bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence, trend and associated factors of malaria in the Shai-Osudoku District Hospital
Authors: Tetteh Jessica Ashiakie , Djissem Patrick Elorm , Manyeh Alfred Kwesi
Published: March 2023

Background
Even though malaria is easily preventable and treatable, it continues to have a devastating impact on people’s health and livelihoods around the world. Sub-Saharan Africa carries a disproportionately high share of the global malaria burden. This study seeks to assess the prevalence, trend and factors associated with malaria in the Shai-Osudoku District Hospital.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence, trend, and factors associated with malaria in the Shai-Osudoku District Hospital. A 10-month secondary data was extracted from February to November 2020 in the Shai-Osudoku District Hospital, Ghana. The extracted data were entered into Epi Data version 6 and analyzed using STATA version 16. Descriptive analysis was performed to determine the prevalence, trend and socio-demographic characteristics of study participants. Simple logistic regression at a 95% confidence level was performed to investigate socio-demographic factors associated with malaria infection. Tables and charts with summary statistics were used to present the results.
Results
Secondary data from 3896 individuals were included in the study. The participants with The age of the participants range from 0.8 to 101 years with a mean age of 32.5. The estimated prevalence of malaria during the study period is 20.9%. Majority (79.1%) of the participants who presented signs and symptoms of malaria were negative after testing. The prevalence of malaria cases increased progressively from 6.7–55.4% across the ten months. The simple logistic regression at a 95% confidence level revealed that age group, sex, residential status, religion, occupation and marital status were statistically significantly associated with malaria. The shows that persons who tested positive for malaria were mostly treated with Artemether lumefantrine (46.1%), some malaria positive cases were given Artesunate injection (11.6%), Dihydroartenisinin Piperaquine (16.2%) and Oral artemether-lumefantrine (6.5%). Surprisingly 19.6% of the malaria-positive cases were not given any form of malaria medication.
Conclusion
Factors found to influence malaria infection in the Shai-Osudoku District Hospital include participant’s age, sex, residential status, religious affiliation occupation and marital status. The findings of this study showed that malaria remains a serious public health problem in the Shai Osudoku District Hospital, Ghana. The information obtained from this study can guide the implementation of malaria prevention, control and elimination strategies in Ghana.
Perihematomal edema after minimally invasive surgery: A matter of concern to Neurosurgeon
Authors: Lei Pan , Li Zhiyang , Song Ping , Wei Hangyu , Gao Lun , Zhou Long , Cheng Li , Hua Qiuwei , Wang Wenju , Cai Qiang
Published: March 2023

Background and purpose
To explore the evolution of brain edema after minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in deep spontaneous cerebral hemorrhage (DSICH) treatment and to analyze the differences in edema after different surgical methods.
Methods
The clinical data of 92 patients with DSICH treated in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from January 2020 to December 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. Among them, 47 cases were treated with minimally invasive puncture and drainage surgery (MIPDS group), and 45 were treated with neuroendoscopic surgery (NES group). The continuous Computed Tomography (CT) images of patients in the hospital and 3D-Slicer software were used to quantitatively calculate the edema area to explore the changes in perihematomal edema(PHE) volume in the two groups after the operation.
Results
The peak volume of postoperative edema (37.68 ± 10.74 mL) in the MIPDS group was more extensive than that of the NES group, and the net increase in edema volume was 17.47 ± 10.15 mL more than that of the NES group. The relative edema index (0.87 ± 0.27) was lower in the NES group than in the MIPDS group. (P < 0.05). The peak of postoperative edema in the MIPDS group was more than that in 6–8 days after the operation, and that in the NES group was more than that in 3–5 days after the operation.
Conclusion
There are differences in perihematomal edema of DSICH treated by different minimally invasive methods. Compared with MIPDs group, NEs group showed earlier peak of cerebral edema and lower degree of cerebral edema. The absolute regression volume of edema in the MIDPs group was greater than that in the NEs group, but there was no difference in the regression rate of edema between the two groups.
Aggressive Progression to EGFR Tyrosine Kinase inhibitors in Advanced NSCLC Patients: Concomitant Mutations, Prognostic Indicator and Subsequent Management
Authors: Wen Ruishan , Chen Ying , Long Jinyu , Huang Xiulian , Guo Yuxin , Lin Baoquan , Yu Zongyang
Published: March 2023

Background—EGFR tyrosine kinase (TKIs) are recommend as the first-line treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with EGFR mutation. However, some patients experience aggressive progression (PFS≤6 months) on the first-line EGFR TKI therapy. Therefore, our study is to analyze the potential influencing factors including clinical features, biomarkers, concomitant mutations et al.
Methods—A total of 1,073 NSCLC patients with EGFR mutation in a multi-center study from January 2019 to December 2021. The datum pathological and molecular characteristics were collected. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the predictive effect of Ki-67 on the first-line TKI. The curve of progression-free survival (PFS) was conducted by Kaplan-Meier method and tested by bilateral log-rank. Cox regression model was used to predict and evaluate PFS of different variables. Chi-square or Fisher analysis was used for correlation between groups.
Results—55 patients who show aggressive progression on the first-line TKI therapy were analyzed in this study, while 71 with slow progression (PFS＞6 months). Concomitant mutationsincluding AXIN2, P2CG and RAD51C mutations occurred only in the aggressively progressive group (P=0.029). Correlation between Ki-67 index and the aggressive progression of the first-line TKI therapy was significant statistically different (P<0.05). In the second-line therapy, the PFS of chemotherapy in combination with other treatments was better than single TKIs in the first ten months.
Conclusion—NSCLC harbored EGFR and concomitant mutations (such as AXIN2, PLCG2 and RAD51C), and / or Ki-67 high expression may indicate the aggressive progression to the first-line EGFR-TKI.
Community-based prevalence of intestinal schistosomiasis and associated risk factors in two endemic districts of Taiz governorate, Yemen
Authors: Al-Kabab Abdullnasser Ahmed , Sheikh Einas I. EL , Almikhlafi Abdulla A. S.
Published: March 2023

Schistosomiasis is still a major public health problem despite launching preventive chemotherapy campaigns through yearly treatment of school-age children since 2008.
Objectives: to identify prevalence, severity, and risk factors of intestinal schistosomiasis in Al-Shmaytin& Al-Mwaset districts-Taiz governorate's-Yemen's.
Methods: A cross sectional study using structured questionnaires to collect data: age, gender, marital status, education, income, location, occupation, behavioral features, duration of contact with water, clinical background, schistosomiasis awareness, and the results of stool investigation. SPSS version 24 used for statistical analysis.
Results: S. mansoni prevalence was (14.3%), a higher prevalence in Al-Mwaset 22.0% compared to Al-Shmaytin 6.9%. Most infections were of high intensity (43.3%). The overall geometric mean egg count was 241.5 EPG. AOR for: district 2.7 (95% CI: 0.94– 7.59), (p=0.06); receiving Praziquantel® 0.7 (95% CI: 0.28–1.63), (p=0.38); having dam near home 1.2 (95% CI: 0.43–3.55), (p=0.69); age 0.3 (95% CI: 0.11–1.03), (P= 0.05); having pool/ponds near home 4.2 (95% CI: 0.99–17.90), (p=0.05); defecate near water sources 2.6 (95% CI: 1.09– 6.33), (p=0.03), blood with stool 4.7 (95% CI: 0.08– 0.59), (p=0.03).
Conclusions: The residents in study areas were at moderate risk of developing intestinal schistosomiasis. The infection was more prevalent in Al-Mwaset, ages 6-18, living near pool/ponds or dam, defecate near water sources (has the main role), having blood with stool and did not receive Praziquantel®. The heavy intensity of infection was noted among: most of infected community, male, age of more than 18 years. It was recommended that, Praziquantel® be regularly given to communities.
Association of Estrogen Receptor 1 (ESR1) PvuII and XbaI polymorphisms and peripheral ESR1 mRNA levels with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Guven Gamze , Koseoglu-Buyukkaya Pinar , Kılıc Melisa , Uzun Damla , Cavus Betul , Guclu-Geyik Filiz , Lohmann Ebba , Samanci Bedia , Gurvit Hakan , Hanagasi Hasmet , Bilgic Basar
Published: March 2023

Objectives
Estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) gene polymorphisms are associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and ESR1 mRNA transcription is affected by polymorphisms in the first intronic region of the gene. ESR1 PvuII rs2234693 (NM 000125.3:c.453-397T > C) and XbaI rs9340799 (NM 000125.3:c.453-351A > G) polymorphisms have been shown to be associated with AD. In this study, we sought to determine the association of PvuII and XbaI polymorphisms with AD. We also examined whether PvuII and XbaI polymorphisms affect disease susceptibility by influencing ESR1 mRNA expression.
Methods
Genotyping was performed in 424 AD patients and 302 controls. The polymerase chain reaction and restriction enzyme digestion was used to determine the prevalence of the ESR1 polymorphisms. ESR1 mRNA expression was analyzed in blood cells of 85 patients and 53 age-matched controls by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.
Results
Our results showed no significant difference in genotype and allele frequencies of ESR1 PvuII and XbaI polymorphisms between patients and controls but frequencies of the PvuII C and XbaI G alleles were significantly higher in patients with the APOE ε4 allele. ESR1 mRNA levels were significantly lower in AD patients compared with controls (p = 0.001). XbaI A allele is significantly associated with lower ESR1 mRNA levels (p = 0.044) and this association remained significant after adjusting for age, gender and APOE ε4 carrier status (p = 0.035).
Conclusion
Our study showed that the distribution of PvuII and XbaI alleles were associated with the APOE ε4 allele. The XbaI polymorphism may be associated with a higher risk of AD by altering ESR1 mRNA levels.
Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair for Haemolysis 17 Years after Aortic Arch Replacement with Elephant Trunk for Acute Aortic Dissection: A Case Report
Authors: Mitsuishi Atsuyuki , Miura Yujiro , Hirose Nobuyuki , Noguchi Tatsuya , Kawaguchi Juri , Okamoto Unpei
Published: March 2023

Background

The elephant trunk (ET) technique is a very useful surgical procedure; however, haemolysis in the aorta associated with ET has been previously reported. It normally occurs within several years after the surgery, and it is a rare case of rapidly progressing haemolysis 10 or more years after aortic arch replacement with ET.

Case presentation

A 53-year-old man with a history of Stanford type A aortic dissection (DeBakey type Ⅰ), who was treated with total arch aortic replacement and aorto-femoral bypass using a prosthetic graft 17 years ago, developed severe progressive haemolytic anaemia. The ET used for the initial surgery was narrowed, and mechanical haemolysis was suspected. We assumed that progressive mechanical haemolysis occurred because of degeneration of the prosthetic graft. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair was performed, and haemolysis and anaemia were mitigated postoperatively.

Conclusions

Haemolysis occurred 17 years after the initial surgery with ET. When haemolysis is suspected in a patient with ET, it must be identified as a cause of haemolysis even if 10 years or more have passed since the ET was inserted. To prevent this complication, attention should be paid to an appropriate ET length and diameter to avoid folding of the ET, particularly when the true cavity diameter is small.
A field bioassay for assessing ivermectin bio-efficacy in wild malaria vectors
Authors: Ominde Kelly M. , Kamau Yvonne , Karisa Jonathan , Muturi Martha N. , Kiuru Caroline , Wanjiku Caroline , Babu Lawrence , Yaah Festus , Tuwei Mercy , Musani Haron , Ondieki Zedekiah , Muriu Simon , Mwangangi Joseph , Chaccour Carlos , Maia Marta F.
Published: March 2023

Background: Ivermectin (IVM) mass drug administration is currently under evaluation as a complementary malaria vector control tool. Mosquitoes that ingest blood from treated hosts suffer reduction in survival. Estimating the bio-efficacy of IVM on wild-caught mosquitoes requires they ingest the drug in a bloodmeal either through a membrane or directly feeding on a treated host. The latter, has ethical implications, and the former results in very low feeding rates. Therefore, there is a need to develop a safe and effective method for monitoring IVM bio-efficacy in wild mosquitoes.
Results: The mosquitocidal effect of IVM when administered in glucose solution is not comparable to the observed effects when same concentrations are administered in blood. Equal concentrations of IVM administered in blood resulted in more pronounced reductions in the probability of mosquito survival compared to when administered in glucose solution only. However, by adding small amounts of blood to a glucose solution, mosquito mortality rates can be increased resulting in effects closer to what is observed when blood feeding. A field bioassay was developed in the insectary to test bio-efficacy of IVM by using glucose solution containing a small amount of blood and administering it through a filter paper. Finally, the feasibility of the bioassay was tested using wild-caught mosquitoes in Kwale, Kenya.
Conclusion: Bio-efficacy of ivermectin is strongly dependent on how the drug is ingested by the mosquito and is likely influenced by the associated digestive processes. The assay developed is a good candidate for field-based bio-efficacy monitoring: wild mosquitoes readily feed on the solution, the assay can be standardized using pre-selected concentrations and by not involving a treated blood host (human or animal) it avoids variation due to individual pharmacokinetic profiles as well as ethical issues. Meal volumes did not explain the difference between the lethality of IVM compared across the different meal types, further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanism.
Machine learning of cerebello-cerebral functional networks for mild cognitive impairment detection
Authors: Yao Qun , Qu Liangcheng , Song Bo , Wang Xixi , Wang Tong , Ma Wenying , Tian Minjie , Shen Bo , Qi Xingyang , Zhu Donglin , Lin Xingjian , Li Zonghong , Shi Jingping , Yin Kuiying
Published: March 2023

Background:
Early identification of degenerative processes in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is essential. Cerebello-cerebral network changes can be used for early diagnosis of dementia and its stages, namely mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD.
Methods:
Features of cortical thickness (CT) and cerebello-cerebral functional connectivity (FC) extracted from MRI data were used to analyze structural and functional changes, and machine learning for the disease progression classification.
Results:
CT features have an accuracy of 92.05% for AD vs. HC, 88.64% for MCI vs. HC, and 83.13% for MCI vs. AD. Additionally, combined with convolutional CT and cerebello-cerebral FC features, the accuracy of the classifier reached 94.12% for MCI vs. HC, 90.91% for AD vs. HC, and 89.16% for MCI vs. AD, evaluated using support vector machines.
Conclusions:
The proposed pipeline offers a promising low-cost alternative for the diagnosis of preclinical AD and can be useful for other degenerative brain disorders.
Early urea-to-creatinine ratio to predict ICU-acquired weakness in critically ill patients with sepsis
Authors: Jiang Jie , Chen Hui , Meng Shan-shan , Pan Chun , Xie Jian-Feng , Guo Feng-Mei
Published: March 2023

Background
ICU-acquired weakness (ICUAW) is a serious and common complication of critical illness. Urea-to-creatinine ratio (UCR) reflects protein metabolism and is often used for the assessment of nutritional metabolic status. However, it has not been studied in ICUAW. This study aimed to investigate whether the UCR can predict the development of ICUAW in patients with sepsis.
Methods
Our retrospective observational study was performed in a university ICU from 2014 to 2021 on a group of adult (≥ 18 years) sepsis patients. We excluded patients who received renal replacement therapy in ICU or transferred from another ICU or the interval between twice upper abdominal CT scans༜5 days. The primary exposures were UCR on day 1, UCR on day 3 minus UCR on day 1(ΔUCR d3-d1). The primary outcome was the onset of ICUAW during hospitalization. We employed multivariate logistic regression models to explore the association between ΔUCR d3-d1 and ICUAW. We calculated the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) to see the predictive performance of UCR.
Results
A total of 482 patients were included in the final analysis. The median (IQR) age of the included patients was 62.00 (51.00, 74.00) years, with 350 males and 132 females. Among them, 271(56%) were diagnosed with ICUAW. Compared with the no ICUAW group, the UCR was lower on day 1 (0.09 [0.06–0.12] vs. 0.11 [0.08–0.15], P ≤ 0.001) in the ICUAW group, subsequently, it showed a significant increasing trend. In the ICUAW group, ΔUCR d3-d1 was significantly higher than in the no ICUAW group (2.04 [0.36–3.78] vs. -1.20 [-3.06–0.14], P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that ΔUCR d3-d1 was associated with an increased risk of ICUAW (Odds ratio, OR 1.40,95% CI:1.30–1.52). The predictive ability of ΔUCR d3-d1 for predictive ICUAW was 0.78[95% CI 0.74–0.83], adjusted of AUROC remains good (0.78[95% CI 0.75–0.83]). Subgroup analyses showed that in patients ever received neuromuscular blockers, the AUROC of the ΔUCR d3-d1 was significantly higher (0.96[95% CI 0.88–0.99] vs. 0.79[95% CI 0.74–0.83], P < 0.001).
Conclusion
ΔUCR d3-d1 is independently associated with ICUAW and can predict the development of ICUAW in patients with sepsis.
Kernel-free double well potential support vector regression
Authors: Wei Dong , Yang Zhixia , Ye Junyou
Published: March 2023

In this paper, for the regression problem, a novel kernel-free support vector regression based on the double well potential function (DWPSVR) is proposed.In fact, our model applies a type of kernel-free technique, which directly find a double well potential function to fit data, so that the regression function has geometric diversity. The principle of maximizing G-margin is used to construct our optimization problem, where G-margin is independent of the data and is an approximation of the relative geometric margin. At the same time, the ε-insensitive loss function is introduced. In addition, the primal and dual problems of our model are convex quadratic programming problems, so they can be solved directly. The existence and uniqueness of the optimal solution to both primal and dual problems and some concepts of support vectors are also addressed in theoretical analysis. The 5 artificial and 10 benchmark datasets are utilized in numerical experiments. The experimental results validate that the regression function obtained by our method has geometric diversity and the comprehensive performance of our method outperforms the linear support vector regression model and two kernel-free quadratic regression models.
Fabrication and Analysis of Post-Combustor on Exhaust Emission
Authors: SINGH ARPIT KUMAR , REHAN MOHAMMAD , SINGH SANDIP KUMAR
Published: March 2023

Post-combustor is one of the attractive technologies to control pollution by burning the leftover by-products of combustion in an IC engine. An experimental test was conducted on a single-cylinder 150 cc carbureted engine with a post-combustor installed on the exhaust line after the catalytic converter. The post combustor is equipped with a glow plug that heats up to 800˚ C in 2 seconds using a 12-volt battery. A portable emission tester was used to measure the amount of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon, and oxides of nitrogen. The ambient temperature varied from 20 degrees Celsius to 26 degree Celsius and humidity was 36% during the course of the study. The test result shows that there was no difference in thermal efficiency and brake fuel consumption decrease in the level of unburned hydrocarbon carbon monoxide and oxides of Nitrogen.
Dihydromyricetin ameliorated MCD mice by regulating the composition of serous lipids, bile acids and ileal microflora
Authors: Miao Xiaolei , Luo Ping , Liu Jiao , Wang Junjun , Chen Yong
Published: March 2023

Dihydromyricetin (DMY) is a natural flavonoid with anti-nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) activity. However, the effects of DMY on the composition of lipids and bile acids (BAs) in serum, and gut microbiota (GM) in ileum of mice with NASH are not clear. Herein, after male C57BL/6 mice were fed with methionine and choline deficiency (MCD) diet and simultaneously administered with DMY (300 mg/kg/day) by gavage for 8 weeks, the pathological changes of liver tissue were observed by Oil Red O, hematoxylin eosin and Masson staining, the levels of serum AST, ALT and liver TG, MDA were detected by the detection kits, the composition and contents of serum lipids and BAs were detected by LC-MS, the mRNA levels of hepatic BAs homeostasis-related genes were detected by RT-qPCR, and microbiological diversity in ileum was analyzed by 16S rDNA sequencing. The results showed the significant changes including 28 lipids, 4 BAs (23-norDCA, UCA, 7-KDCA and CA), 2 BAs transporters (Mrp2 and Oatp1b2) and 3 GMs (Actinobacteria, Akkermansiaand Faecalibaculum) between MCD and DMY groups. Among them, DMY treatment significantly down-regulated 21 lipids, 4 BAs mentioned above, Faecalibaculum abundance and the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidota, significantly up-regulated 7 lipids and 2 GM (Actinobacteria andAkkermansia). The results suggested that DMY alleviated NASH by up-regulating intestinal probiotics (Actinobacteria and Akkermansia, etc) and inhibiting intestinal harmful bacteria (Erysipelotrichaceaeand Faecalibaculum), thereby regulating the composition and contents of serum BAs and lipids in MCD mice.
Facile CeO 2 Nanoparticles Deposition on Si-Nanowires and Application to the Rhodamine B Photodegradation Under Visible Light
Authors: Derkaoui K. , Hadjersi T. , Boukhouidem K. , Bouanik S. , Naama S. , Khen A. , Manseri A. , Benharrat L. , Kechouane M. , Trari M.
Published: March 2023

The photocatalysis is a promising strategy for the water purification. In this work, Cerium dioxide Nano-particles (CeO2-NPs) were deposited by chemical electroless deposition on silicon nanowires (Si-NWs) elaborated by metal-assisted chemical etching. The obtained thin films were characterized by the combined SEM / EDX analysis. The cubic CeO2 phase was identified by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and characterized by photoluminescence (PL) while the chemical states of elements were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The optical gap (2.63–2.87 eV) were determined by UV–Vis spectrophotometry, in conformity with the white-yellow coloration. The Si-NWs/CeO2NPs Nano-composites were successfully applied as photocatalyst for the oxidation of Rhodamine B (Rh B), a recalcitrant dye under visible irradiation. The Si-NWs/CeO2 films showed a higher photocatalytic performance with a quasi total discoloration within 75 min against only 67.5% for Si-NWs. The radical trapping tests showed that the electrons (e−), •OH, O2•− and holes (h+) are mainly involved in the Rh B degradation; a reaction mechanism was suggested and discussed. This work provides new idea to develop an efficient photocatalyst to eliminate emerging pollutants from aquatic environment.
Stochastic dual epidemic hypothesis model with Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process: Analysis and numerical simulations with SARS-CoV-2 variants
Authors: Shi Zhenfeng , Jiang Daqing
Published: March 2023

As it is widely known, the spread of infectious diseases can result in significant socioeconomic consequences and pose a threat to public health. However, biologically plausible models that incorporate stochastic interference and dual epidemic hypotheses have received limited attention. This paper aims to bridge this gap by examining a stochastic dual epidemic hypothesis model that incorporates Ornstein-Uhlenbeck processes to perturb the nonlinear incidence rate. We provide a rigorous analysis of the model, first proving the existence and uniqueness of global solution. We also analyze sufficient conditions for the extinction or persistence of each disease. Additionally, we establish the existence of an ergodic stationary distribution and derive expressions for the normal distribution followed by the global solution around the endemic equilibrium. Finally, using several numerical experimental examples, we validate our theoretical results with the case of dual variants of SARS-CoV-2 that can simultaneously infect humans. This paper contributes to the understanding of stochastic dual epidemic hypotheses and provides a foundation for future research in this field.
School Leadership Of The 90's And Beyond: A Window Of Opportunity For Women Educators
Authors: Logan Joyce
Published: March 2023

In the midst of thes school evolution, vacancies for principal and superintendent positions are increasing at a time when more women than men are enrolled in preparation programs for educational administration.
Perception is Reality: Perceptions of Employment Characteristics of Women in Administration
Authors: Shepard Sue
Published: March 2023

It is important for women to be aware of differences in perceived employment characteristics as they seek positions in educational administration. An awareness of these perceptions will allow women the opportunity to present themselves in a manner which will counteract these perceptions.
Hispanic Women Leaders and Their Perceptions of Affirmative Action
Authors: Peery Kaye , Grady Marilyn
Published: March 2023

Professionals in positions to hire or promote Hispanic women need to be educated on the effects of "tokenism" and Hispanic women need support to help them deal with its effects.
Modeling unobserved heterogeneity using person-centered approaches: Latent profiles of preservice teachers' emotional awareness
Authors: SÖZER BOZ Esra , AKBAŞ Derya , KAHRAMAN Nilüfer
Published: March 2023

Latent Class and Latent Profile Models are widely used in psychological assessment settings, especially when individual differences are suspected to be related to unobserved class memberships, such as different personality types. This paper provides an easy-to-follow introduction and application of the methodology to the data collected as part of more extensive educational research investigating social-emotional competency profiles of preservice teachers (n=184) who responded to an Emotional Awareness Questionnaire. Suspected that there would be two or more latent emotional awareness sub-groups in the sample, a series of latent profile models was estimated. The results suggested three distinct emotional awareness profiles; namely, introverted, extroverted, and less sensitive to others' emotions, with proportions of 9%, 56%, and 35%, respectively. Subsequent analyses showed that preservice teachers with higher levels of emotionality, sociability, and well-being were more likely to be in the extroverted profile. The findings suggest that nearly half of the teachers in the sample could be expected to possess the most professionally desirable teacher profile. Nonetheless, it was noted that if timely diagnostic and tailored training or intervention programs were available, at least some of the preservice teachers in the less sensitive to others' profiles, and most of the preservice teachers in the introverted profile could be helped to self-observe the way which they tend to identify and regulate their emotions.
Poaching and illegal trade in rhino horn - a significant problem for an endangered species
Authors: TOMAŃSKA ANNA , JANECZEK MACIEJ , BORAWSKI WOJCIECH
Published: March 2023

The international problem of poaching and illegal trade in rhino horn has led to the formulation of standards defining human duties towards the natural environment and animals, especially the endangered species. The smuggling of animals and animal products, as well as historical, artistic or archaeological exhibits, required legislators to come up with more stringent and faster penal measures against crime, which also involved the introduction of uniform methods of identification and marking. The movement of personal goods, as well goods exchanged between scientific units has been subjected to stricter control, in which scientific knowledge and consulting bodies play a more important role. This had a definite positive effect on nature conservation in general. In the case of rhinoceroses, however, protection and attempts to restore them to the environment have encountered significant difficulties, which posed both technical and ethical dilemmas for these activities. Other unintended consequences included increased demand for rhino horn, proliferation of criminal groups specialized in the theft and smuggling of horns, as well as political conflicts. The desire to acquire horns has a cultural background in many countries. For example, the use of rhino horn, although its efficacy has not been proven by clinical trials, is well-established in traditional Chinese medicine. Modern identification methods, from macroscopic and microscopic evaluation to advanced molecular methods with analysis based on genetic profiling, make it possible to identify even the smallest amount of substances derived from rhino horn (e.g. in a powdered form). Scanning microscopy, fluorescence techniques, roentgenography and computed tomography are used. Thermogravimetric analysis, protein profiling, evaluation of inductively compressed plasma are also useful for this purpose. Such identification methods can determine a wide range of parameters, including the phylogenetic and geographical origin, sex, age, and condition of the animal, as well as the horn growth rate or climatic changes.
Morphological and molecular comparison of nematodes from the family Ancylostomatidae isolated from selected species of carnivorous mammals in central Poland
Authors: GÓRSKI PAWEŁ , DŁUGOSZ EWA , BARTOSIK JUSTYNA , BĄSKA PIOTR , ŁOJEK JACEK , ZYGNER WOJCIECH , KARABOWICZ JUSTYNA , WIŚNIEWSKI MARCIN
Published: March 2023

The aim of the study was to morphologically and genetically compare parasitic nematodes from the genus Uncinaria found in different hosts. These common parasites belong to hookworm nematodes (family Ancylostomatidae). Worms were collected during dissection of mammals obtained from the Institute of Veterinary Hygiene in Warsaw, where the animals had been tested for rabies. The hosts of the nematodes were European badgers (Meles meles) from the family Mustelidae, as well as red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), dogs (Canis familiaris), and raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) from the family Canidae. The parasites were viewed under a microscope, and identified on the basis of their morphological features characteristic of the species U. stenocephala. Isolated, PCR-amplified, and sequenced rDNA segments containing internal transcribed spacer segments (ITS1 and ITS2) in the gene encoding 5.8S rDNA were also compared. No genetic or morphological differences were found between Uncinaria hookworms obtained from the four different host species. This means that wild raccoon dogs and badgers can be a source and reservoir for the hookworm U. stenocephala that infects dogs.
The use of own stent construction as an alternative to partial cervical resection in the treatment of closed pyometra in mares
Authors: WITKOWSKI MACIEJ
Published: March 2023

In this study, the author presents the results of effective treatment of closed pyometra in mares with cervical adhesions, using a stent of his own construction. A 17-year-old mare, breed S.P., was admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of closed pyometra caused by cervical obstruction as a result of adhesions inside its lumen. After confirming the diagnosis, the cervical adhesions were manually separated and about 20 l of purulent discharge was leveraged from the uterus. In the following days, the uterus was treated for inflammation by rinsing it with 0.05% betadine solution. These treatments were repeated every other day, 4 times. On the last day of treatment, 500 mg of cefapyrin was administered intrauterine, and a stent constructed of two trimmed and appropriately connected Pezzer catheters was inserted into the cervix. The mare underwent a clinical check-up after 3 weeks and then at 3 and 8 months after stent insertion. During this period, the stent remained in place, and ultrasound showed only a scant amount of non-echoic discharge in the lumen of the uterus.
Feline leukemia as a still relevant problem in domestic and wild animals – the current state of knowledge
Authors: ZDZIENNICKA JOANNA , DOBKO DOMINIKA , DRZEWIECKA BEATA , KRAĆ KATARZYNA , KOZERA ALEKSANDRA , NGOC DOMINIKA NGUYEN , WESSELY-SZPONDER JOANNA
Published: March 2023

The aim of this review is to present information about leukemia caused by feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection in felids. Despite widespread vaccinations, leukemia is still one of the most common diseases in cats. FeLV infection occurs by direct contact between animals, especially through contact with saliva. Infection with this highly contagious virus is characterized by immunosuppression and non-specific signs, such as cytopenia or tumorigenesis. The virus is transmitted horizontally through close contact between cats and vertically from infected queens to their kittens. Persistently infected cats are the reservoir of the virus. Rapid ELISA tests and immunochromatography play a major role in diagnosis, but RT-PCR is the most reliable diagnostic method. There is no specific therapy against FeLV, so treatment is mainly symptomatic. Research on the use of antiviral drugs, i.e. tenofovir, raltegravir, and fozyvudine, is underway. Proper prophylaxis, including regular vaccination of animals, is important to minimize the risk and consequences of infection
Energy efficiency by reducing throttling losses in hydraulic systems
Authors: Alemdaroglu Ufuk , Guler Zeynep , Sevim Sabri , Dalkiran Fikret
Published: March 2023

Energy efficiency is important for a greener future and economics. Looking at the energy usage statistics in Turkey, most of the energy is used by industry. In the study presented in this article, low-cost solutions for reducing throttling losses in hydraulic systems have been examined. In this context, two units using fixed displacement pumps were designed. The energy consumption of these hydraulic units during the working process has been measured and examined. In line with the measured values, both systems were compared in terms of energy efficiency. According to the results obtained, it has been observed that with the simple design changes that can be made in the hydraulic systems, there are 44.5 % throttling losses and 24.4 % energy efficiency in the total cycle time.
Improving ride comfort and road friendliness of heavy truck using semi-active suspension system
Authors: Li Hao , Nguyen Vanliem
Published: March 2023

To enhance the ride comfort and improve the road friendliness of the heavy truck, based on the dynamic model of the heavy truck, the semi-active suspension system of the vehicle is proposed and controlled based on the fuzzy logic control and Matlab/Simulink software. The efficiency of the semi-active suspension system is then evaluated based on the indexes of the root mean square acceleration of the driver’s seat, the root mean square acceleration of the cab's pitching angle, and the dynamic load coefficient of the wheel axles. The results show that with the semi-active suspension system of the heavy truck controlled by the fuzzy logic control, the acceleration responses of the heavy truck and the dynamic forces of the wheel axles are greatly reduced in comparison with the passive suspension system under various operating conditions of the loads and speeds. Especially, with the semi-active suspension system controlled by the fuzzy logic control, the root mean square accelerations of the driver’s seat and cab pitch angle; and the dynamic load coefficient at 2nd axle of the wheel are clearly reduced by 23.7 %, 27.2 %, and 20.9 % in comparison with the passive suspension system, respectively. Thus, both ride comfort and road friendliness of the heavy truck are improved by the semi-active suspension system. In addition, the vehicle load insignificantly affects ride comfort. However, it greatly affects the road damage, especially with the half load condition of the vehicle. Thus, to improve road friendliness, the full load condition of the vehicle should be used.
On the properties of some inversion methods of the Laplace transform
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Lebedeva Anastasia V. , Ryabov Victor M. ,   St. Petersburg State University
Published: March 2023

The problem of inversion of the integral Laplace transform, which belongs to the class of ill-posed problems, is considered. Integral equations are reduced to ill-conditioned systems of linear algebraic equations, in which the unknowns are either the coefficients of the series expansion in terms of special functions, or the approximate values of the desired original at a number of points. Described method of inversion using special quadrature formulas of the highest degree of accuracy and the characteristics of the accuracy and stability of this method are indicated. Quadrature inversion formulas are constructed, which are adapted for the inversion of long-term and slow processes of linear viscoelasticity. A method of deformation of the integration contour in the Riemann-Mellin inversion formula is proposed, which leads the problem to the calculation of certain integrals and allows obtaining error estimates. A method is described for determining the possible breakpoints of the original and calculating the magnitude of the jump at these points.
Remark on the precision of recurrent forecast in singular spectrum analysis
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Nekrutkin Vladimir V.
Published: March 2023

Within the family of methods named as Singular Spectrum Analysis there exist several variants of forecasting algorithms for signals corrupted by additive noise. In this paper the way to estimate the asymptotical accuracy of the recurrent variant of such a forecast for long series is shown and illustrated. It occurs that almost all elements of this construction are already studied and published, though some of them are hard to be implemented in concrete situations. Here all these elements are brought together, expanded and discussed. Several theoretical and computational examples are presented.
Approximation by polynomials composed of Weierstrass doubly periodic functions
Authors:   HSE University, Sintsova Ksenia А. , Shirokov Nikolay A. ,   HSE University,   St. Petersburg State University
Published: March 2023

The problem of describing classes of functions in terms of the rate of approximation of these functions by polynomials, rational functions, splines entered in the theory of approximation more than 100 years ago and still retains its relevance. Among a large number of problems related to approximation, we considered the problem of polynomial approximation in two variables of a function defined on the continuum of an elliptic curve in C2 and holomorphic in its interior. The formulation of such a question led to the need to study the approximation of a function that is continuous on the continuum of the complex plane and analytic in its interior, using polynomials in doubly periodic Weierstrass functions and their derivatives. This work is devoted to the development of this topic.
Natural vibrations of a cylindrical shell with the end cap. I. Asymptotic analysis
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Filippov Sergei B. , Smirnov Andrei L. ,   St. Petersburg State University, Nesterchuk Grigory A. ,   St. Petersburg State University
Published: March 2023

Low natural frequencies and vibration modes of the structure, consisting of a closed circular cylindrical shell with the end cap, having the shape of a shallow spherical segment, are examined in the paper using numerical and asymptotic methods. There are three types natural vibrations of the structure. Natural frequencies and vibration modes of the first type are close to the frequencies and vibration modes of a shallow spherical shell, modes and frequencies of the second type - to frequencies and modes of a cylindrical shell, and those of the third type - to frequencies and modes of vibration of a cantilever beam with a load at the end. In the first part of the research approximate values for the frequencies of vibrations of the first type are found by asymptotic methods. Asymptotic and numerical results obtained with finite element method are in good agreement.
Optimization of oscillation damping modes of spatial double pendulum. II. Solving the problem and analyzing the results
Authors:   Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Smirnov Aleksey S. ,   Institute for Problems in Mechanical Engineering of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Smolnikov Boris A. ,   Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University,   Institute for Problems in Mechanical Engineering of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: March 2023

This paper is a continuation of the article «Optimization of oscillation damping modes of spatial double pendulum. I. Formulation of the problem», in which the problem formulation of the optimal oscillations damping of double pendulum with joint axes not collinear to each other was given. Passive damping (viscous friction) is considered separately, and the possibility of additional accounting of active impacts (collinear control) is also discussed. Two optimization criteria are adopted that characterize the efficiency of the damping processes of system movements: first, the degree of stability is maximized, and then the integral energy-time criterion is minimized. The optimal values of the parameters of the considered damping options are determined according to both criteria in the course of the exact solution of the problem within the framework of a linear model. The obtained results are presented in the form of visual graphic illustrations which allow to establish their main qualitative and quantitative features. The conclusions can be useful in studying the movements of manipulators and various robotic structures.
Impact of a rigid sphere on an infinite viscoelastic Kirchhoff-Love plate considering volume and shear relaxations
Authors:   Moscow State University of Civil Engineering, Shitikova Marina V. ,   Voronezh State Technical University
Published: March 2023

The problem of a low-velocity normal impact of a rigid sphere upon an infinite viscoelastic Kirhhoff-Love plate is considered. The dynamic behaviour of the viscoelastic plate is described by the fractional derivative standard linear solid model. The fractional parameter defining the order of the fractional derivative governs the variation in the viscosity of plate’s material within the contact domain during the impact process. The local bearing of the plate material under sphere’s indentation, as well as the contact force are defined via the generalized Hertzian contact theory. Using the algebra of Rabotnov’s fractional-order operators and taking the volume and shear relaxations into account, the integral equation for the local bearing of the contacting bodies has been obtained. Its approximate solution allows one to find the time dependence of the local indentation and the contact force.
Zero velocity surface in the general three-body-problem
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Titov Vladimir B.
Published: March 2023

The zero-velocity surfaces of the general planar three-body problem are constructed in the form space, the factor-space of the configuration space by transfer and rotation. Such a space is the space of congruent triangles, and the sphere in this space is similar triangles. The integral of energy in the form space gives the equation of the zero velocity surface. These surfaces can also be obtained based on the Sundman inequality. Such surfaces separate areas of possible movement from areas where movement is impossible. Without loss of generality, we can assume that the constant energy is −1/2 and the sought for surfaces depend only on the magnitude of the angular momentum of the problem, J. Depending on this value, five topologically different types of surfaces can be distinguished. For small J, the surface consists of two separate surfaces, internal and external ones, the motion is possible only between them. With J increasing the inner surface increases, the outer surface decreases, the surfaces first have a common point at some value of J, with a further increasing of J, their topological type changes and finally the zero-velocity surface splits into three disjoint surfaces, the motion is possible only inside them. Examples of the corresponding surfaces are given for each of these types, their sections in the plane xy and in the plane xz and the surfaces themselves are constructed, their properties are studied.
Stages of anthropogenic transformation of surface morphology in the Arctic zone of Russia
Authors:   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Belyaev Yuriy R. , Eremenko Ekaterina A. ,   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Lugovoy Nikolay N. ,   Lomonosov Moscow State University,   Institute of Geography Russian Academy of Sciences, Repkina Tatiana Yu. ,   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Romanenko Fedor A. ,   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Kharchenko Sergey V. ,   Lomonosov Moscow State University,   Institute of Geography Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: March 2023

Information about the occurrence and age of anthropogenic objects and accompanying surface morphology transformations in the Arctic zone of Russia was collected and systematized. 6 chronological stages of antropogenic surface transformations were distinguished: before 1918 a.d., 1919-1932 a.d., 1933-1963 a.d., 1964-1987 a.d., 1988-1998 a.d. and after 1999 a.d. The leading types of land-use on the territory of the Arctic zone of Russia for different time slices are identified, the areas affected by development are outlined, and the inherent types of anthropogenic transformation of landscapes are indicated. Rythms of economic development and antropogenic surface morphology transformation due to social-economic and political causes were established. Maximum of antropogenic transformation occurred during Soviet period in 1933-1963 and 1964-1987 a.d.. Periods between 1919-1932 a.d and 1988-1998 a.d. coinciding with collapse of Russian Empire and USSR respectively marked with significant decrease of antropogenic activity in Russian Arctic. Four types of territories differing with duration of antropogenic development, intensity and set of antropogenic objects and accompanying surface morphology transformations were revealed: 1) territories of old (before 1918 a.d) development with significant grade of antropogenic transformation (4,3% of Russian Arctic); 2) territories of Soviet (1918-1987) development with significant grade of antropogenic transformation (25,8% of Russian Arctic); 3) territories of Postsoviet (1988+) development with significant grade of antropogenic transformation (2,9% of Russian Arctic); 2) territories without significant amount of antropogenic objects and with well-preserved natural surface morphology (67% of Russian Arctic).