declare the need for the development of new artificial intelligence technologies, including the artificial intelligence of general level.
Participle in a compound nominal predicate
Authors: Zinina Yulia Mikhailovna
Published: June 2021

This article determines the frequency of using the elements of construction of the compound nominal predicate “copulative verb + participle” in the publicistic speech. Considering the fact that in the English language participle is divided into two types – participle I (present tense) and the participle II (past tense), the article explores the use of 12 copulative – appear, become, get, go, grow, feel, keep, look, prove, remain, seem, sound in combination with both types of participle. The author also examined the dictionary entries for the verb keep as most controversial in determination of the following infinitive form with the suffix -ing. The article provides the points of view of the linguists noting that the terms “gerund” and “participle I”, inherited from the grammatical tradition are unsuitable, and suggest to consider the infinitive forms (participle I and gerund) as the single -ing form due to somewhat overlap of their functions, homonymity  and difficulty in distinguishing them. Therefore, participle I, as an element following the copulative verb with the suffix –ing is designated in the article as -ing form. Using the methods of continuous sampling and quantitative analysis on the material of the British online news platforms, such as BBC News, The Guardian, The Evening Standard, and The Express, for the period from January 2020 to March 2021, the author established that in the constructions of the compound nominal predicate “copulative verb + -ing form”, "copulative verb + participle II” in the publicistic style texts, the most common copulative verbs are get, keep, feel, become, remain; participle II has the highest frequency as a binding element of the compound nominal predicate. The research involved 200,000 words.
Fantastic beginning in the novel by L. I. Borodin “It Never Happened”
Authors: Sukhikh Ol'ga Stanislavovna
Published: June 2021

The novel “It Never Happened” by L. I. Borodin is analyzed from the perspective of peculiarities of the embodiment of fantastic beginning therein. The author employs the holistic analysis of the text. The goal of this research consists in studying the synthesis of the fantastic and the real alongside determining the nature of the extraordinary in the novel; analysis of its key function and methods of its introduction into the artistic world. It is established that the synthesis of the fantastic and the real is associated with fact that Borodin does not intend  to create an image of some extraordinary world, but seeks to actualize his emotions and find the way to resolve the internal conflict via fantastic means –  journey of the narrator into the past. The relevance and novelty are defined by the fact that the work of L. I. Borodin has not previously become the object of comprehensive literary study, although it is interesting from the perspective of problematic and poetics, reflection of the theme of guilt, which is meaningful in the works of L. Borodin. It is proven the crucial function of the fantastic in the novel “It Never Happened” is associated with psychologism. The extraordinary in the plotline is a “derivative” from the emotional drama of the narrator, the strongest desire to redeem himself, and repair what was done in childhood.
Research of the concept of “wedding” in modern linguistics and related traditions in the Russian and foreign worldviews
Authors: Zinina Yulia Mikhailovna , Androsenko Andrei Nikolaevich
Published: June 2021

This article examines the concept of “wedding” and related traditions in the Russian and foreign worldviews. Using the Russian-language and English-language explanatory dictionaries, the author analyzes the meaning of the concept of “wedding”, gives a brief description of some aspects of the wedding ceremony of the past on the example of Russia, Hungary and Great Britain; as well as provides the results of the original survey created in the Russian and English languages and conducted in electronic form on the platforms Survio and GoogleForms, which determined the attitude towards wedding traditions and customs in Russia and abroad. The survey involved unmarried 120 people, aged from 17 to 26; among them, 60 people are the residents of Russia (Russians) and 60 people are the residents of foreign countries of different nationalities – Bulgarians, Hungarians, Italians, Mexicans, Venezuelans, Vietnamese, Malaysians, Nigerians, and citizens of the United Arab Emirates. Based on the conducted survey and dictionary sampling, the author concludes that despite the identical semantic content of the concept in different languages, the national concept spheres are vary depending on the customs characteristic to each nation. If in the past, the wedding was a grand event with lots of guests and the observance of all the necessary national customs and traditions, then modern society suggests that wedding should be a memorable event, however rather unpretentious. All respondents have certain knowledge about wedding traditions and customs of their nation that should be observed and kept dearly; however most of them see their wedding day among just closest relatives and friends.
RAL GTPases mediate EGFR-driven intestinal stem cell proliferation and tumourigenesis
Authors: Nászai Máté , Bellec Karen , Yu Yachuan , Román-Fernández Alvaro , Sandilands Emma , Johansson Joel , Campbell Andrew D , Norman Jim C , Sansom Owen J , Bryant David M , Cordero Julia B
Published: June 2021

RAS-like (RAL) GTPases function in Wnt signalling-dependent intestinal stem cell proliferation and regeneration. Whether RAL proteins work as canonical RAS effectors in the intestine and the mechanisms of how they contribute to tumourigenesis remain unclear. Here, we show that RAL GTPases are necessary and sufficient to activate EGFR/MAPK signalling in the intestine, via induction of EGFR internalisation. Knocking downDrosophila RalAfrom intestinal stem and progenitor cells leads to increased levels of plasma membrane-associated EGFR and decreased MAPK pathway activation. Importantly, in addition to influencing stem cell proliferation during damage-induced intestinal regeneration, this role of RAL GTPases impacts on EGFR-dependent tumourigenic growth in the intestine and in human mammary epithelium. However, the effect of oncogenic RAS in the intestine is independent from RAL function. Altogether, our results reveal previously unrecognised cellular and molecular contexts where RAL GTPases become essential mediators of adult tissue homeostasis and malignant transformation.
Asymptomatic Bordetella pertussis infections in a longitudinal cohort of young African infants and their mothers
Authors: Gill Christopher J , Gunning Christian E , MacLeod William B , Mwananyanda Lawrence , Thea Donald M , Pieciak Rachel C , Kwenda Geoffrey , Mupila Zacharia , Rohani Pejman
Published: June 2021

Recent pertussis resurgence in numerous countries may be driven by asymptomatic infections. Most pertussis surveillance studies are cross-sectional and cannot distinguish asymptomatic from pre-symptomatic infections. Longitudinal surveillance could overcome this barrier, providing more information about the true burden of pertussis at the population level. Here we analyze 17,442 nasopharyngeal samples from a longitudinal cohort of 1320 Zambian mother/infant pairs. Our analysis has two elements. First, we demonstrate that the full range of IS481 qPCR CT values provides insight into pertussis epidemiology, showing concordance of low and high CT results over time, within mother/infant pairs, and in relation to symptomatology. Second, we exploit these full-range qPCR data to demonstrate a high incidence of asymptomatic pertussis, including among infants. Our results demonstrate a wider burden of pertussis infection than we anticipated in this population, and expose key limitations of threshold-based interpretation of qPCR results in infectious disease surveillance.
Effectiveness of Foot Exercise and Epsom Salt Water on Reduction of Foot Oedema among Antenatal Mothers
Authors: Macwan Khevna Rameshbhai , Savaliya Parasben Krunal
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Pregnancy is a very special time for both woman and her partner. Physiological lower leg oedema is one of the cutaneous manifestations of pregnancy. The weight increase during pregnancy and effect of gravity, slows down the blood circulation at lower limbs, thus leading to accumulation of fluids in that region. It is envisioned that about 75% of women suffer this excessive accumulation of fluid around the legs and ankles during pregnancy. Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of foot exercise and Epsom salt water on reduction of foot oedema among the antenatal mothers at selected hospitals of Kheda district. Materials and Methods: This was a Quasi experimental study, conducted from January 17, 2020 to March 18, 2020 at Dr ND Desai Hospital and Medical College, Nadiad, Gujarat, on forty antenatal mothers having foot oedema, selected from selected hospitals of Kheda district by purposive non probability sampling techniques. The total sample of 40 mothers was randomly allocated to group 1 (n=20 of foot exercise) and group 2 (n=20 of Epsom salt water). Foot oedema level assessment was done using tools of data collection for both groups which include performa of demographic variables and Modified Standardised Erin oedema scale. Results: Amongst the total study subjects, maximum 11 (55%) of those in group 2 were from 18-24 years of age while those in group 1. Oedema score analysis pre-interventionally, showed moderate score in 18 (90%) of subjects in group 1 and 9 (45%) of subjects in group 2. Severe score presented by 2 (10%) subjects in group 1 and 11 (55%) subjects in group 2. Post interventionally, none of the subjects in Group 1 and Group 2 showed moderate and severe oedema. All gave the score of 0, trace or mild oedema.There was statistically significant difference found in level of foot oedema in group 1 and group 2 which shows that mean difference of group 1 was 2.2 and Standard Deviation 0.51 and for control group mean difference was 2.95 and Standard Deviation 0.68. The calculated value of Mann-Whitney test was group 1 (3) and group 2 (1.49). Among them the level of foot oedema reduced 55% in group 1 (foot exercise) whereas in group 2 (Epsom salt water) it reduced 73.75%. Conclusion: Epsom salt water is more effective then foot exerciseon reduction of foot oedema among the antenatalmothers.
Multiple Case Scenarios Based Integrated Teaching among First Year Medical Students- A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Kulkarni Ashwin , Gowda Vanitha , Rao Chandrika , Rao Medhay
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Integrated teaching helps the students to understand the concepts well and conceptualise the subject well. Clinical cases introduced in the first year are interesting and stimulative for the student but may overwhelm and confuse the student. Aim: To know the perception and acceptance of integrated teaching among the first year MBBS students which include multiple case scenarios. Materials and Methods: This educational research is a cross-sectional observational study involving first year medical students in Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore. Study was conducted for a period of one year (August 2018 to June 2019). Horizontal integration of a system in the first year MBBS subjects were done. This was followed by an interactive session conducted by a Clinician basically comprising of multiple case scenarios on the particular system. The sessions focussed on integration of basic medical science subjects and their application in the case scenarios. Six organ-systems were similarly covered. The integrated sessions involved in-class discussions of the clinical cases and were designed, implemented and moderated by two faculties (clinicians and basic science faculty). Collected data were entered into MS Excel, and analysis was done using SPSS software. The students’ feedback regarding the perception of integrated teaching was collected on the Five point likerts scale using a validated questionnaire and analysed. Results: The number of students included in the study was 140. About 135 (96.4%) of the students felt that integrated teaching using multiple case scenarios motivates them to learn in a better way. About 133 (95%) of students felt that integrated teaching helps them to understand concepts well, stimulates the critical thinking. About 136 (97.14%) of students felt that integrated teaching helped them to understand the topic in a holistic way. Conclusion: The students felt that the integrated teaching using multiple case scenarios enhanced their perception and comprehension of the diseases and helped them to understand the relevance of application of pre-clinical knowledge in clinicalpractise.
Helminthes Parasites of Clarias gariepinus in Abraka Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: Onojafe J. O. , Egwunyenga A. O. , Eke S. S.
Published: June 2021

Fish is significant as a vector of disease pathogen of human and animals. The study of the helminthes parasites of Clarias gariepinus in Abraka was carried out to investigate the occurrence, prevalence and intensity of helminthes parasites in Clarias gariepinus; and to compare the helminthes parasites burden of the wild and cultured Clarias gariepinus in Abraka fresh water. A total number of four hundred and nine (409) Clarias gariepinus were examined. Collection of fish samples was done monthly for twelve months. The external parts of each fish were examined with a hand lens for the occurrence of helminthes parasites. Portions of the muscles were also teased apart in saline water and examined under the microscope first at x 40 and later x 100 oil immersion. Organs of the body were examined separately in petri dishes containing normal saline. The different groups of parasites recovered were preserved in formaldehyde and identified using prescribed methods. Of the 409 C. gariepinus examined, 172 were infected, showing an infection rate of 42.1%. C. gariepinus from the wild had a higher prevalence of 31.1% while those from culture ponds had a lower prevalence of 11%. A total of 485 parasites were recovered, comprising of 113 trematodes and 372 nematodes which represents 23.3% and 76.7% respectively. Identified trematodes included Diplosomum sp., Macrogyrodactylus sp., and Quadriancanthus sp., while namatodes included Procamallanus sp. and an Ascarid nematode. The highest intensity of infection of 3.11 was recorded in the Ascarid nematode while the least of 1.25 came from Diplostomum sp. in C. gariepinus caught from the wild. Although, there appears to be a lack of reported cases of the occurrence of the ascarid nematode that was recovered from the muscles of C. gariepinus in literature, it is evident from this study that it is a common endoparasite of the African catfish in Abraka freshwater.
Evaluation of Indoor Radon and It’s Health Risks Parameters within Azuabie, Trans-Amadi and Nkpogu Towns, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Briggs Briggs-Kamara, Margaret Apaemi, , Barikpe Sigalo, Friday , Tamunobereton-Ari Iyeneomie, , Ndubisi Orlunta, Aloysius
Published: June 2021

Evaluation of indoor radon level and its health risk parameters has been carried out in three communities Azuabie, Trans-Amadi and Nkpogu towns in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. A pocket sized Corentium Arthings digital radon detector meter was used to record the indoor radon concentration levels. The geographical coordinates were recorded using a hand-held geographical positioning system (GPS) for the various sample points. A total of 30 sample points were evaluated, with 10 sample points for each town respectively. The results of the concentration levels showed that for Azuabie (AZ) town, the concentration level varied from 6.660 Bqm-3 to 13.690 Bqm-3 with an average of 10.65±0.95Bqm-3. Nkpogu (NK) town the results of the indoor concentration level ranged from 9.250 Bqm-3 to 18.870 Bqm-3 with an average of 13.32±1.02 Bqm-3, Nkpogu (NK) town, the indoor concentration level ranged from 7.030 Bqm-3 to 20.350 Bqm-3 with an average of 12.25±1.34Bqm-3. The annual absorbed dose for Azuabie, Trans-Amadi and Nkpogu varied as follows, 1.680 mSvy-1 – 3.921 mSvy-1, 2.334 mSvy-1 – 47610 mSvy-1 and 1.774 mSvy-2 – 5.134 mSvy-1 respectively. The annual effect dose rate for the three towns ranged from 0.403 mSvy-1 – 0.941mSvy-1, 0.560 mSvy-1 - 1.143 mSvy-1 and 0.426 mSvy-1 – 1.143mSvy-1. The excess life time cancer risk varied from 1.4117 – 3.294, 1.9607 – 3.999 and 1.4901 – 3.999 respectively. The results of the indoor concentration levels annual and the absorbed dose and the annual effective dose rate are all below the ICRP safe limit. However, the results of the excess life time cancer risk are all higher than the ICRP safe standard limit of 0.029×10-3.
Transmission of COVID-19 in Public and Private Schools in Benghazi, Libya: 13th -28th February 2021
Authors: Houssein Naeima , Majeed Alsalihin , Amkhatirha Emad , Abdelghffar Abdelghffar F. , Mustafa Asma Abubakr , Ali Houssain
Published: June 2021

The aim of the present study was to provide a national estimate for transmission of COVID-19 Cases in public and private schools in Benghazi city in the Eastern region of Libya. A multistage procedure was followed to obtain a representative sample of students and teaching staffs at randomly selected schools across the Eastern region of Libya. The resultant sample consisted of 101 schools, 808 students, and 202 staff members. Data were collected on age, sex, class, and symptoms of COVID19. Rapid antigen test was performed as a diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2 to detect the presence of a viral antigen. Specimen was taken from the upper nasopharyngeal swab. Out of 808 students tested, 5 specimens were positive. Every positive rapid antigen test was further confirmed by PCR test.  All Specimens taken from staff members were negative. This survey highlights epidemiological concern on COVID-19 among students and staff members in school setting in Benghazi. Implementation and compliance with prevention measures are crucial.
Survival in Patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and COVID-19 in Mexico
Authors: Martinez Patricia Zagoya , Flores Jose Alejandro Limon , Vidal Jose Alfredo Vidal
Published: June 2021

Aims: To determine the survival of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and COVID-19.

Study Design: Prospective, analytical and relational.

Place and Duration of Study: Hematology department, Hospital of Specialties, High Specialty Medical Unit, National Medical Center "Gral. Manuel Avila Camacho", Puebla, Mexico, during the period June 2020-April 2021

Methodology: Patients aged 15 to 64 years, both sexes, with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 by PCR. The variables included were; sex, age (groups: 15-20; 21-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; and 60-64), comorbidities, general treatment and hematological treatment response. Survival was determined for the diagnosis of COVID-19 for 11 months, using the Kaplan Meier estimator and the Log-Rak test; Cox regression model (univariate and multivariate); as well as Chi square and V-Cramer with a 95% confidence interval and using the statistical program SPSS Ver. 25.

Results: The study consisted of 20 patients, of which 33.3% were women, with an average age of 37.75 ± 11.63 years; The men registered an age of 28.50 ± 18.05 years. Overall survival was 50%, with a lower limit of 101.3 and an upper limit of 242.5 days, with a mean of 171.9 days; and median at 17 days. No significant differences were found in survival regarding sex, comorbidities, general treatment and hematological response. However, mortality in patients with comorbidities was higher (p = 0.051).

Conclusion: Survival in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and COVID-19 is low, due to complications that increase mortality, mainly owing to hematological suppression, and even more so with the presence of comorbidities.
An Assessment of Integration of MSMEs and CSA into Livestock Red Meat Value Chain: A Case Study of Kajiado County, Kenya
Authors: Thongoh Mary W. , Mutembei H. M. , Mburu J. , Kathambi B. E.
Published: June 2021

The livestock sector is a major contributor to food security, livelihoods, and is most affected by climate change, but is also a major contributor of GHGs.  While climate-smart agriculture (CSA) has been adopted to mitigate the effects of climate change it has focused more on smallholder food crop producers with little attention to livestock production, and or entire food chains. MSMEs play a pivotal role in enhancing the ability of producers to engage with value chains, integrate women and marginalized groups, innovate, and are key drivers of community resilience, social adaptation, poverty reduction, and protection of livelihoods due to MSMEs’ greater adaptability and flexibility. Linking CSA to MSMEs within the livestock red value chains will strengthen the chains, improve incomes, reduce climate risks and increase resilience for pastoralists in ASALs. This study reveals that the red meat value chains in ASALs are still underdeveloped and fragmented, have little application of modern technologies and practices, unsustainable, and largely nomadic. Further, there is low integration of MSMEs and CSA due to actors’ low awareness of the concept of CSA, limited capacity building on CSA, incentives, and policy instruments to integrate MSMEs thus leaving the value chains weak, inefficient, vulnerable to climate risks, and unsustainable. Adaption of sustainable practices can only come after the integration of actors, therefore there is a need to invest in context-based integration approaches, such as awareness and knowledge, affordable relevant modern technologies and practices, relevant policy instruments, and incentives to realize the CSA triple wins, and develop climate-resilient red meat value chains.
Nasopharyngeal Samples Management Strategy During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Experience of the Pasteur Institute of Côte d'Ivoire (2020)
Authors: Odegue Danielle Kpadraux , Bertin Guedé Kipré , Maxime Diane Kouao , Innocent Kolia Kouamé , Mireille Sina-Kouamé Sylvie , Albert Obro Koby , Stéphane Kouassi Kan , Victor Yepri Banga , Solange Kakou N’gazoa , Serge Aoussi , Mireille Dosso
Published: June 2021

Medical testing laboratories are an essential link in the efficient management of infectious diseases by the identification of the pathogens involved. However, the arrangements for their operation may appear more difficult in times of health crises and raise multiple issues that may compromise the usual level of quality assurance of biological analyses and the response to needs. The smooth running and control of laboratory activities in a health crisis situation requires the implementation of a management system that allows the federation of all available energies. We report here on the experience of the Pasteur Institute of Côte d'Ivoire, in charge of nasopharyngeal samples management during the COVID 19 pandemic, describing the assessment of pre-analytical activities in the first quarter of the crisis (March to May 2020). We then present the implemented strategy and the results obtained from June to September 2020. This article proposes a framework for sharing experiences to contribute to a better preparation of the pre-analytical phase of laboratory samples during health crises.
DNA Origami Penetration in Cell Spheroid Tissue Models is Enhanced by Wireframe Design
Authors: Wang Yang , Benson Erik , Fördős Ferenc , Lolaico Marco , Baars Igor , Fang Trixy , Teixeira Ana I. , Högberg Björn
Published: June 2021

As DNA origami applications in biomedicine are expanding, more knowledge is needed to assess these structures’ interaction with biological systems. Here, uptake and penetration in cell and cell spheroid tissue models (CSTMs) are studied to elucidate whether differences in internal structure can be a factor in the efficacy of DNA‐origami‐based delivery. Two structures bearing largely similar features in terms of both geometry and molecular weight, but with different internal designs—being either compact, lattice‐based origami or following an open, wireframe design—are designed. In CSTMs, wireframe rods are able to penetrate deeper than close‐packed rods. Moreover, doxorubicin‐loaded wireframe rods show a higher cytotoxicity in CSTMs. These results can be explained by differences in structural mechanics, local deformability, local material density, and accessibility to cell receptors between these two DNA origami design paradigms. In particular, it is suggested that the main reason for the difference in penetration dynamic arises from differences in interaction with scavenger receptors where lattice‐based structures appear to be internalized to a higher degree than polygonal structures of the same size and shape. It is thus argued that the choice of structural design method constitutes a crucial parameter for the application of DNA origami in drug delivery.
A High‐Efficiency Wavelength‐Tunable Monolayer LED with Hybrid Continuous‐Pulsed Injection
Authors: Zhu Yi , Wang Bowen , Li Ziyuan , Zhang Jian , Tang Yilin , Torres Juan F. , Lipiński Wojciech , Fu Lan , Lu Yuerui
Published: June 2021

High‐efficiency and wavelength‐tunable light‐emitting diode (LED) devices will play an important role in future advanced optoelectronic systems. Traditional semiconductor LED devices typically have a fixed emission wavelength that is determined by the energy of the emission states. Here, a novel high‐efficiency and wavelength‐tunable monolayer WS2 LED device, which operates in the hybrid mode of continuous‐pulsed injection, is developed. This hybrid injection enables highly enhanced emission efficiency (>20 times) and effective size of emission area (>5 times) at room temperature. The emission wavelength of the WS2 monolayer LED device can be tuned over more than 40 nm by driving AC voltages, from exciton emission to trion emission, and further to defect emission. The quantum efficiency of defect electroluminescence (EL) emission is measured to be more than 24.5 times larger than that from free exciton and trion EL emission. The separate carrier injection in the LED also demonstrates advantages in allowing defect species to be visualized and distinguished in real space. Those defects are assigned to be negatively charged defects. The results open a new route to develop high‐performance and wavelength‐tunable LED devices for future advanced optoelectronic applications.
Combining High‐Throughput Synthesis and High‐Throughput Protein Crystallography for Accelerated Hit Identification
Authors: Sutanto Fandi , Shaabani Shabnam , Oerlemans Rick , Eris Deniz , Patil Pravin , Hadian Mojgan , Wang Meitian , Sharpe May Elizabeth , Groves Matthew R. , Dömling Alexander
Published: June 2021

Protein crystallography (PX) is widely used to drive advanced stages of drug optimization or to discover medicinal chemistry starting points by fragment soaking. However, recent progress in PX could allow for a more integrated role into early drug discovery. Here, we demonstrate for the first time the interplay of high throughput synthesis and high throughput PX. We describe a practical multicomponent reaction approach to acrylamides and ‐esters from diverse building blocks suitable for mmol scale synthesis on 96‐well format and on a high‐throughput nanoscale format in a highly automated fashion. High‐throughput PX of our libraries efficiently yielded potent covalent inhibitors of the main protease of the COVID‐19 causing agent, SARS‐CoV‐2. Our results demonstrate, that the marriage of in situ HT synthesis of (covalent) libraires and HT PX has the potential to accelerate hit finding and to provide meaningful strategies for medicinal chemistry projects.