bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal Scour Variations at Permeable and Angled Spur Dikes under Steady and Unsteady Flows
Authors: Farshad Reza , Kashefipour Seyed Mahmood , Ghomeshi Mehdi , Oliveto Giuseppe
Published: October 2022

Spur dikes are river protection structures typically used for flow diversion from erodible banks. However, scouring might be a severe problem that compromises their stability and, consequently, their hydraulic function. This paper aims to study the maximum scour depth at permeable and angled spur dikes under hydrographs of different duration. Experiments were carried out in a rectangular channel 10 m long, 0.76 m wide, and 0.6 m deep. The mobile bed was made of nearly uniform sand with a median grain size of 0.8 mm. A total of 36 new experiments were performed with a detailed data collection over the time (i.e., 216 datasets), which could provide a useful contribution to the topic. The impact of the spur dike orientation angle, θ, and the degree of permeability, φ, on the temporal scour evolution were explored. Results were found physically consistent and revealed that the spur dike permeability implies a significant attenuation of the scouring processes in comparison to the impermeable spur dikes and generally its effect is more beneficial than that from a favorable orientation angle. The differences in percentage between the maximum scour depth for impermeable spur dikes and the maximum scour depths for various degrees of spur dike permeability were found ranging from 44% (at φ = 33% and θ = 60°) up to 88% (at φ = 66% and θ = 120°). Other results include the effect of the hydrograph base-time on the scour depth and the comparison between scouring processes under steady and unsteady flow conditions. By quadrupling the hydrograph base-time, keeping constant the peak and base flood discharges, the maximum scour depths increased by about 29%, 42%, and 25% in case of impermeable spur dike, spur dike with 33% degree of permeability, and spur dike with 66% degree of permeability. Furthermore, starting from dimensional analysis a new empirical model (with coefficient of determination R2 equal to 0.94) is introduced to predict the time-dependent scour depth due to the passage of a flood wave. The model suggests that the main independent dimensionless variables which control local scour processes are: the densimetric Froude number, the time t normalized to the hydrograph base-time, the degree of permeability, and the orientation angle. These dimensionless variables would generalize the laboratory results to the real-world scenarios, although caution should always be taken because of possible scale effects.
Preparation of Fe3O4/α-MnO2 Magnetic Nanocomposites for Degradation of 2,4-DCP through Persulfate Activation
Authors: Zhao Yan , Luo Fei , Zhou Rui
Published: October 2022

In this study, Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were loaded on α-MnO2 nanowires using an improved hydrothermal synthesis method combined with an ultrasonic coprecipitation method, the loading ratio was optimized, the efficiency of the prepared Fe3O4/α-MnO2-activated persulfate (PS) system for the degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) was investigated, and the effects of PS concentration, Fe3O4/α-MnO2 magnetic nanocomposites (MNCs) dosage, pH value and initial pollutant concentration on the degradation of 2,4-DCP were investigated. The results showed that when the initial concentrations of 2,4-DCP, PS, and Fe3O4/α-MnO2 MNCs were 100 mg/L, 30 mmol/L, and 0.4 g/L, the degradation rate of 2,4-DCP reached 96.3% after 180 min of reaction at 30 °C under a neutral condition, and the fitting results showed that the degradation of 2,4-DCP by the Fe3O4/α-MnO2-activated PS system conformed to quasi-first-order kinetics. The degradation of 2,4-DCP by different Fe3O4/α-MnO2-activated PS systems was compared, and a possible PS activation mechanism was proposed. The Fe3O4/α-MnO2 MNCs exhibited excellent reusability, and by introducing Fe3O4/α-MnO2 MNCs as the PS activator into the advanced oxidation process (AOP) system, the electron transfer of Mn(III/IV) and Fe(III/II) on the surface of MNCs was realized, thus greatly improving the reaction efficiency.
Budyko-Type Models and the Proportionality Hypothesis in Long-Term Water and Energy Balances
Authors: Paz Pellat Fernando , Garatuza Payán Jaime , Salas Aguilar Víctor , Velázquez Rodríguez Alma Socorro , Bolaños González Martín Alejandro
Published: October 2022

In the perspective of Darwinian hydrology, Budyko hypotheses can be the foundation of approaches for developing models. Numerous Budyko-type models meeting established boundary conditions (water and energy limits) have been developed based on the Budyko hypothesis on the long-term-average annual mass and energy balance. Some of these models are grounded on empirical bases, while others have been formulated on sophisticated mathematical developments. We analyze the basic hypotheses underlying some Budyko-type models; we first describe some published models and then examine their underlying hypotheses in a hydrologically intuitive space (precipitation versus runoff). The analyses show that the models studied are a consequence of assuming that two parallel straight lines (of unit slope) of different intercepts are indeed equal (proportionality hypothesis). This hypothesis gives rise to different Budyko-type models that, although mathematically correct and meeting the limits (partially) related to the Budyko hypotheses, do not yield any information about what happens between those limits. To overcome the extreme energy limit, an expolinear model is introduced.
Ambient-Visible-Light-Mediated Enhanced Degradation of UV Stabilizer Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)methanone by Nanosheet-Assembled Cobalt Titanium Oxide: A Comparative and DFT-Assisted Investigation
Authors: Mao Po-Hsin , Khiem Ta Cong , Kwon Eilhann , Chang Hou-Chien , Bui Ha Manh , Duan Xiaoguang , Yang Hongta , Ghotekar Suresh , Chen Wei-Hsin , Tsai Yu-Chih , Lin Kun-Yi Andrew
Published: October 2022

Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)methanone (BHPM), a common ultraviolet stabilizer and filter (USF), is extensively added in sunscreens; however, BHPM is proven as an endocrine disruptor, posing a serious threat to aquatic ecology, and BHPM should be then removed. As sulfate radical (SO4•−) could be useful for eliminating emerging contaminants, oxone appears as a favorable source reagent of SO4•− for degrading BHPM. Even though cobalt is a useful catalyst for activating oxone to generate SO4•−, it would be even more promising to utilize ambient-visible-light irradiation to enhance oxone activation using cobaltic catalysts. Therefore, in contrast to the conventional cobalt oxide, cobalt titanium oxide (CTO) was investigated for chemical and photocatalytic activation of oxone to eliminate BHPM from water. Especially, a special morphology of nanosheet-assembled configuration of CTO was designed to maximize active surfaces and sites of CTO. Thus, CTO outperforms Co3O4 and TiO2 in degrading BHPM via oxone activation. Furthermore, the substituent of Ti enabled CTO to enhance absorption of visible light and possessed a much smaller Eg. These photocatalytic properties intensified CTO’s activity for oxone activation. CTO possessed a significantly smaller Ea of degradation of USFs than other catalytic systems. Mechanistic insight for degrading BHPM by CTO + oxone was explicated for identifying contribution of reactive oxygen species to BHPM degradation. The BHPM degradation pathway was also investigated and unveiled in details via the DFT calculation. These results validated that CTO is a superior cobaltic alternative for activating oxone to eliminate BHPM.
New Margin-Based Biochar for Removing Hydrogen Sulfide Generated during the Anaerobic Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Gaga Younes , Benmessaoud Safaa , Kara Mohammed , Assouguem Amine , Al-Ghamdi Abdullah Ahmed , Al-Hemaid Fahad M. , Elshikh Mohamed S. , Ullah Riaz , Banach Artur , Bahhou Jamila
Published: October 2022

The present research concerns the development of a new device and process intended for the purification and treatment of sulfurous elements, and more particularly, of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from the biogas produced at the time of the anaerobic fermentation in the purification stations. The controlled dumps or any other unit are likely to produce biogas with concentrations of H2S harmful to the operation of the machines for the valorization of the produced biogas or deodorization. This device uses new biochar from a mixture of dehydrated digested sludge from sewage treatment plants and margins from traditional crushing units, followed by biological treatment in a liquid medium at a controlled temperature. The liquid medium is based on a margin (nutrient) with culture support (large granules of biochar) in suspension by the injection under the pressure of biogas coming from the biochar filter. Physico-chemical characterization of the biochar and a test practiced on the new device of raw biogas treatment were realized. The results showed that the newly synthesized biochar has a low specific surface and a highly undeveloped porosity. The spectrum corresponding to the images of the biochar reveals the presence of C, O, N, Al, Si, P, and Fe, as significant elements with the following respective percentages: 37.62%, 35.78%, 1.87%, 4.26%, 7.33%, 8.56%, and 4.58%. It is important to note that the C content of the biochar thus synthesized found by EDX is quite comparable to that estimated from ATG. Biogas treatment test results on the prototype object of the invention eliminated 97% of the H2S from the biogas produced.
Impact of Sediment Deposition on Flood Carrying Capacity of an Alluvial Channel: A Case Study of the Lower Indus Basin
Authors: Mahmood Arslan , Han Jing-Cheng , Ijaz Muhammad Wajid , Siyal Altaf Ali , Ahmad Muhammad , Yousaf Maryam
Published: October 2022

Impacts of climate change and human-made interventions have altered the fluvial regime of most rivers. The increasingly uncertain floods would further threaten the flow delivery system in regions such as Pakistan. In this study, an alluvial reach of the Indus River below Kotri barrage was investigated for the geomorphologic effects of sediments deposited over the floodplain as well as the influences on the downstream flood-carrying capacity. The hydrodynamic modeling suite HEC-RAS in combination with ground and remotely sensed data were used to undertake this analysis. Results suggest that the morphology of the river reach has degraded due to depleted flows over a long period and hydrological extremes that have led to excessive sediment deposition over the floodplain and an enhancement in flood water extension possibility over the banks. A deposition of 4.3 billion cubic meters (BCM) of sediment increased the elevation of the channel bed which in turn reduced a 17.75% flood-carrying capacity of the river reach. Moreover, the excessive deposition of sediments and the persistence of low flows have caused a loss of 48.34% bank-full discharges over the past 24 years. Consequently, the river’s active reach has been flattened, with a live threat of left levee failure and the inundation of the populous city of Hyderabad. The study would gain insights into characterizing the impacts associated with a reduction in the flood-carrying capacity of the alluvial channel on account of the inadequate sediment transport capacity after heavy flow regulations.
Policy Implementation for Water Resources Protection: Assessing Spatio-Temporal Trends of Results from Process-Based Outcomes of Resource-Directed Measures Projects in South Africa
Authors: Makanda Koleka , Nzama Stanley , Kanyerere Thokozani
Published: October 2022

Governments are continuously developing strategies for policy implementation toward water resource protection. However, little is known about the practical application of such plans to test their effectiveness in policy practice. This study focused on resource-directed measures (RDMs) in South Africa to assess progress made on policy implementation for water resource protection. The study included document surveys and content analysis of the publicly available reports and documents sourced from state departments and government websites. The findings of the study indicated that water resource-directed measures are used as policy implementation strategies for water resource protection in the country. Furthermore, the study revealed that significant progress has been made in this regard, when a multi-sectorial policy implementation practice approach through public-private partnerships ensured that 69% of the catchments have process-based RDM projects completed, while 18% are in progress, and only 13% are outstanding. In addition, it was found that water resource classes (WRC), numerical limits and ecological conditions for water resource reserve, and numerical limits and narrative statements for resource quality objectives (RQOs) are intermediate outputs originating from RDMs projects. The study recommends that outputs derived from process-based policy implementation plans must be applied at the water resource level and monitored to assess the effectiveness of policies for their effects on the status of water resources.
Comparing Performance of ANN and SVM Methods for Regional Flood Frequency Analysis in South-East Australia
Authors: Zalnezhad Amir , Rahman Ataur , Nasiri Nastaran , Vafakhah Mehdi , Samali Bijan , Ahamed Farhad
Published: October 2022

Design flood estimations at ungauged catchments are a challenging task in hydrology. Regional flood frequency analysis (RFFA) is widely used for this purpose. This paper develops artificial intelligence (AI)-based RFFA models (artificial neural networks (ANN) and support vector machine (SVM)) using data from 181 gauged catchments in South-East Australia. Based on an independent testing, it is found that the ANN method outperforms the SVM (the relative error values for the ANN model range 33–54% as compared to 37–64% for the SVM). The ANN and SVM models generate more accurate flood quantiles for smaller return periods; however, for higher return periods, both the methods present a higher estimation error. The results of this study will help to recommend new AI-based RFFA methods in Australia.
Comparison of Four Plant-Based Bio-Coagulants Performances against Alum and Ferric Chloride in the Turbidity Improvement of Bentonite Synthetic Water
Authors: Hadadi Amina , Imessaoudene Ali , Bollinger Jean-Claude , Assadi Aymen Amine , Amrane Abdeltif , Mouni Lotfi
Published: October 2022

Due to their cost-effectiveness, low toxicity, and naturally renewable properties, bio-coagulants for water treatment are gaining popularity. In this context, four bio-coagulants were tested for their ability in turbidity reduction in a synthetic bentonite suspension: Opuntia ficus indica (OFI) and Moringa oleifera (MO) seeds, two well-established vegetal materials in the domain of bio-coagulation, and Algerian Aloe vera (AV) and Pinus halepensis seeds (PHS), both of which have received very few or no study in turbidity reduction in water and wastewater. A comparative study was conducted with regard to two well-known inorganic coagulants, ferric chloride and Alum. Extraction salts, pH, coagulant dose, initial turbidity, and aging effects were examined. When compared to chemical coagulants, the four bio-coagulants worked very well, removing approximately 100% of the turbidity at natural pH of 7.5 using optimal doses of 1.5, 3, 3, 3.5, 1.5, and 1.5 mL/200 mL for AV, OFI, MO, PHS, Alum, and FeCl3, respectively, at a broad range of pH (2 to 8), and causing no pH alteration of the treated water. Polysaccharides and proteins involved in inter-particle bridging and charge neutralization may be the active coagulation-flocculation molecules. The four bio-coagulants produced less sludge amount than Alum and Ferric chloride. This research not only shows that MO and OFI are effective in eliminating turbidity, but it also highlights the great potential of Algerian AV and PHS seeds as promising bio-coagulants in the treatment of polluted water.
Oxidation of Aqueous Naproxen Using Gas-Phase Pulsed Corona Discharge: Impact of Operation Parameters
Authors: Kopecká Romana , Onga Liina , Preis Sergei
Published: October 2022

Naproxen is a widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug poorly metabolized in the human body, thus resulting in its presence in domestic wastewaters. It is resistant to conventional wastewater treatment, making new methods necessary. Pulsed corona discharge, an energy-efficient advanced oxidation process, was experimentally studied for the oxidation of naproxen in various operation conditions, showing high energy efficiencies in a wide span of pH levels, concentrations, and pulse repetition frequencies. Surfactants present in treated solutions appeared to enhance the degradation rate. The research results contribute to the knowledge of the method’s chemistry and technology, supporting its full-scale implementation.
Coupled Hydro-Climatic Signals in the Radial Growth of Oaks Benefitting from Groundwater Availability
Authors: Garamszegi Balázs , Nagy László , Ács Tamás , Morgós András , Árvai Mátyás , Pinke Zsolt , Kern Zoltán
Published: October 2022

Lowland forests benefiting from groundwater availability are important ecosystems in Central Europe, both from ecological and economic perspectives. Besides a great reduction in their extent in the historical times and further shifts in the land use and water management regimes intensified during the industrial era, continuing changes in the groundwater and overall hydro-climatic conditions can pose significant challenges to them. Although tree-ring analyses serve as widely used tools to assess the climatic impact on tree growth and vitality, few studies have attempted to investigate the effects of subsurface hydrology on interannual fluctuations in xylem production. In this study, we compared the tree-ring width series of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) from a forested area in southwestern Hungary with the time series of monthly groundwater depth and climatic variables over the period of 1920–2017 with a specific focus on 1961–2017. The radial growth of the studied trees showed the strongest relationship with late winter and early spring groundwater and drought conditions preceding the growing season, differing from the commonly reported climatic signals marked by early summer meteorological conditions of the vegetation season. The results suggest that the groundwater recharge during the dormant period preceding the vegetation season and the groundwater levels in early spring were among the key limiting factors on tree growth in the study area. In the growing years starting with a sufficiently high groundwater table, even scarce summer precipitation did not seem to limit radial growth drastically. However, unfavorable shifts in climatic conditions during the past few decades and the associated uncertainties in the future groundwater regime imply that additional active measures aimed at maintaining and restoring groundwater conditions may well be highly beneficial for sustaining groundwater-dependent forest ecosystems and their productivity.
Features of nursing support for patients with the novel coronavirus infection under invasive and non-invasive ventilation
Authors:   SBHI SR “ Tolyatti City Clinical Hospital No. 1»,Tolyatti, Russia, Bobanac E. N.
Published: October 2022

The article presents nursing practice for supporting respiratory support for patients with COVID-19 who are on non-invasive and invasive ventilation at the Tolyatti City Clinical Hospital No. 1.
Organizing work of medical staff in the context of the pandemic: problems and solutions
Authors:   MBI «Central City Clinical Hospital No. 6», Yekaterinburg, Russia, Bernatovich O. A. , Chernysheva E. Yu. ,   MBI «Central City Clinical Hospital No. 6», Yekaterinburg, Russia
Published: October 2022

The article presents the experience of the work of middle and junior medical personnel in the context of a new coronaviral infection with an analysis and assessment of the problems that have arisen and ways to solve them.
Organizing distance learning via ZOOM CLOUD MEETING and GOOGLE CLASSROOM in medical education
Authors:   LLP «West-Kazakhstan Higher Medical College», Uralsk, Kazakhstan, Kuspanova T. A.
Published: October 2022

This article discusses the broad possibilities provided by distance learning within the framework of medical education. Online classes can be used for certification programs in various areas of public health for students and paramedics.
State of health of first-year bachelor students at the higher educational institution
Authors:   Medical Institute, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, Mansur T. I. , Sturov N. V. ,   Medical Institute, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, Kuznetsov V. I. ,   Medical Institute, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, Yashina N. V. ,   Medical Institute, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, Podoprigora I. V. ,   Medical Institute, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, Girich V. S. ,   Medical Institute, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia
Published: October 2022

The article is devoted to one of the topical issues of modern medicine — the health of students at a higher educational institution. The relevance of the work is due to the significant prevalence of various disorders in the adaptive reactions of the body, especially in the first year of study at a higher educational institution. This study included 2 groups of students: 1st group — 12 male students, 2nd group — 18 female students. An anonymous survey was conducted in two groups, and in each of the groups, students had certain complaints that indicated the disruption of adaptation processes in the body in the first year of study.
Diagnosis and treatment of angle-closure glaucoma
Authors:   FSBI National Research Center for Endocrinology, Moscow, Fofanov M. I.
Published: October 2022

Glaucoma is a polyetiological disease, which is based on increased intraocular pressure, leading to impaired visual fields and pathology of the optic nerve. As a result of increased pressure, there is an increase in the hydrodynamic load on the optic disc, gradually leading to its atrophy. Progressive narrowing of visual fields is another classic sign of glaucoma. This disease is one of the main causes of vision loss and related disability of the population. There are three main forms of glaucoma: primary open-angle, primary closed-angle, and secondary glaucoma, which develops against the background of the existing pathology of the organs of vision (diabetic retinopathy, acute iridocyclitis, post-thrombotic oculopathy). Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of the disease, usually affecting the elderly. Angle-closure glaucoma is less common, but it is more dangerous. This form of the disease is often observed against the background of existing hypermetropia. This type of primary glaucoma develops as a result of a violation of the outflow in the drainage system of the eye due to the occlusion of the internal scleral sinus. In this case, the anterior chamber is significantly reduced in size or even disappears, and the lens is close to the cornea. Angle-closure glaucoma is characterized by a paroxysmal course, rapid progression, and a less favorable prognosis. In some cases, an acute attack of angle-closure glaucoma requires immediate hospitalization with subsequent surgical intervention.
Autonomic dysfunction syndrome in the practice of a family doctor
Authors:   FSBEI HE Volgograd State Medical University, Skvortsov V. V. , Svetlichnaya E. S. ,   FSBEI HE Volgograd State Medical University
Published: October 2022

Autonomic dysfunction syndrome (ADS) is a pathological symptom complex that can be included in absolutely any nosological complex; it is caused by dysfunction of autonomic mechanisms and manifested by dysregulation of physiological reactions. As a rule, this syndrome is often accompanied by severe maladaptation disorders, which significantly worsen the patient's quality of life. Also, autonomic dysfunction is not attributed to the pathology of the autonomic nervous system itself. This pathology of the autonomic nervous system is of great interest for both doctors and scientists, since today there are more and more diagnostic possibilities that help to study the pathology in various nosological categories. However, along with new diagnostic possibilities, etiological factors, and methods of treatment, there is a considerable number of myths that also attract the researchers’ attention.
Stroke: prevention and behavior when symptoms are detected
Authors:   Aleksandrovskaya Hospital, Saint Petersburg, Safeulin M. S.
Published: October 2022

Stroke is one of the most important medical and social problems both in the Russian Federation and in the world. Diseases of the circulatory system rank first in the structure of population mortality. Such a high prevalence, severe disability, the difficulty of restoring lost functions and, at the same time, the wide availability, and most importantly, the high effectiveness of preventive measures raise the problem of stroke prevention at the state level.
Initial clinical and functional status of patients with post-Covid syndrome and the efficiency of non-drug rehabilitation method
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Institution «Federal Scientific and Clinical Center for Specialized Types of Medical Care and Medical Technologies» of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia, Chelombitko E. G. , Gusakova E. V. ,   FSBI FPE Central State Medical Academy of the Administration of the President of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia, Nagornev S. N. ,   Federal State Budgetary Institution «Center for Strategic Planning and Management of Medical and Biological Health Risks» of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia, Frolkov V. K. ,   Federal State Budgetary Institution «Center for Strategic Planning and Management of Medical and Biological Health Risks» of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
Published: October 2022

The performed study is devoted to the analysis of the initial clinical and functional state of patients with post-COVID syndrome and to the evaluation of the effectiveness of rehabilitation measures, supplemented by the course use of MDM therapy and interval hypoxic training. It is shown that, despite the various clinical manifestations of post-COVID syndrome, the severity of complaints and indicators of the objective status of patients are largely determined by the presence of concomitant pathology that reduces the functional reserves of the body. The results obtained allow us to conclude that the additional course use of MDM therapy and the technique of interval hypoxic training increases the effectiveness of patients» rehabilitation. The complex application of these factors makes it possible to speak about the formation of functional potentiation, which determines the strategy for achieving high final efficiency of directed rehabilitation, opening up new opportunities for optimizing the recovery process. The basis of the supra-additive type of synergistic interaction of physiofactors is the complementation of subeffective shifts in the estimated parameters induced by each of the factors, as well as the formation of functional cumulation, in which the cumulative corrective effect is the result of epigenetic regulation of adaptation process.
Effect of ozone therapy on the emotional state of a patient after the novel coronavirus infection
Authors:   Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Tsvetkova A. V. ,   «MEDSI» Group of Companies, Koneva E. S. ,   Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University); «MEDSI» Group of Companies, Malyutin D. S. ,   «MEDSI» Group of Companies, Kostenko A. A. ,   Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University); «MEDSI» Group of Companies, Stulikova I. Yu. ,   «MEDSI» Group of Companie, Nasrulaev M. N. ,   Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University);
Published: October 2022

Purpose of the study. To assess the impact of systemic ozone therapy on the emotional state of patients after the novel coronavirus infection in the early recovery period. Materials and methods. A randomized controlled clinical trial, including 39 patients aged 29 to 78 years with a confirmed diagnosis of bilateral polysegmental viral pneumonia associated with SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus (J12.8), was conducted. The patients were divided into 2 statistically comparable groups. In the first group (N=19), the patients received a standard complex of rehabilitation treatment: exercise therapy, chest massage, and physiotherapy procedures (low-frequency magnetic therapy and drug electrophoresis in the projection of the lung fields), while the patients in the second group received daily intravenous infusions of ozonated saline solution with an output ozone concentration of 2.0 mg/l in addition to the basic complex rehabilitation. In order to assess the impact of systemic ozone therapy on the emotional state of the patients who underwent COVID-19, we analyzed the dynamics of complaints, changes in the quality of life of the patient based on the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire, as well as the severity of anxiety and depression according to the results of the HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) on the 1st and 10th days of the rehabilitation treatment. Results. In all patients, positive dynamics was noted against the background of rehabilitation measures in relation to complaints, the severity of anxiety and depression, as well as the quality of life. At the same time, the analysis of various indicators revealed greater efficiency in the prescription of a comprehensive program, including systemic ozone therapy. Conclusions. The use of ozone therapy in the complex rehabilitation of patients who have undergone COVID-19 has shown its efficiency and safety. Further study in higher number of patients is required to determine indications and criteria for its use.
Terrencure as a highly effective method of treatment and rehabilitation of patients with diseases of the cardiovascular system
Authors:   FSBI «National Medical Research Center for Rehabilitation and Balneology» of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow, Knjazeva T. A. , Nikiforova T. I. ,   FSBI «National Medical Research Center for Rehabilitation and Balneology» of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow, Jakovlev M. J. ,   FSBI «National Medical Research Center for Rehabilitation and Balneology» of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow
Published: October 2022

This review is devoted to a modern and highly effective complex method of treatment and rehabilitation of patients with cardiovascular diseases — terrencure, which, according to A. D. Fesyun (2022), is a combination of climate therapy and physical exercises in the open air in a natural environment, significantly increasing the effectiveness of each of these methods. Physical activity is important for preventing and limiting morbidity and mortality from chronic diseases and thereby reducing health care costs and reducing economic productivity. Terrenkur is a method of training therapy that helps to improve endurance and functioning of the cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems, metabolism, as well as the muscles of the limbs and trunk. The method represents metered physical activity in the form of hiking over rough terrain, climbing in mountainous terrain along certain marked routes under the supervision of a doctor. dosed physical activity by distance, time and angle of inclination of hiking is a method of training and treatment of various forms of cardiovascular, bronchopulmonary and other diseases. World and domestic scientific and practical experience testifies to its high efficiency and an increase in the adaptive and compensatory potential of the patient’s body as a result of the use of terrencure, the safety of its use in medical and rehabilitation programs. Wide availability, low cost-effectiveness and additional therapeutic effects in contact with the terrain, it seems appropriate to expand the use of the terrencure for spa treatment and rehabilitation.
Patient experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study in Dutch primary care
Authors: Homburg Maarten , Brandenbarg Daan , olde Hartman Tim , Ramerman Lotte , Beugel Gina , Rijpkema Corinne , Verheij Robert , Berger Marjolein , Peters Lilian
Published: October 2022

Background

Changes in primary care provision during the COVID-19 pandemic could have affected patient experience of primary care both positively and negatively.

Aim

To assess the experiences of patients in primary care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design & setting

A qualitative study of patients from regions with high and low COVID-19 prevalence in the Netherlands.

Method

A qualitative study using a phenomenological framework was performed among purposively sampled patients. Individual semi-structured interviews were performed and transcribed. Data were thematically analysed by means of an inductive approach.

Results

Twenty-eight patients were interviewed (13 men and 15 women, aged 27–91 years). After thematic analysis, two main themes emerged: accessibility and continuity of primary care. Changes considered positive during the pandemic regarding accessibility and continuity of primary care included having a quieter practice, having more time for consultations, and the use of remote care for problems with low complexity. However, patients also experienced decreases in both care accessibility and continuity, such as feeling unwelcome, the GP postponing chronic care, seeing unfamiliar doctors, and care being segregated.

Conclusion

Despite bringing several benefits, patients indicated that the changes to primary care provision during the COVID-19 pandemic could have threatened care accessibility and continuity, which are core values of primary care. These insights can guide primary care provision not only in this and future pandemics, but also when implementing permanent changes to care provision in primary care.
Antibiotic Residues in Tiger Shrimp (Penaeus monodon)
Authors: SAITANU KRIENGSAG
Published: October 2022

Tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon Fabricius) from Bangkok, Thailand, were examined for antibiotic residues. Samples were purchased monthly from open markets between October 1990 and October 1991. The standard four plate test was used for antibiotic detection during October 1990 through April 1991. Later on, Bacillus subtilis in peptone free media, and B. stearothermophilus were included. Overall, 8.4 per cent of the 1,461 samples tested were positive. The incidence rate of antibiotic residues each month varied from O to 37 per cent. Identification of antibiotics from 21 positive samples carried out using HPLC showed that oxolinic acid (OA) and oxytetracycline (OTC) were present in 12 and 9 samples, respectively. The concentrations of the drugs were 0.02-2.25 mg·l·1 for OA and 0.06-0.42 mg·J·1 for OTC.
Utilization of Anaerobically Digested Cattle Dung Slurry for the Culture of Zooplankton, Daphnia similis Claus (Crustacea: Cladocera)
Authors: BALASUBRAMANIAN P. R. , KASTURI BAI R.
Published: October 2022

The nutrient utilization pattern and algal productivity at different concentrations of anaerobically digested cattle dung slurry (0.1, 0.3, 0.6 and 1.0%) were evaluated in outdoor miniponds at a retention time of 6 days. In algal stabilization ponds, 40-56% of total Kjeldahl nitrogen, 85-98% of NH3-N and 60-90% of phosphorus were utilized. Types and number of algal forms and Net Primary Productivity (NPP) increased with increasing concentrations (0.1-1.0%) of digested biogas plant slurry. Treatment was for 50 days. Treated water was partially harvested everyday and used for Daphnia similis culture. Maximum growth increment (0.6 mm) of D. similis occurred between first and fourth instar (within 5 days) in all the concentrations tested. Based on the mean number of eggs produced animal·1 day-1, it was observed that concentrations of 0.1-0.3% biogas slurry are suitable for longer maintenance of algae and D. similis culture.
A Specific DNA Probe to Identify the Intermediate Host of a Common Microsporidian Parasite of Penaeus merguiensis and P. monodon
Authors: PASHARAWIPAS TIRASAK , FLEGEL T.W.
Published: October 2022

The intermediate host required for transmission or a common microsporidian (Agmasoma) parasite of the penaeid shrimp, Penaeus merguiensis and P. monodon is still unknown, so cross­infection studies and studies to develop preventive or therapeutic measures are not possible. The purpose of this study was to develop a specific nucleic acid probe to aid in finding the intermedi­ate host, and in tracing the life cycle of the parasite. To prepare the probe, DNA was extracted from purified microsporidian spores derived from infections in P. merguiensis and P. monodon. The prepared genomic DNAs were then incompletely digested with Sau3AI and fragments were ligated to the pGEM7Zf+ vector before being transformed to Escherichia coli JM109. Candidate probes were screened by in situ colony hybridization, slot blot hybridization and Southern blot hybridization using dATP32P labelled Agmasoma DNA. All the candidate probes from each Agmasoma source cross-hybridized with whole Agmasoma DNA digest from the other source and with roughly the same quality of signal. Finally, a probe (I-mo) derived from Agmasoma of P. monodon gave the best sensitivity because it was found to be derived from a multicopy sequence and it did not cross-hybridize with other organisms from shrimp ponds (i.e., both shrimp species, Artemia, mixed protozoa, E. coli and Vibrio parahaemolyticus). DNA extracts were prepared from 22 animal species (including fish, crustaceans, molluscs and mixed plankton) present in seawater canals where microsporidian-infected shrimp were present. These were probed with digoxigenin (DIG) labelled 1-mo probe. Two fish species, Priacanthus tayenus and Scatophagus argus, gave positive hybridization signals.
Leitura e os processos de formação de leitores entre crianças, jovens e adultos
Authors: Machado Maria Letícia Cautela de Almeida
Published: October 2022

O artigo tem por objetivo apresentar contribuições teóricas ao estudo dos processos de formação de leitores entre crianças, jovens e adultos, que subsidiem práticas pedagógicas contextuais e autorais. Os resultados apontam, a partir da relação entre cognição, linguagem e processos socioculturais, a necessidade de a escola compreender os processos de formação de leitores a partir da noção de diversidade de modos de aprender e de ensinar. Para tanto, faz-se necessário a busca de outro modo de se compreender e trabalhar textos em sala de aula, em que a escola promova diversos contextos comunicativos mais aproximados das práticas sociais letradas e cidadãs.
Research Trends and Emerging Hotspots of Lung Cancer Surgery during 2012-2021: A 10-Year Bibliometric and Network Analysis
Authors: Wu Jingyi , Bao Chenlu , Liu Ganwei , Meng Shushi , Lu Yunwei , Li Pengfei , Zhou Jian
Published: October 2022

Background
. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of death because of cancer globally in the past years. To inspire researchers with new targets and path-breaking directions for lung cancer research, this study is aimed at exploring the research trends and emerging hotspots in the lung cancer surgery literature in the recent decade.
Methods
. This cross-sectional study combined bibliometric and network analysis techniques to undertake a quantitative analysis of lung cancer surgery literature. Dimensions database was searched using keywords in a 10-year period (2012-2021). Publications were characterized by publication year, research countries, field citation ratio, cooperation status, research area, and emerging hotspots.
Results
. Overall, global scholarly outputs of lung cancer surgery had almost doubled during the recent decade, with China, Japan, and the United States leading the way, while Denmark and Belgium predominated in terms of scientific influence. Network analysis showed that international cooperation accounted for a relatively small portion in lung cancer surgery research, and the United States, China, and Europe were the prominent centers of international cooperation network. In the recent decade, research of lung cancer surgery majored in prevention, biomedical imaging, rehabilitation, and genetics, and the emerging research hotspots transformed into immunotherapy. Research on immunotherapy showed a considerable increase in scientific influence in the latest year.
Conclusions
. The study findings are expected to provide researchers and policymakers with interesting insights into the changing trends of lung cancer surgery research and further generate evidence to support decision-making in improving prognosis for patients with lung cancer.
Photocatalytic CO
2
–to–Ethylene Conversion over Bi
2
S
3
/CdS Heterostructures Constructed via Facile Cation Exchange
Authors: Huang Hai−Bo , Zhang Ning , Xu Jian−Ying , Xu Yu−Hang , Li Ya−Feng , Lü Jian , Cao Rong
Published: October 2022

Solar-driven CO
2
conversion to multicarbon (C
2+
) products has emerged as a key challenge, yet this calls for a systematic investigation on the overall reaction process and mechanism at an atomic level based on the rational design of highly selective photocatalysts. Herein, we report the synthesis of compact Bi
2
S
3
/CdS heterostructures via facile cation exchange, by which a unique pathway of CO
2
–to–C
2
H
4
photoconversion is achieved. Specifically, the BCS–30 shows an optimal C
2
H
4
production rate of 3.49 
μ
mol h
−1
 g
−1
based on the regulation of band structures and energy levels of photocatalysts by controlled growth of Bi
2
S
3
at CdS surface. Both experimental and theoretical results (DFT calculations) identify Bi atoms as new catalytic sites for the adsorption of CO

∗

and formation of

∗

CO−

∗

CO dimers that further hydrogenate to produce ethylene. Overall, this work demonstrates vast potentials of delicately designed heterostructures for CO
2
conversion towards C
2+
products under mild photocatalytic conditions.
The Relative Importance of Digital Competences for Predicting Student Learning Performance: An Importance-Performance Map Analysis
Authors: Chaw Lee Yen , Tang Chun Meng
Published: October 2022

Today’s higher education learning environment expects students to have such digital skills as navigating a learning management system, using word processing or presentation software, and searching for online information. The widespread use of digital technology in teaching and learning has necessitated a need for students to be digitally competent in order to perform well in their studies. However, different types of digital competence may be necessary at different stages of the students’ learning journey, and some digital competences may be more essential to students’ academic performance than others. To identify the digital competences that students perceive to be most important for their learning performance, and to determine students’ perception of their level of performance in these digital competences, this study adopted the Digital Competence Framework for Citizens 2.2 (DigComp) to design a survey questionnaire and collect responses from university students. An importance-performance map analysis (IPMA) was conducted to examine the relative importance of each of the five digital competence areas and the 21 digital competences identified in DigComp, as well as how each performs in relation to the others, in predicting student learning performance. Study findings revealed that the problem solving competence area was perceived to be the most important for student learning performance, followed by information and data literacy, and communication and collaboration. The respondents did not perceive the digital content creation and safety competence areas as important for their learning performance. The study findings also found that the respondents differed in their perception of how well they were performing in these competence areas. Using DigComp as a point of departure, this study makes a novel attempt to determine the relative importance of each of the five digital competence areas and 21 digital competences identified in the framework, as well as how each one compares to the others in performance when it comes to predicting how well students will perform in their learning.
Effectiveness of the Capacity Development Programme on the Creation of IMFUNDO Modules by the University Teachers
Authors: Simelane-Mnisi Sibongile
Published: October 2022

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the capacity development programme on the creation of IMFUNDO modules during post-COVID-19 lockdown. The participants were 116 University teachers from the Faculty of A and B. Mixed-method research was used. Data were collected through open-ended and closed-ended questionnaires, and interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS frequency distribution. Atlas.ti was used to analyse the qualitative data. The results revealed that 109 (90.5%) of the teachers strongly agree and agree that, during the planning phase, the incorporation of IMFUNDO and technology in the curriculum was clearly stated on both the module descriptor and study guide. It was also found that 88 (76.9%) of the teachers strongly agree and agree that they constructed, scaffolded and chunked the learning content and activities based on the IMFUNDO structure for each learning unit of the module. It was further established that teachers were positive, felt great, and received excellent support during the training. It is recommended that further studies be conducted on the implementation and quality of the IMFUNDO modules during COVID-19 lockdown.
Artificial Intelligence Assistant for Mathematics Education
Authors: Jancarik Antonin , Novotna Jarmila , Michal Jakub
Published: October 2022

The paper presents the partial results of a research study conducted within the project AI Assistant for Pupils and Teachers. The university, non-profit sector and organization established by the Ministry of Education are cooperating on this project. The aim of the project is to prepare an AI assistant for communication with teachers and pupils. The output of the project should be a system that communicates with pupils and teachers. AI assistant will offer them appropriate teaching materials based on their needs. The system will use not only pre-prepared materials (which is the case presented in this paper), but will be able to independently search and evaluate materials in open databases. We primarily focus on supporting the teaching and learning of mathematics and Czech language.

In this paper, we focus on one of the partial researches. The aim of this research was to prepare and experimentally test the possibility of using a series of pre-prepared math problems of an increasing difficulty for individual (partly pupil-managed) practice of algebraic expressions. The topic of algebraic expressions was chosen because it is relatively well-structured and is therefore suitable for this method of processing. At the same time, and this is very important, the topics include the so-called critical topics, i.e. topics that cause problems for pupils and where pupils very often seek help. The topic of algebraic expressions is divided into several subchapters, each of which contains about ten steps, consisting of three tasks, one of basic, one of standard and one of higher difficulty, and supporting materials for mastering them. The pupil can decide what difficulty of the task they want to solve and what supporting materials they want to use. The developed application is available to pupils online in the web environment as well as in the form of an app for the mobile phone. The application has already been published and is in a test regime.