bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital Innovation Risk Management Model of Discrete Manufacturing Enterprise Based on Big Data Analysis
Authors: Ma Xinyu , Zhang Yimeng
Published: August 2021

At present, most risk management work mainly relies on manpower, and manpower relies on the professional knowledge of relevant skilled workers to discover hidden safety risks in production activities. This article combines relevant big data theories and 4V characteristics to analyze and investigate safety production and big data, study data structure, data source and data type. Using 5W1H scientific big data and applications, this analysis method analyzes the theoretical basis, applications and beneficiaries of big data related to safety production, some of which are application links and important theoretical issues. Secondly, it studies the security risk management model based on big data, proposes a risk management model based on big data, the technical basis of big data and the idea of a three-dimensional model, and applies the systematic space method, which is reflected in three aspects of risk management. In the end, a risk identification model based on big data, a risk assessment classification model, and a risk early warning and pre-control model are defined.
AVALIAÇÃO DO GRAU DE ANSIEDADE EM PRÉ-ATENDIMENTO EM CLÍNICA ODONTOLÓGICA
Authors: Mugnai Vieira Souza Juliana Garcia , Lazzarin Helen , Capana Fideli Geovane , Tavares Ana Karoline , Antonelli Allan
Published: August 2021

Uma das dificuldades que o cirurgião dentista enfrenta diariamente durante um atendimento odontológico é a presença do medo e da ansiedade encontrado em uma grande parcela dos pacientes. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o grau de ansiedade nos pacientes que aguardavam atendimento odontológico nas clínicas de odontologia da Universidade Paranaense – Campus Cascavel, PR. Esta pesquisa foi realizada com 135 voluntários maiores de 18 anos, os quais responderam um questionário com perguntas objetivas sobre idade, sexo, etnia, nível de escolaridade e renda, e questões relacionadas diretamente ao medo e ansiedade. Foi utilizada a escala de Corah para avaliação do grau de medo e ansiedade, a qual deve ser usada para pessoas maiores de 18 anos. Dos entrevistados 54,8% eram do sexo feminino e 45,2% do sexo masculino. A maioria tinha entre 18 a 35 anos (42,3%) e ensino médio completo (24,5%). Grande parte (58,5%) relatou que escova os dentes três vezes ao dia, porém já sentiu dor dentária alguma vez na vida (66,7%). Pode-se verificar que 45,5% são muito pouco ansiosos, 36,6% são levemente ansiosos, 15,6% são moderadamente ansiosos e apenas 3% são extremamente ansiosos. A maioria dos pacientes avaliados foram pouco e levemente ansiosos.
GAMIFICAÇÃO DO ENSINO TEÓRICO DE ANATOMIA PARA O CURSO DE FARMÁCIA DA UFRN NA PANDEMIA DA COVID-19: RELATO DE EXPERIÊNCIA
Authors: Clebis Naianne Kelly , Castro da Purificação Natan Reyges , Clebis Wilkerson Williams , Pacheco Ohara Tereza da Silva , Confessor Vitor de Paiva Porfírio , Pellizzon Elisa , Costa de Paula João Pedro , Costa Pinto Neto Mário Fernando da Costa Pinto Neto , de Assunção Rocha Luan Carvalho , Chavarria Rayla Thais Oliveira
Published: August 2021

Após seis meses de paralisação das atividades devido a pandemia, as aulas na Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte retornaram no formato remoto, e ministrar a disciplina de Anatomia Humana tem sido um desafio para os professores, pois muitos alunos têm sentido dificuldade em acompanhar as atividades on-line e assimilar os conteúdos anatômicos. No curso de Farmácia a anatomia é ministrada para alunos ingressantes, o que dificulta ainda mais a aprendizagem porque esses alunos não tiveram nenhum contato com a IES, com seus colegas de turma e com os professores. Com o e-learning foi necessário a utilização de metodologias ativas para auxiliar no processo ensino-aprendizagem. Nesta pesquisa seis jogos sérios foram elaborados na plataforma Wordwall.net/pt abordando os conteúdos teóricos de introdução ao estudo de anatomia e aparelho locomotor. Todos os alunos matriculados na disciplina (turno matutino) no período 2020.6 puderam participar do estudo (n=51). A média de participação dos alunos nos games foi de 84,6%. O percentual de acertos nos games foi de 78,55±11,44% e na prova teórica de 84,1±11,24%, (p>0,05). Além disso, mais de 80% da turma acertou acima de 70% da avaliação após a realização do games. Houve correlação positiva entre o percentual de acertos da prova e dos games para os alunos que realizaram todos os games. Os resultados deste estudo sugerem que o uso de jogos interativos pode contribuir na aprendizagem dos conteúdos teóricos da disciplina anatomia humana.
ÓLEOS ESSENCIAIS DE PIPER L. (PIPERACEAE) E SUA APLICAÇÃO BIOTECNOLÓGICA NA AGRICULTURA: UMA REVISÃO DA LITERATURA
Authors: Dos Santos de Oliveira João Arthur , Wolf Rodrigues Deivisson
Published: August 2021

A família Piperaceae, é uma família de plantas que está distribuída em regiões tropicais e subtropicais, com cerca de 3.700 espécies. O gênero Piper sp. vêm destacando-se na área da química e prospecção biotecnológica por apresentarem-se capazes de produzir óleos essenciais com potencial biotecnológico para o ramo da saúde e agricultura. Considerando as problemáticas ambientais e de saúde que envolvem o uso excessivo de defensivos agrícolas e o crescente anseio de alternativas mais sustentáveis para frear os efeitos adversos no ambiente, realizamos uma revisão da literatura acerca da prospecção biotecnológica de óleos essenciais obtidos de espécies do gênero Piper L. para o setor agrícola. A pesquisa dos trabalhos científicos foi realizada por meio das plataformas online Portal CAPES, SciELO, Science Direct e Google Acadêmico. Diferentes espécies de Piper sp. foram descritas produzindo óleos essenciais com aplicação biotecnológica visando o setor agrícola, destacando-se as atividades antifúngica contra Fusarium sp. e Colletotrichum sp., ovicida contra Anticarsi agemmatalis, inseticida contra Callosobruchus maculates, acaricida contra Tetranychus urticae e nematicida sobre Meloidogyne javanica. As atividades apresentadas pelos óleos essenciais provenientes de Piper sp. estão atribuídos a diversidade de seus constituintes químicos representados em particular por terpenoides, taninos, flavonoides e polifenóis. Acreditamos que os óleos essenciais produzidos pelas espécies de Piper sp. estudadas até então, apresentam-se como uma alternativa eco-friendly para o setor agrícola possibilitando a redução do consumo e aplicação de agrotóxicos e derivados.
A Study on the Mobile Library Services in the Public Libraries: With reference to the Public Libraries in Matara District, Sri Lanka
Authors: Senevirathna R. A. P. S.
Published: August 2021

The Public library is an institution that provides equal access to all. It stands in societies with diverse development stages and cultures. Hence, the manner of service as well as the way of providing the service differs from context to context. Extension service is one of the many services which should be provided by the public libraries, as it offers service for a diversity of readers and also it benefits in giving a clear idea about library services to those that currently do not use it. The main purpose of this concept is to take the library to readers who have difficulties visiting the library. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to investigate the application, practice and challenges of providing mobile library services by the public libraries. The Survey method was utilized as the data collection method. The study involved public libraries in Matara district, Sri Lanka as the study sample. The survey revealed that the libraries do not possess a separate collection of books for the mobile library service, the books in the mobile library collection is less (below 750), the mobile libraries identify the school children as their target reader group (54.54%), the majority use a vehicle (a cab) of the governing institutions to transport the books and offer the service (54.54%). The study also revealed that none of the libraries offers this service to people in hospitals and prisons and the vehicles allotted for the mobile libraries lack the necessary facilities. Increasing the financial support, number of books collection, awareness program, improving the facilities in the mode of transportation, etc. can be pointed out as recommendations.
Identification of Barriers Associated with Information Products and Information Service Marketing in University Libraries in Sri Lanka
Authors: Sewwandhi H. K. I. , Suraweera S. A. D. H. N.
Published: August 2021

Libraries and information centers are not profit-making organizations, but they are information and service providers. The concept of marketing captures not only the buying and selling for monetary purposes but also the fulfillment of organizational objectives effectively in non-profit organizations which are constantly and inextricably linked to meeting its client's information needs. Marketing performances in the field of library and information science includes planning, organizing, dissemination, and controlling of information products and services through motivational and user convenience way. As a result of marketing, these organizations should be able to achieve their aims while satisfying their customers and fulfilling their information needs as well as wants. Academic libraries such as university libraries represent the “heart” of the learning organization. However, in the literature, it is reported that university libraries face many difficulties and there were many failures in providing the information sources and services to their users. It is therefore important to identify how the concept of marketing can be used in the university libraries effectively. This study, therefore, aims to identify the barriers faced in marketing information products and information services in university libraries in Sri Lanka. The quantitative research methodology has been used as a research methodology of this study while the case research method has been used as a research strategy. The study sample consisted of 15 state university librarians in Sri Lanka and structured questionnaires were distributed to gather data for this study. Data analysis was carried out with SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). This study identified barriers in the marketing of information products and services in university libraries such as lack of professional human resources with marketing knowledge, lack of proper marketing policy for library management, The inactivity of the marketing mix, Failure of the promotion activities, Lack of understanding about the importance of public relation, lack of recognition for libraries in the society/organization, ignorance of the activities of staff in one section of the library. Overall marketing of information products and information services in the university libraries of Sri Lanka was not at a satisfactory level.
E-Resource Usage of Undergraduate Students at Universityof Peradeniya: A User Survey
Authors: Gunasekera Chamani , Alahakoon Champa , Dissanayake Harshani
Published: August 2021

This study was conducted to examine the usage of electronic resources by undergraduates at the University of Peradeniya library (UoP). 384 students in the third and final years were selected as the study sample. The survey research method was adopted for the study and a questionnaire was used as a data collection tool for the study. Descriptive statistics were used in analyzing the data collected. The study revealed that the use of electronic resources by the students in UoP were low. However, they mostly prefer to use print resources, they would prefer to use text-based e-resources as well as audio-visual materials for fulfilling their information needs. HINARI and Oxford Journals are the most preferred databases by students and ‘browse by the title’ is the most preferred search technique. Most of the students preferred to access the e-resources in the library and they perceived that e-resources are helpful for their course work and improve their academic performance. Moreover, the faculties get a high percentage of encouragement to use e-resources through guides and leaflets. Based on the findings the study recommended that the library should organize periodic training on e-resources for students and provides sufficient skills among them for accessing these resources. It is also recommended to provide access to e-resources through the library website while subscribing to more e-journals required for students. Introducing a course in Information Literacy for all students is recommended for enhancing the knowledge for using e-resources.
Rhino-Orbito-Cerebral Mycosis and COVID-19
Authors: Kulkarni Rahul , Pujari Shripad , Gupta Dulari , Advani Sikandar , Soni Anand , Duberkar Dhananjay , Dhonde Pramod , Batra Dhruv , Bilala Saurabh , Agrawal Preetesh , Aurangabadkar Koustubh , Jain Neeraj , Shetty Kishorekumar , Dhamne Megha , Bolegave Vyankatesh , Patidar Yogesh , More Aniruddha , Nirhale Satish , Rao Prajwal , Pande Amitkumar , Doshi Suyog , Chauvhan Aradhana , Palasdeokar Nilesh , Valzade Priyanka , Jagtap Sujit , Deshpande Rushikesh , Patwardhan Sampada , Purandare Bharat , Prayag Parikshit
Published: August 2021

Background:

There has been an increase an alarming rise in invasive mycoses during COVID-19 pandemic, especially during the second wave.

Aims:

Compare the incidence of invasive mycoses in the last three years and study the risk factors, manifestations and outcomes of mycoses in the COVID era.

Methodology:

Multicentric study was conducted across 21 centres in a state of western India over 12-months. The clinico-radiological, laboratory and microbiological features, treatment and outcomes of patients were studied. We also analysed yearly incidence of rhino-orbito-cerebral mycosis.

Results:

There was more than five-times rise in the incidence of invasive mycoses compared to previous two-years. Of the 122 patients analysed, mucor, aspergillus and dual infection were seen in 86.9%, 4.1%, and 7.4% respectively. Fifty-nine percent had simultaneous mycosis and COVID-19 while rest had sequential infection. Common presenting features were headache (91%), facial pain (78.7%), diplopia (66.4%) and vison loss (56.6%). Rhino-orbito-sinusitis was present in 96.7%, meningitis in 6.6%, intracranial mass lesions in 15.6% and strokes in 14.8%. A total of 91.8% patients were diabetic, while 90.2% were treated with steroids during COVID-19 treatment. Mortality was 34.4%.

Conclusion:

Invasive fungal infections having high mortality and morbidity have increased burden on already overburdened healthcare system. Past illnesses, COVID-19 itself and its treatment and environmental factors seem responsible for the rise of fungal infection. Awareness and preventive strategies are the need of hours and larger studies are needed for better understanding of this deadly disease.
Carotid Plaque Imaging
Authors: Sanghvi Darshana , Shrivastava Manish
Published: August 2021

Atherosclerosis at the carotid bifurcation in the neck is common and the result of turbulent hemodynamics in the bulb. Carotid bulb plaques cause disabling strokes. Carotid vessel wall imaging characterizes the atherosclerotic plaque, documents disease progression, and assesses lesion severity by plaque morphology in addition to the degree of stenosis. This in turn optimizes treatment selection for the individual patient. The aim of vessel wall imaging in patients of stroke is to distinguish stable plaques that may be conserved with best medical management from unstable or vulnerable plaques that require more aggressive medical treatment, carotid stenting, or carotid endarterectomy. Growing evidence suggests that depending on luminal stenosis measurements alone for management decisions will result in underestimating a number of plaques whose size may be small, but where the plaque morphology is unstable, there is a high likelihood of the patient developing a thromboembolic stroke in the near future. In today's context of aggressive management of even transient ischemic attacks and minor strokes, vessel wall imaging should be particularly performed in cryptogenic strokes without significant luminal narrowing on angiography to identify a subset of patients with nonstenotic but unstable atherosclerotic plaques that may be covert etiologies of stroke. If patients receiving the best medical management have recurrent strokes on the same side as a carotid plaque with “vulnerable” plaque features, they may deserve surgical or endovascular intervention even if they do not meet the conventional stenosis thresholds. Improved techniques for stroke imaging and consequent management have a remarkable effect in decreasing individual and public health burdens.
Pattern of congenital ocular anomailes among children seen at a West African tertiary eye care centre
Authors: Musa Kareem Olatunbosun , Agboola Sefinat Abiola , Sam-Oyerinde Olapeju Ajoke , Salako Salimot Tolani , Kuku Chinwendu Nwanyieze , Uzoma Chinyei Joan
Published: August 2021

Background:

The purpose of the study was to describe the pattern of presentation of congenital ocular anomalies (COAs) among children seen at the, Department of Ophthalmology (Guinness Eye Centre), Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria).

Methods:

A retrospective chart review of children below the age of 16 years who were diagnosed of any type of congenital ocular anomaly at the Pediatric Ophthalmology Clinic of Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria between January 2012 and December 2018 was done. Information concerning the age at presentation, gender, affected eye(s), visual acuity, and type of congenital anomaly was retrieved from the case files.

Results:

Seven hundred and forty-five eyes of 470 patients with congenital anomalies which constituted 13.6% of all the new pediatric ophthalmic consultations were studied. Two hundred and seventy-five (58.5%) children had bilateral ocular involvement, while 262 (55.7%) presented within the first year of life. The median age was 0.92 years with an interquartile range of 2.67 years. There were 255 (54.5%) males, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.2:1. Congenital cataract was the most common congenital ocular anomaly documented in 224 (30.1%) eyes of 133 patients. This was followed by congenital squint (131 eyes, 17.6%), congenital glaucoma (91 eyes, 12.2%), and corneal opacity (52 eyes, 7.0%). Overall, cataract, squint, glaucoma, corneal opacity, nasolacrimal duct obstruction, and ptosis accounted for 79.0% of the COAs documented in this study.

Conclusion:

COAs accounted for 13.6% of pediatric ophthalmic consultations in this study. Congenital cataract, squint, glaucoma, corneal opacity, nasolacrimal duct obstruction, and ptosis were the most common COAs observed.
Do Not Accept Diagnosis of “Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy” in Pediatric Age Group
Authors: Roy Mahua , Sinha Pooja , Chattopadhyay Amitabha
Published: August 2021

Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy in children is a hopeless disease; most of the time, patients are destine to die or ultimately become transplant candidate. In our case series, on meticulous re-examination, treatable conditions such as obstructive disease (aortic stenosis, coarctation of aorta) or coronary artery abnormality (anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery and coronary artery occlusion by thrombus) or rhythm abnormality (supraventricular tachycardia) were diagnosed, and all patients were improved after successful correction of underlying cardiac disease.
Pulmonary Vein Isolation in a Case of Common Drainage of a Persistent Left Superior Caval Vein and the Left-Sided Pulmonary Veins Into the Left Atrium
Authors: Meininghaus Dirk Grosse , Waniek Claudia , Schulz Thomas , Kushnir Anton
Published: August 2021

Preprocedural imaging before catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation is often limited. We present a case of a 67-year-old female with unsuspected anatomy relevant to procedure planning. Routine computed tomography revealed an undetected persistent left-sided superior caval vein (LpSVC). All left-sided pulmonary veins drained with the LpSVC by way of a common vessel at the roof of the left atrium (LA). This common vein exhibited low-amplitude signals connected to the LA beyond 25 mm. Both right-sided caval veins and the coronary sinus drained to the right atrium. We struggled to keep the ablation lesions distant from the common vein to avoid an increase of the left-to-right shunt by unintended narrowing of this vessel. The encircling ablation lines around the right-sided pulmonary veins and the common vein were close together so an additional roof line was done. In summary, imaging definitively helped to prepare the ablation procedure and to avoid complications.
Online Consultation in the Covid Epoch in India
Authors: Dorairaj Prabhakar
Published: August 2021

Introduction:

Online consultation is the latest challenge in clinical medicine during the COVID pandemic. We utilized our preexisting electronic medical record, video calling, and online payment for online consultation.

Methodology:

Consultations between April 15, 2020, and July 31, 2020, were compared with a similar period in 2019 to see the change in the pattern of consultation.

Results:

Between April 15, 2020, and July 31, 2020, there were a total of 1597 appointments compared to 2945 in the previous year a 45% fall in 2020. In the current model, all patients had to compulsorily have an online consultation. Online consultation was first done for 1130 patients, of whom 396 had a physical consultation in the clinic. There were no online consultations in the previous year. The real-world problems with online consultations and how they were overcome are discussed. Analyzing the data month wise, there was a progressive increase in the appointments this year indicating better acceptance for online consultation increasing from 350 appointments in May to 628 in July 2020, which translated into 40% and 70% of 2019 appointments indicating better acceptance over time. Cancellations were 5.2% for online consultation and 2.2% for physical consultation in the clinic. The reasons for cancellations were also analyzed and the most common causes were inability to reach the patient on mobile and blood pressure not recordable nearby. 0.7% had to make an emergency visit before they could complete an online consultation.

Conclusions:

Simple method of online consultation can be implemented in any clinic. No special app is required. The number of patients undergoing consultation is increasing with every passing month. This should be a motivation for more physicians to start online consultation during the COVID Epoch.
Infantile Colic in Exclusive Breast Feed Babies
Authors: Ghatak Nishantadeb , Saleem Sheikh Mohd , Bhattacharya Sudip
Published: August 2021

Many newborns and infants on exclusive breastfeeding who appear to be healthy report to the emergency room with a sudden start of intense intermittent crying lasting 2-3 days with no obvious clinical explanation. They may also have moderate gaseous distension of the abdomen, abdominal wall contractions, and the refusal to sip their mothers' milk on occasion. Because the onset is rapid and is linked with abdominal distension, a surgical aetiology is frequently explored. Because vomiting is almost never present, the potential of obstruction is ruled out. Even so, an ultra-sonogram is frequently performed to rule out surgical causes of intermittent intussusception. What should be done in this situation? It is necessary to obtain a complete food history from the mother. Surprisingly, in clinical practice, almost all of these instances have a history of the mother eating chicken, mutton, or another spicy food within 24–48 hours after the onset of these atypical symptoms. Around the world, different societies have distinct dietary restrictions for nursing women. Caffeine, spicy meals, raw foods, cold foods, and sikhye are the most commonly self-restricted foods among Korean women. Cold, hot, and spicy meals are traditionally suggested to Asian moms to avoid because they are bad for both the mother and the infant. Similarly, foods such as pork, green chilies, and tomatoes are prohibited among Hispanic mothers despite the lack of supporting evidence. According to the research, maternal dietary components are eliminated in breast milk, either partially or completely. Some are well tolerated, while others cause GI intolerance or allergic reactions in the newborns gastrointestinal tract. Breastfeeding intolerance is characterised by abdominal bloating, colic, indigestion, and a change in stool colour, texture, and odour. More evidence-based study on this topic is needed, and it should be done briefly to help parents relieve their anxiety and save out-of-pocket medical expenses by ruling out surgical causes or emergency hospital visits or admissions.
Movement-based mind-body interventions for cardiac rehabilitation
Authors: Huang Chun-Hou , Chao Shen-Feng , Cheng Yi-Tso , Lai Pei-Chun , Lin I-Hsin , Peng Tai-Chu
Published: August 2021

This study aimed to assess evidence for the effect of movement-based mind-body interventions (MMBIs) for cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Six databases were searched from January 1995 to September 2020. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluated the effect of MMBIs on heart disease (HD) patients’ physical and psychological outcomes. Two reviewers independently assessed the quality of all the included studies using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for RCTs. Sixteen RCTs (5160 participants) published between 1996 and 2020 met all inclusion criteria. In total, these studies investigated the effect of MMBIs for CR. Outcome measures that emerged in these studies included physical and psychological, and/or biochemical parameters to comprehensively evaluate the effects of MMBIs on HD patients. Overall, these studies suggest that MMBIs seem to be an alternative with the optimal CR option.
Calmodulin
Authors: Yang Chiu-Fen , Tsai Wen-Chin
Published: August 2021

Calmodulin (CaM), a calcium sensor, decodes the critical calcium-dependent signals and converts them into the driving force to control various important cellular functions, such as ion transport. This small protein has a short central linker to connect two globular lobes and each unit is composed of a pair of homologous domains (HD) which are responsible for calcium binding. The conformation of each HD is sensitive to the levels of the intracellular Ca2+ concentrations while the flexible structure of the central domain enables its interactions with hundreds of cellular proteins. Apart from calcium binding, posttranslational modifications (PTMs) also contribute to the modulations of CaM functions by affecting its protein-protein interaction networks and hence drawing out the various downstream signaling cascades. In this mini-review, we first aim to elucidate the structural features of CaM and then overview the recent studies on the engagements of calcium binding and PTMs in Ca2+/CaM-mediated conformational alterations and signaling events. The mechanistic understanding of CaM working models is expected to be a key to decipher the precise role of CaM in cardiac physiology and disease pathology.
Pyrethroid Resistance in Anopheles gambiae Not Associated with Insecticide-Treated Mosquito Net Effectiveness Across Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Larsen David A. , Church Rachael L.
Published: August 2021

Pyrethroid resistance is a major concern for malaria vector control programs that predominantly rely on insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs). Contradictory results of the impact of resistance have been observed during field studies. We combined continent-wide estimates of pyrethroid resistance in Anopheles gambiae from 2006 to 2017, with continent-wide survey data to assess the effect of increasing pyrethroid resistance on the effectiveness of ITNs to prevent malaria infections in sub-Saharan Africa. We used a pooled-data approach and a meta-regression of survey regions to assess how pyrethroid resistance affects the association between ITN ownership and malaria outcomes for children 6 to 59 months of age. ITN ownership reduced the risk of malaria outcomes according to both the pooled and meta-regression approaches. According to the pooled analysis, there was no observed interaction between ITN ownership and estimated level of pyrethroid resistance (likelihood ratio [LR] test, 1.127 for malaria infection confirmed by the rapid diagnostic test, P = 0.2885; LR test = 0.161 for microscopy-confirmed malaria infection, P = 0.161; LR test = 0.646 for moderate or severe anemia, P = 0.4215). Using the meta-regression approach to determine the level of pyrethroid resistance did not explain any of the variance in subnational estimates of ITN effectiveness for any of the outcomes. ITNs decreased the risk of malaria independent of the levels of pyrethroid resistance in malaria vector populations.
Seroprevalence and Spatial Distribution of Hepatitis C Virus in Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Pereira Felicidade Mota , Santos Fred Luciano Neves , Almeida Maria da Conceição Chagas de , Carreiro Roberto Perez , Silva Luciano Kalabric , Galvão-Castro Bernardo , Rios Grassi Maria Fernanda
Published: August 2021

In Salvador, which is the capital of the Brazilian state of Bahia, it has been estimated that 1.5% of the general population is infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV); however, the circulation of HCV throughout the state remains unknown. The present retrospective study aimed to determine anti-HCV seroprevalence and describe the geographic distribution of hepatitis C in Bahia. Data from HCV serological tests submitted to the Bahia Central Laboratory of Public Health between 2004 and 2013 were analyzed. Serology for HCV was performed using the AxSYM anti-HCV enzymatic microparticle immunoassay and chemiluminescence immunoassay. A subgroup of samples with detectable HCV-RNA was genotyped using the linear array hepatitis C virus genotyping assay. A total of 247,837 samples were analyzed. The median age of the studied population was 31 years (interquartile range, 25–44 years), and the female:male ratio was 3.9:1. The global seroprevalence of HCV in Bahia was estimated to be 1.3% (3,230/247,837), corresponding to an infection rate of 21.2/100,000 inhabitants. The seroprevalence of HCV was higher among males and increased with age. The presence of anti-HCV antibodies was detected throughout all mesoregions of Bahia, and the municipality with the highest infection rate was Ipiaú (112.04 cases/100,000 inhabitants). Genotypes 1 and 3 were found to be the most prevalent, followed by genotypes 2, 4, and 5. Our results provide evidence of the widespread distribution of previous HCV infection throughout the state of Bahia.
Wildlife species diversity indices and seasonal distribution assessment in road-side markets of South-west Nigeria
Authors: Mustafa M. O. , Lawal O. A. , Fafioye O. O. , Aladesida A. A. , Olowoyo F. B. , Nwachukwu J. Q. , Ejizu A. N. , Nwachukwu C. C. , Ezekwe C. O. , Ovuike O. O. , Ugwu R. A.
Published: August 2021

Wildlife species are under serious exploitation by the rural populace in Nigeria because hu­man beings have understood their ecology. The need to update the existing knowledge of wildlife population is therefore essential. Twenty-three games markets along five Roads in South-west Nigeria were visited to document the wildlife displayed for sale. Two hundred and fifty copies of structured questionnaire were administered using systematic random sampling (odd) method for wildlife species information from market stakeholders. Direct method was counting for species and their numbers. Data generated were analysed through Species Diver­sity Indices Assessment. All emergent species were compared with International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) abundance rating. Road seasonal distribution of the marketed wildlife was determined by percentages, standard deviation, standard error of mean, mean differences, t-test, and tests of significance and Diversity Indices. Results revealed that 69,398 wild animals were displayed. Also more wildlife were sold during rainy than dry seasons. Appropriate recommendations of government sensitization of rural and urban settlers against over-utilization of wildlife resources, encouragement of the public towards animal domesti­cation and others were made.
Bitki Aktivatörünün Bazı Yaygın Fiğ Çeşitlerinde (Vicia sativa L.) Farklı Uygulamalarının Verim Ve Verim Unsurlarına Etkisi
Authors: Feride ATEŞ  , Mustafa OKANT
Published: August 2021

Araştırma, Diyarbakır ekolojik koşullarında bitki aktivatörünün bazı yaygın fiğ çeşitlerinde (Vicia sativa L.) farklı uygulamalarının verim ve verim unsurlarına etkisinin incelenmesi amacıyla, 2014- 2015 üretim yılında GAP Uluslararası Tarımsal Araştırma ve Eğitim Merkezi Müdürlüğü uygulama arazisinde yürütülmüştür. Araştırmada toplam 4 farklı yaygın fiğ çeşidi kullanılmış olup, tarla denemeleri tesadüf bloklarında bölünmüş parseller deneme desenine göre 3 tekerrürlü olarak kurulmuştur. Araştırmada; bitki boyu, yeşil ot verimi, kuru ot verimi, ham protein oranı, ana sap sayısı (adet), yaprak klorofil içeriği (mg kg-1 ), ana sap uzunluğu (cm) gibi bazı özellikler de incelenmiştir. Araştırma sonucuna göre; genotiplerin, bitki boyu değerleri 23.3-47.8 cm, klorofil oranı 37.47-55.23 mg kg-1, yeşil ot verimi 1.20-4.27 kg/bitki, kuru ot verimi 0.32-1.06 kg/bitki, ham protein oranı % 18.57-22.37, ana sap sayısı 2.07-2.53 adet, ana sap uzunluğu 36.27-65.00 cm arasında değişim göstermiştir. Bu sonuçlara göre, Diyarbakır ili iklim ve toprak koşullarında; ot üretimi amacıyla Alper çeşidinin 4 nolu uygulama şeklinde yetiştirilmesi önerilmiştir.
The Price of Mediation
Authors: Bradonjic Milan , Ercal Gunes , Meyerson Adam , Roytman Alan
Published: August 2021

Discrete Algorithms

We study the relationship between correlated equilibria and Nash equilibria. In contrast to previous work focusing on the possible benefits of a benevolent mediator, we define and bound the Price of Mediation (PoM): the ratio of the social cost (or utility) of the worst correlated equilibrium to the social cost (or utility) of the worst Nash. We observe that in practice, the heuristics used for mediation are frequently non-optimal, and from an economic perspective mediators may be inept or self-interested. Recent results on computation of equilibria also motivate our work. We consider the Price of Mediation for general games with small numbers of players and pure strategies. For two player, two strategy games we give tight bounds in the non-negative cost model and the non-negative utility model. For larger games (either more players, or more pure strategies per player, or both) we show that the PoM can be arbitrary. We also have many results on symmetric congestion games (also known as load balancing games). We show that for general convex cost functions, the PoM can grow exponentially in the number of players. We prove that the PoM is one for linear costs and at most a small constant (but can be larger than one) for concave costs. For polynomial cost functions, we prove bounds on the PoM which are exponential in the degree.
List circular backbone colouring
Authors: Havet Frédéric , King Andrew
Published: August 2021

Graph Theory

A natural generalization of graph colouring involves taking colours from a metric space and insisting that the endpoints of an edge receive colours separated by a minimum distance dictated by properties of the edge. In the q-backbone colouring problem, these minimum distances are either q or 1, depending on whether or not the edge is in the backbone. In this paper we consider the list version of this problem, with particular focus on colours in ℤp - this problem is closely related to the problem of circular choosability. We first prove that the list circular q-backbone chromatic number of a graph is bounded by a function of the list chromatic number. We then consider the more general problem in which each edge is assigned an individual distance between its endpoints, and provide bounds using the Combinatorial Nullstellensatz. Through this result and through structural approaches, we achieve good bounds when both the graph and the backbone belong to restricted families of graphs.
A variant of Niessen’s problem on degreesequences of graphs
Authors: Guo Jiyun , Yin Jianhua
Published: August 2021

Graph Theory

Let (a1,a2,\textellipsis,an) and (b1,b2,\textellipsis,bn) be two sequences of nonnegative integers satisfying the condition that b1>=b2>=...>=bn, ai<= bi for i=1,2,\textellipsis,n and ai+bi>=ai+1+bi+1 for i=1,2,\textellipsis, n-1. In this paper, we give two different conditions, one of which is sufficient and the other one necessary, for the sequences (a1,a2,\textellipsis,an) and (b1,b2,\textellipsis,bn) such that for every (c1,c2,\textellipsis,cn) with ai<=ci<=bi for i=1,2,\textellipsis,n and ∑&limits;i=1n ci=0 (mod 2), there exists a simple graph G with vertices v1,v2,\textellipsis,vn such that dG(vi)=ci for i=1,2,\textellipsis,n. This is a variant of Niessen\textquoterights problem on degree sequences of graphs (Discrete Math., 191 (1998), 247–253).
On Hamiltonian Paths and Cycles in Sufficiently Large Distance Graphs
Authors: Löwenstein Christian , Rautenbach Dieter , Soták Roman
Published: August 2021

Graph Theory

For a positive integer n∈ℕ and a set D⊆ ℕ, the distance graph GnD has vertex set { 0,1,\textellipsis,n-1} and two vertices i and j of GnD are adjacent exactly if |j-i|∈D. The condition gcd(D)=1 is necessary for a distance graph GnD being connected. Let D={d1,d2}⊆ℕ be such that d1>d2 and gcd(d1,d2)=1. We prove the following results. If n is sufficiently large in terms of D, then GnD has a Hamiltonian path with endvertices 0 and n-1. If d1d2 is odd, n is even and sufficiently large in terms of D, then GnD has a Hamiltonian cycle. If d1d2 is even and n is sufficiently large in terms of D, then GnD has a Hamiltonian cycle.
The total irregularity of a graph
Authors: Abdo Hosam , Brandt Stephan , Dimitrov D.
Published: August 2021

Graph Theory

In this note a new measure of irregularity of a graph G is introduced. It is named the total irregularity of a graph and is defined as irr(t)(G) - 1/2 Sigma(u, v is an element of V(G)) vertical bar d(G)(u) - d(G)(v)vertical bar, where d(G)(u) denotes the degree of a vertex u is an element of V(G). All graphs with maximal total irregularity are determined. It is also shown that among all trees of the same order the star has the maximal total irregularity.
Heredity for generalized power domination
Authors: Dorbec Paul , Varghese Seethu , Vijayakumar Ambat
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we study the behaviour of the generalized power domination number of a graph by small changes on the graph, namely edge and vertex deletion and edge contraction. We prove optimal bounds for $\gamma_{p,k}(G-e)$, $\gamma_{p,k}(G/e)$ and for $\gamma_{p,k}(G-v)$ in terms of $\gamma_{p,k}(G)$, and give examples for which these bounds are tight. We characterize all graphs for which $\gamma_{p,k}(G-e) = \gamma_{p,k}(G)+1$ for any edge $e$. We also consider the behaviour of the propagation radius of graphs by similar modifications.
Patterns in Inversion Sequences I
Authors: Corteel Sylvie , Martinez Megan A. , Savage Carla D. , Weselcouch Michael
Published: August 2021

Permutations that avoid given patterns have been studied in great depth for
their connections to other fields of mathematics, computer science, and
biology. From a combinatorial perspective, permutation patterns have served as
a unifying interpretation that relates a vast array of combinatorial
structures. In this paper, we introduce the notion of patterns in inversion
sequences. A sequence $(e_1,e_2,\ldots,e_n)$ is an inversion sequence if $0
\leq e_i<i$ for all $i \in [n]$. Inversion sequences of length $n$ are in
bijection with permutations of length $n$; an inversion sequence can be
obtained from any permutation $\pi=\pi_1\pi_2\ldots \pi_n$ by setting $e_i =
|\{j \ | \ j < i \ {\rm and} \ \pi_j > \pi_i \}|$. This correspondence makes it
a natural extension to study patterns in inversion sequences much in the same
way that patterns have been studied in permutations. This paper, the first of
two on patterns in inversion sequences, focuses on the enumeration of inversion
sequences that avoid words of length three. Our results connect patterns in
inversion sequences to a number of well-known numerical sequences including
Fibonacci numbers, Bell numbers, Schr\"oder numbers, and Euler up/down numbers.
Pattern Avoidance in Task-Precedence Posets
Authors: Paukner Mitchell , Pepin Lucy , Riehl Manda , Wieser Jarred
Published: August 2021

We have extended classical pattern avoidance to a new structure: multiple
task-precedence posets whose Hasse diagrams have three levels, which we will
call diamonds. The vertices of each diamond are assigned labels which are
compatible with the poset. A corresponding permutation is formed by reading
these labels by increasing levels, and then from left to right. We used Sage to
form enumerative conjectures for the associated permutations avoiding
collections of patterns of length three, which we then proved. We have
discovered a bijection between diamonds avoiding 132 and certain generalized
Dyck paths. We have also found the generating function for descents, and
therefore the number of avoiders, in these permutations for the majority of
collections of patterns of length three. An interesting application of this
work (and the motivating example) can be found when task-precedence posets
represent warehouse package fulfillment by robots, in which case avoidance of
both 231 and 321 ensures we never stack two heavier packages on top of a
lighter package.
Variance and Covariance of Several Simultaneous Outputs of a Markov Chain
Authors: Kropf Sara
Published: August 2021

The partial sum of the states of a Markov chain or more generally a Markov
source is asymptotically normally distributed under suitable conditions. One of
these conditions is that the variance is unbounded. A simple combinatorial
characterization of Markov sources which satisfy this condition is given in
terms of cycles of the underlying graph of the Markov chain. Also Markov
sources with higher dimensional alphabets are considered.
Furthermore, the case of an unbounded covariance between two coordinates of
the Markov source is combinatorically characterized. If the covariance is
bounded, then the two coordinates are asymptotically independent.
The results are illustrated by several examples, like the number of specific
blocks in $0$-$1$-sequences and the Hamming weight of the width-$w$
non-adjacent form.
Mixing Times of Markov Chains on Degree Constrained Orientations of Planar Graphs
Authors: Felsner Stefan , Heldt Daniel
Published: August 2021

We study Markov chains for $\alpha$-orientations of plane graphs, these are
orientations where the outdegree of each vertex is prescribed by the value of a
given function $\alpha$. The set of $\alpha$-orientations of a plane graph has
a natural distributive lattice structure. The moves of the up-down Markov chain
on this distributive lattice corresponds to reversals of directed facial cycles
in the $\alpha$-orientation. We have a positive and several negative results
regarding the mixing time of such Markov chains.
A 2-orientation of a plane quadrangulation is an orientation where every
inner vertex has outdegree 2. We show that there is a class of plane
quadrangulations such that the up-down Markov chain on the 2-orientations of
these quadrangulations is slowly mixing. On the other hand the chain is rapidly
mixing on 2-orientations of quadrangulations with maximum degree at most 4.
Regarding examples for slow mixing we also revisit the case of 3-orientations
of triangulations which has been studied before by Miracle et al.. Our examples
for slow mixing are simpler and have a smaller maximum degree, Finally we
present the first example of a function $\alpha$ and a class of plane
triangulations of constant maximum degree such that the up-down Markov chain on
the $\alpha$-orientations of these graphs is slowly mixing.
Uniquely monopolar-partitionable block graphs
Authors: Chen Xuegang , Huang Jing
Published: August 2021

Special issue PRIMA 2013

As a common generalization of bipartite and split graphs, monopolar graphs are defined in terms of the existence of certain vertex partitions. It has been shown that to determine whether a graph has such a partition is NP-complete for general graphs and polynomial for several classes of graphs. In this paper, we investigate graphs that admit a unique such partition and call them uniquely monopolar-partitionable graphs. By employing a tree trimming technique, we obtain a characterization of uniquely monopolar-partitionable block graphs. Our characterization implies a polynomial time algorithm for recognizing them.
Generalized dynamic storage allocation
Authors: Kierstead H. A. , Saoub Karin R.
Published: August 2021

Graph Theory

Dynamic Storage Allocation is a problem concerned with storing items that each have weight and time restrictions. Approximate algorithms have been constructed through online coloring of interval graphs. We present a generalization that uses online coloring of tolerance graphs. We utilize online-with-representation algorithms on tolerance graphs, which are online algorithms in which the corresponding tolerance representation of a vertex is also presented. We find linear bounds for the online-with-representation chromatic number of various classes of tolerance graphs and apply these results to a generalization of Dynamic Storage Allocation, giving us a polynomial time approximation algorithm with linear performance ratio.
A four-sweep LBFS recognition algorithm for interval graphs
Authors: Li Peng , Wu Yaokun
Published: August 2021

Graph Theory

In their 2009 paper, Corneil et al. design a linear time interval graph recognition algorithm based on six sweeps of Lexicographic Breadth-First Search (LBFS) and prove its correctness. They believe that their corresponding 5-sweep LBFS interval graph recognition algorithm is also correct. Thanks to the LBFS structure theory established mainly by Corneil et al., we are able to present a 4-sweep LBFS algorithm which determines whether or not the input graph is a unit interval graph or an interval graph. Like the algorithm of Corneil et al., our algorithm does not involve any complicated data structure and can be executed in linear time.
Parameterized complexity of synchronization and road coloring
Authors: Vorel Vojtěch , Roman Adam
Published: August 2021

Automata, Logic and Semantics

First, we close the multi-parameter analysis of a canonical problem concerning short reset words (SYN) initiated by Fernau et al. (2013). Namely, we prove that the problem, parameterized by the number of states, does not admit a polynomial kernel unless the polynomial hierarchy collapses. Second, we consider a related canonical problem concerning synchronizing road colorings (SRCP). Here we give a similar complete multi-parameter analysis. Namely, we show that the problem, parameterized by the number of states, admits a polynomial kernel and we close the previous research of restrictions to particular values of both the alphabet size and the maximum length of a reset word.
On substitution tilings of the plane with n-fold rotational symmetry
Authors: Maloney Gregory R.
Published: August 2021

Discrete Algorithms

A method is described for constructing, with computer assistance, planar substitution tilings that have n-fold rotational symmetry. This method uses as prototiles the set of rhombs with angles that are integer multiples of pi/n, and includes various special cases that have already been constructed by hand for low values of n. An example constructed by this method for n = 11 is exhibited; this is the first substitution tiling with elevenfold symmetry appearing in the literature.