bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SARS-CoV-2 spike protein S1 induces fibrin(ogen) resistant to fibrinolysis: implications for microclot formation in COVID-19
Authors: Grobbelaar Lize M. , Venter Chantelle , Vlok Mare , Ngoepe Malebogo , Laubscher Gert Jacobus , Lourens Petrus Johannes , Steenkamp Janami , Kell Douglas B. , Pretorius Etheresia
Published: July 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2)-induced infection, the cause of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is characterized by unprecedented clinical pathologies. One of the most important pathologies, is hypercoagulation and microclots in the lungs of patients. Here we study the effect of isolated SARS-CoV-2 spike protein S1 subunit as potential inflammagen sui generis. Using scanning electron and fluorescence microscopy as well as mass spectrometry, we investigate the potential of this inflammagen to interact with platelets and fibrin(ogen) directly to cause blood hypercoagulation. Using platelet-poor plasma (PPP), we show that spike protein may interfere with blood flow. Mass spectrometry also showed that when spike protein S1 is added to healthy PPP, it results in structural changes to β and γ fibrin(ogen), complement 3, and prothrombin. These proteins were substantially resistant to trypsinization, in the presence of spike protein S1. Here we suggest that, in part, the presence of spike protein in circulation may contribute to the hypercoagulation in COVID-19 positive patients and may cause substantial impairment of fibrinolysis. Such lytic impairment may result in the persistent large microclots we have noted here and previously in plasma samples of COVID-19 patients. This observation may have important clinical relevance in the treatment of hypercoagulability in COVID-19 patients.
Whistler instability driven by the sunward electron deficit in the solar wind
Authors: Berčič L. , Verscharen D. , Owen C. J. , Colomban L. , Kretzschmar M. , Chust T. , Maksimovic M. , Kataria D. O. , Anekallu C. , Behar E. , Berthomier M. , Bruno R. , Fortunato V. , Kelly C. W. , Khotyaintsev Y. V. , Lewis G. R. , Livi S. , Louarn P. , Mele G. , Nicolaou G. , Watson G. , Wicks R. T.
Published: July 2021

Context.Solar wind electrons play an important role in the energy balance of the solar wind acceleration by carrying energy into interplanetary space in the form of electron heat flux. The heat flux is stored in the complex electron velocity distribution functions (VDFs) shaped by expansion, Coulomb collisions, and field-particle interactions.

Aims.We investigate how the suprathermal electron deficit in the anti-strahl direction, which was recently discovered in the near-Sun solar wind, drives a kinetic instability and creates whistler waves with wave vectors that are quasi-parallel to the direction of the background magnetic field.

Methods.We combined high-cadence measurements of electron pitch-angle distribution functions and electromagnetic waves provided by Solar Orbiter during its first orbit. Our case study is based on a burst-mode data interval from the Electrostatic Analyser System (SWA-EAS) at a distance of 112RS(0.52 au) from the Sun, during which several whistler wave packets were detected by Solar Orbiter’s Radio and Plasma Waves (RPW) instrument.

Results.The sunward deficit creates kinetic conditions under which the quasi-parallel whistler wave becomes unstable. We directly test our predictions for the existence of these waves through solar wind observations. We find whistler waves that are quasi-parallel and almost circularly polarised, propagating away from the Sun, coinciding with a pronounced sunward deficit in the electron VDF. The cyclotron-resonance condition is fulfilled for electrons moving in the direction opposite to the direction of wave propagation, with energies corresponding to those associated with the sunward deficit.

Conclusions.We conclude that the sunward deficit acts as a source of quasi-parallel whistler waves in the solar wind. The quasilinear diffusion of the resonant electrons tends to fill the deficit, leading to a reduction in the total electron heat flux.
Young radio-loud gamma-ray pulsar light curve fitting
Authors: Pétri J. , Mitra D.
Published: July 2021

Context. Since the launch of the Fermi gamma-ray telescope, several hundred radio-loud gamma-ray pulsars have been detected, many belonging to millisecond pulsars but some belonging to the young pulsar population with spin periods longer than 30 ms.

Aims. Observing simultaneously pulsed radio and gamma-ray emission from these stars helps to constrain the geometry and radiation mechanisms within their magnetosphere and to localize the multiple photon production sites. In this paper we fit the time-aligned gamma-ray light curves of young radio-loud gamma-ray pulsars. We assume a dipole force-free magnetosphere where radio photons emanate from high altitudes above the polar caps and gamma rays originate from outside the light cylinder, within the striped wind current sheet.

Methods. We computed a full atlas of radio and gamma-ray pulse profiles depending on the magnetic axis obliquity and line-of-sight inclination with respect to the neutron star rotation axis. By applying a χ2 fitting technique, we were able to pin down accurately the magnetosphere geometry. Further constraints were obtained from radio polarization measurement following the rotating vector model, including aberration and retardation effects.

Results. We find a good agreement between our model and the time-aligned single- or double-peaked gamma-ray pulsar observations. We deduce the magnetic inclination angle and the observer line of sight with respect to the rotation axis within a small error bar. The distinction between radio-loud or radio-quiet gamma-ray pulsars or only radio pulsars can entirely be related to the geometry of the associated emitting regions.

Conclusions. The high-altitude polar cap model combined with the striped wind represents a minimalistic approach able to reproduce a wealth of gamma-ray pulse profiles for young radio pulsars. Based on self-consistent force-free simulations, it gives a full geometrical picture of the emission properties without resorting to detailed knowledge of the individual particle dynamics and energetics.
Mapping the zonal winds of Jupiter’s stratospheric equatorial oscillation
Authors: Benmahi B. , Cavalié T. , Greathouse T. K. , Hue V. , Giles R. , Guerlet S. , Spiga A. , Cosentino R.
Published: July 2021

Context. Since the 1950s, quasi-periodic oscillations have been studied in the terrestrial equatorial stratosphere. Other planets of the Solar System present (or are expected to present) such oscillations; for example the Jupiter equatorial oscillation and the Saturn semi-annual oscillation. In Jupiter’s stratosphere, the equatorial oscillation of its relative temperature structure about the equator is characterized by a quasi-period of 4.4 yr.

Aims. The stratospheric wind field in Jupiter’s equatorial zone has never been directly observed. In this paper, we aim to map the absolute wind speeds in Jupiter’s equatorial stratosphere in order to quantify vertical and horizontal wind and temperature shear.

Methods. Assuming geostrophic equilibrium, we apply the thermal wind balance using almost simultaneous stratospheric temperature measurements between 0.1 and 30 mbar performed with Gemini/TEXES and direct zonal wind measurements derived at 1 mbar from ALMA observations, all carried out between March 14 and 22, 2017. We are thus able to self-consistently calculate the zonal wind field in Jupiter’s stratosphere where the JEO occurs.

Results. We obtain a stratospheric map of the zonal wind speeds as a function of latitude and pressure about Jupiter’s equator for the first time. The winds are vertically layered with successive eastward and westward jets. We find a 200 m s−1 westward jet at 4 mbar at the equator, with a typical longitudinal variability on the order of ~50 m s−1. By extending our wind calculations to the upper troposphere, we find a wind structure that is qualitatively close to the wind observed using cloud-tracking techniques.

Conclusions. Almost simultaneous temperature and wind measurements, both in the stratosphere, are a powerful tool for future investigations of the JEO (and other planetary equatorial oscillations) and its temporal evolution.
Comment concevoir la biosécurité des élevages porcins des milieux lacustres du sud Bénin pour réduire le risque de maintien et de dissémination de la peste porcine africaine ?
Authors: Dotché Ignace Ogoudanan , Bio Seydou Karamatou , Ahouanse Amen Gloria Gwladys , Tohoun Emmanuel , Bankolé Boris Constant , Youssao Abdou Karim Issaka
Published: July 2021

L’élevage de porcs est pratiqué en milieu lacustre au Bénin malgré une forte présence d’eau de surface. L’étude vise à identifier les facteurs de risque de la dissémination de la peste porcine africaine (PPA) dans les pratiques d’élevage des milieux lacustres afin de proposer des mesures de biosécurité adaptées à ces milieux. Les données ont été collectées par entretien avec 48 éleveurs de porcs des communes des Aguégués et de Sô-Ava. Une typologie de ces élevages a permis d’identifier trois types d’élevage qui se distinguent sur le mode de logement, les types génétiques élevés, les types d’aliments utilisés, le mode de gestion des déchets et des cadavres des animaux. Le premier type correspond à des élevages en claustration totale qui ont des porcs de type génétique exotique nourris avec des mélanges de matières premières. Ces éleveurs jettent les déjections et les animaux morts dans l’eau du fleuve. Les deux autres sont des élevages en claustration partielle et en liberté qui ont des animaux de type génétique local nourris avec les restes de cuisine et du fourrage. Les déchets sont jetés dans l’espace non occupé par l’eau, mais des cadavres sont parfois enterrés (claustration partielle). Les pratiques d’élevage dans les trois types ne les protègent pas de la PPA. Cette vulnérabilité à la PPA des élevages diffère d’un type à l’autre et la liberté des porcs rend les élevages plus vulnérables. L’étude nous a permis de mettre en évidence une relation entre les différents types d’élevages et les risques de dissémination de la PPA, ce qui nous a conduits à élaborer une série de mesures de biosécurité adaptées à chaque type et destinées aux éleveurs et aux autorités.
Potential favourable health effects of some dietary uncommon fatty acids
Authors: Coudray Charles , Durand Erwann , Balas Laurence , Sultan Ariane , Casas François , Feillet-Coudray Christine
Published: July 2021

In addition to the major fatty acids widely studied, our diet contains many bioactive fatty acids less frequently investigated such as n-3 docosapentaenoic acid (n-3 DPA), naturaltransfatty acids, conjugated fatty acids (CLAs), furan fatty acids (FuFAs), branched chain fatty acids (BCFAs) and fatty acid esters of hydroxyl fatty acids (FAHFAs). Many of them may have beneficial health effects, particularly in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, inflammation and metabolic disorders such as diabetes. This review aims to give a brief overview of the current knowledge on these lipids. Thus, information about biosynthesis, food and tissue content, daily intake, biological and potential health effects of these fatty acids is provided.
Cities without slums and the right to the city: slums in Subsaharan Africa
Authors: Albuquerque Nadia , Correia Guedes Manuel
Published: July 2021

This paper discusses the issues unravelled by The UN's Cities without Slums Campaign which has been inappropriately communicated across Africa as a project to eradicate slums. Focusing on the Sub Saharan capital of Angola, Luanda. The theme equally explores the 3S's concept in Architecture − Social, Sustainable and Standard solutions − aiming to develop a Social Housing Program, called MUSSUS, in the context of UN-HABITAT and Proficient-EU concepts of slum-upgrading, including bioclimatic design and communal work. The concept of ZEB house is also introduced, including renewable energy systems, and passive design techniques. Mass-construction of houses is achieved, by modular standardisation, but providing adaptability to each family' needs. The main goal is to provide the community with the tools to change their environment, significantly improving quality of life.
Innovations in ensuring information accessibility of state and municipal services in the Russian Federation
Authors: Kuznetsova Polina
Published: July 2021

The most important direction of innovative development for modern state and municipal administration is to improve the quality and accessibility of state and municipal services. Availability of services as a set of different criteria provides opportunities for non-discriminatory access to them. The most important indicator of the services availability is information accessibility - an unhindered and timely opportunity to receive complete and up-to-date information about state and municipal services. In the context of digitalization of public administration, the provision of information is implemented mainly in the electronic form. In this regard, the article analyzes the problems of ensuring information accessibility of state and municipal services through a qualitative study of the portals of government bodies and organizations providing services. The study was conducted on the basis of analysis of two groups of criteria: compliance with regulatory requirements of the legislation to the provided information and analysis of visual content of portals. The results of the study allowed us to identify both successful practices and problems of information accessibility of state and municipal services in the Russian Federation. A comparative analysis of foreign experience in ensuring information accessibility made it possible to develop recommendations for improving the legal regulation in the field of information communications between authorities and organizations with citizens in order to increase the efficiency of providing state and municipal services.
Development of information support systems for production processes of contractor enterprises through an external electronic archive
Authors: Chashin Pavel , Soldatenko Nadezhda , Kuznetsov Pavel
Published: July 2021

The main areas of activity of research and manufacturing associations include the creation of knowledge-based military and civilian products. Having unique competencies in the field of creating knowledge-based products for various fields of industry, research and production enterprises together with cooperative enterprises, including contracting partners, for many years have occupied a leading position in the markets of fuel and energy complex and other industries. Over the past five years, many industrial enterprises have gone from a critical decline in production and bankruptcy to a stable increase in work volumes, while the projects in the field of development of information support systems for industrial production processes have become highly demanded in the process of crisis management.
Social identification factors of managers and entrepreneurs
Authors: Lazukova Evgeniia , Seletkova Guzel
Published: July 2021

The social identification of managers is divided into deep and shallow. The authors give the comparative analysis of the social identification of managers and entrepreneurs through its types, as well as through the determination of these types by various factors. Among entrepreneurs, the shares of those who have and those who do not have a conscious, deep identification with their social and professional group are approximately the same. The same situation is among managers. In addition, the authors studied the influence of gender, age, material situation, level of education, secondary employment and other factors on the determined types. Gender does not affect these types of social identification. The real factors also include the additional work, age, the use of competencies, satisfaction with the results of activities and membership in professional associations.
Determining the potential of organizational structures models of a high-tech cluster
Authors: Lobova Elena , Postnikov Vladimir , Rybin Stanislav , Reshetnikova Irina
Published: July 2021

As a rule, during the choice of the most viable organizational structure of a cluster, traditional methods of the assessment of economic efficiency are used, taking into account the influence of financial, production and technological risks. The high level of the fluctuations of social, political, economic and technological impacts of the intercountry level has a strong impact on the result of their production activities. The peculiarities of this influence include the emergence of new institutions of interaction between the subjects of a cluster, the growth of uncertainty within the system and a change in the level of specificity of the assets of its participants. The task to find new tools for the assessment of the potential of economic security of a cluster is becoming urgent. It is necessary to find such tools which would take into account the ability to adapt to technological and geopolitical challenges in the future. Within the framework of this study, the authors developed an algorithm for the assessment of the potential of alternative models of the organizational structure of a high-tech cluster. The important methodological aspect of the process of forecasting the level of adaptability of alternative cluster structures to external changes is the condition for the availability of institutional support to promising areas of technical development. The developed algorithm presupposes the further development of the methods of system analysis and the formation of Institutional Atlases for the parameters of the assessment of the opportunistic behavior risks of subjects or synergistic effects. The use of this algorithm allowed drawing some important intermediate conclusions about the unequal composition and the influence of dominant institutional factors in modeling different organizational structures of a high-tech cluster.
Theoretical aspects of innovation management
Authors: Fedulov Dmitry , Pobedin Alexander
Published: July 2021

In recent decades, the need to theorize and practise innovation has become apparent to many domestic and foreign companies. The process of introducing innovation mechanisms differs from company to company. Businesses and innovation theory experts do not yet agree on the methodology for implementing innovation effectively. The increasingly competitive environment of the world encouraged many companies to move towards innovative development. Innovation became an important tool for sustainable development for many companies in an unstable and rapidly changing external environment. Innovation is used to create a new product or develop a process to increase a company’s profits and strengthen its market position. The term “innovation” has a different understanding today, depending on the area of application: firms or sectors. The article examines the theoretical concepts of innovation.
To the question of the prospects for the formation of an innovation ecosystem in Kazakhstan
Authors: Magrupova Zulfia , Tazhibekova Kashamida , Shametova Aigerim , Abdraimova Kulzira , Tursyngaliyeva Kyrmyzy
Published: July 2021

The article presents the results of research on innovation activity based on the analysis of the directions of innovative development of Kazakhstan and suggests a set of measures, the implementation of which will allow building a connected system of measures for the formation of an innovative ecosystem. The main focus is given to improving the efficiency of innovation activities based on an institutional approach, which is aimed at the formation of a stable system of relationships between participants in the innovation cycle, each of which is individually interested in improving competitiveness based on the use of innovations. The formation of an innovation ecosystem also includes the development of two innovation clusters as the basis for the formation of a knowledge-based economy. Based on the analysis provided, we concluded that the organization of innovative infrastructure did not provide the required pace of innovative development of Kazakhstan for a number of reasons. To date, the Republic has successfully implemented state programs that aim to create conditions for the transition to the fourth industrial revolution. The focus on innovative development remains important and mandatory for achieving the goals set out in the program documents.
Energy management as an innovative practice of public administration in the Leningrad Region
Authors: Kosmacheva Nadeshda , Cherkasskaya Galina , Dolgova Irina
Published: July 2021

The purpose of the research is to identify vector of sustainable industrial development in the context of limited resources, in particular, in the context of the efficient energy use as a decisive factor. An attempt has been made to determine the level of managerial and economic efficiency of energy sector management in the Leningrad Region of the Russian Federation through the introduction of energy management methods and measures. The energy sector economy basics and peculiarities have been considered in the course, including goal setting, planning and execution of energy management activities in the Leningrad region at the state, municipalities and corporations level. A certain readiness of the main state municipal and corporate levels management institutions to implement some energy management areas, methods and activities of the world standard aimed at achieving efficiency indicators set by the planning and legal documents of higher organizations, is set up. At the same time, the executive and consumer levels of activity demonstrate a certain lack of energy management importance understanding as a strategy and set of rules conduct in production and in everyday life. The level of management and economic efficiency of the energy sector management in the Leningrad Region has been determined as an average. And it was concluded on the basis of the conducted research that it is necessary to introduce a systematic approach to the solution of strategic issues of region sustainable development into management practice of the Leningrad Region, as well as to ensure a closer connection between energy, socio-economic and environmental projects.
Actual problems of project teams in the management of innovative projects
Authors: Belonogov Yuri , Zuikina Anna , Kucheva Anastasia , Semenova Daria
Published: July 2021

Management of innovative projects is carried out under conditions of a high degree of uncertainty and risk. In the absence of competent management, an innovative project is either unclaimed by the target audience, or is closed due to overspending of resources. The purpose of this research is to identify the main problems in the management of innovative projects and to offer recommendations for improving the efficiency of management. The object of the research is the management of innovative projects. The subject of the research is the main problems of project teams in innovative projects. As part of the research, an expert interview was conducted with managers of innovative projects and representatives of project teams in various areas of project management. Based on the results of the interview, the key problems in the management recommendations for their elimination were proposed.
Small retailers in/out of the crisis in Germany – Re-inventing Retailing
Authors: Scott Cornelia , Fehlig Vanessa
Published: July 2021

The year 2020 required many changes in all areas of life as a result of the Covid-pandemic. Both privately and professionally, we had to deal with new challenges. The economy in Germany and especially the in-store retail sector was affected severely by the lock-downs. Small retail businesses are especially threatened because of their low financial reserves and many insolvencies are imminent. This is very dramatic because, on the one hand, many livelihoods are directly linked to these small retailers. On the other hand about 94% of the sectors are currently so called micro or small enterprises with less than 10 or 50 employees and an annual turnover under 2 or 10 million euros. These “local shops” are a characteristic of city centers and important for the economic stability and diversity of the country. To support these businesses, the state has introduced various direct financial aids and indirect ones such as short-time work or guarantees. Regardless of the difficulties associated with applying for and receiving aid, it is also the responsibility of retailers to use change management skills to develop their own solutions. Covid has now dramatically shown where unused potential exists, e.g. through the implementation of multi-channel or hybrid business models. As dramatic as the situation is, it should also be used as an opportunity to increase innovative skills and to take a purposeful approach to the transformative process.
Modeling the cost of transferring funds taking into account the initial information
Authors: Eremeev Dmitry , Zolotareva Galina , Kazanskaya Natalia , Fedorova Natalia , Vaitekunene Elena
Published: July 2021

The construction of a model of the optimal amount of money transfer, taking into account the uncertainty of the initial information, depends on the strategy practiced by the enterprise. The type of the strategy of the enterprise, first of all, depends on the choice of the decision-making criterion in conditions of uncertainty. For a machine-building enterprise, a priority strategy is such that the amount of money transferred should be equal to the amount of the cash gap. In this paper, using economic and mathematical methods for the model of forming an optimal portfolio of alternatives, a mathematical model for determining the amount of optimal transfer of funds, based on the construction of the function of transaction and opportunity costs, is developed. We also propose a method for calculating the absolute liquidity ratio, which is recommended for use not only in operational financial planning, but also for analyzing the current financial condition of an enterprise.
Cognitive and non-cognitive determinants of academic and life success
Authors: Savenkov Aleksander I.
Published: July 2021

The article is devoted to the problems of association between academic and life success of a person with the levels of their cognitive development and several non-cognitive factors. Not only at the level of implicit theories that typically serve as a basis for educational practice but also in specialized psychological works, giftedness is often defined through success, although it is impossible not to recognize these phenomena as fundamentally different. In this regard, providing a distinction between the concepts of “giftedness” and “success” (both academic and life success) appears to be a relevant objective. The main proposition in the present article is that most specialists studying giftedness as personality potential view cognitive factors, primarily intellect and creativity (less often other cognitive functions), as its core and at the rare instances that the non-cognitive factors are considered, they are examined not in association with the structure of giftedness but merely as predictors of success. Therefore, the objective of examining and classifying the cognitive and non-cognitive factors of giftedness development, as well as autonomously analyzing the effective determinants of academic and life success of a person appears to be important and significantly novel. The present article has the nature of a theoretical review, therefore, the research method deployed in it is the analysis of theoretical sources across the broadest possible time frame. Consideration of the evolution of ideas of researchers from different countries and eras and the projection of their judgments, conclusions, and recommendations onto educational and social practice can shed light on the modern understanding of these processes both in scientific and everyday psychology.
The connection between antisocial creativity and values of students of pedagogical specialties
Authors: Egorov Ilia V. , Naumova Diana V. , Pavlenko Tatiana A. , Rasskazova Irina N. , Kuts Stepan A.
Published: July 2021

Scholars study various aspects of creativity: features of a creative personality; the impact of creativity on society; mechanisms and conditions for the development of creativity. Creativity is productive, makes the life of a person and society better, as well as promotes progress. At the same time, the phenomenon of creativity is not so definite since scholars distinguish such a variety as antisocial creativity, in which a person uses one’s creative potential against society and other people. This is reflected in specific research concerned with this phenomenon. It emphasizes the negative influence of the antisocial creativity of teachers on the forming personality of students and the effectiveness of education. The study objective is to study the antisocial creativity of future teachers and its connection with values and basic beliefs. The methods of testing, polling, mathematical statistics (correlation analysis) were used in the course of the study. This empirical study has revealed strong links between antisocial creativity and the age of respondents. As a result, antisocial creativity is connected with such values of social groups as conformism, tradition (inverse correlation); self-direction, power and achievement (direct correlation). A negative correlation with the humor scale allows the authors to conclude that this type of antisocial creativity is a kind of defense. For the first time, this ascertaining study has considered the specifics of antisocial creativity of students of pedagogical specialties with due regard to their beliefs and values. The promising areas of research on the antisocial creativity of future teachers include identifying both personal and social determinants of this phenomenon.
Teacher coping strategies as factor of child’s success in educational process
Authors: Kuzmin Mikhail Yurievich , Mironova Elena Ivanovna , Kiseleva Anastasia Andreevna
Published: July 2021

The authors analyze various approaches to the problem of factors that determine a child’s success in the educational process. The contradictory nature of modern research on this issue is established. There is no consensus on the impact of coping strategies on a child’s academic and creative success. The purpose of the study is to determine coping strategies of teachers with various experience levels and specialties that affect the success of children in the educational process. The sample consists of 314 teachers in Irkutsk with various experience levels and specialties. The authors utilize the methods “The Ways of Coping Questionnaire” by R. Lazarus and S. Folkman, “Methodology for determining individual coping strategies” by E. Heim as well as the analysis of the teachers’ professional results submitted for certification. It is found that the success of students depends on the coping strategies used by their teachers of various experience levels and specialties. In general, students are more successful if pedagogues use productive coping mechanisms. However, in some cases, due to the specialty and experience of teaching staff, unproductive copings can be efficient for learning. For subject teachers, the “Distancing” strategy can be efficient, which is an unproductive coping strategy. At the same time, the strategy “Seeking social support”, which is a productive coping mechanism, is inefficient for teachers of additional education. The results obtained are compared with other authors’ conclusions (W.F. Admiraal, K.C. Herman, M.M. Kashapov, etc.). The authors explain the discovered features of coping mechanisms for the success of children. The limitations of the study and possible further research areas are discussed.
Creative-digital diagnostics and reflexive development of school students in the course of studying Natural Sciences
Authors: Stepanov Sergei Yurievich , Orzhekovskiy Pavel Alexandrovich , Mishina Inna Borisovna
Published: July 2021

The authors of the article raises an issue that is relevant from the perspective of modern education connected with difficulties of using the results of psychological diagnostics of students’ creative thinking carried out with the help of traditional testing techniques within the framework of the actual learning process. To address this issue, it is recommended to use the solutions suggested by the “forming” and “reflexive” approaches to this problem and conduct a synthesis of these two approaches using modern digital technologies. This way, it will provide us with an opportunity to turn developing (forming) procedures into diagnostic and turn diagnostic means into developing. Such a conceptual and technological symbiosis allowed us to create a computer networking system “CREO DATUM” enabling its users to carry out creative-digital diagnostics and psycho-pedagogical support of reflexive development of students’ creative potential at the same time based on the material of one of the natural sciences taught within the school curriculum, namely chemistry. This system includes a database of domain-specific creative tasks by solving which students demonstrate their thinking abilities; digitalization of this process in the online mode allows teachers to monitor and assess the dynamics of such parameters of their creative potential as divergence and criticality. This tool enables the teacher and student to predict the area of future development promptly and select further creative tasks on the subject via “CREO DATUM” taking into consideration the strengths and weaknesses of previous creative efforts. Experimental testing of the “CREO DATUM” system allowed us to categorize the students who took part in the research. Four groups have been identified: children with high creative potential, ones with low creative potential, divergents, and analysts. Methodological recommendations have been developed for each category of students based on the material of a natural science subject aimed at psychological and pedagogical support of their development.
Teachers’ readiness to work with children with signs of psychomotor aptitude
Authors: Borisova Marina Mikhailovna , Pavlova Nadezhda Petrovna , Shukshina Svetlana Evgenievnа , Morozova Ludmila Dmitrievna
Published: July 2021

The paper deals with the problem of teachers’ readiness to work with children showing signs of psychomotor aptitude. The authors perform a theoretical analysis of approaches to the definition of the concepts of psychomotor, psychomotor aptitude, physical intelligence. The place of psychomotor aptitude in the structure of general aptitude has been determined. The relationship between psychomotor skills and personality development is demonstrated. It was found that most of the children with signs of psychomotor aptitude remained without proper psychological and pedagogical support, which led to a significant decrease in their number with age. The main goal of the study is to determine the readiness of teachers to work with psychomotorically apt children. A diagnostic technique has been developed, aimed at determining the readiness of teachers to work with the specified contingent of children. The main attention was paid to the formation of the cognitive and activity components of readiness among teachers. The study was based on a comparative analysis of data obtained in two groups of respondents with different levels of professional training. Approaches to the definition of the concepts of readiness and professional readiness are generalized. The content of professional competencies (such as “knowing”, “being able”) in the context of the problem under consideration is presented. The results of the empirical study showed that in the process of professional training, the concept of psychomotor aptitude had not been formed. The ideas of the experiment participants about scientific and methodological approaches to organizing work with psychomotorically apt children are at an intuitive level, which indicates that teachers are not ready for this type of work and cannot fully take into account the special educational needs of their students. The prospects for further research in the field of training teachers to work with children with psychomotor aptitude have been determined.
A Case of Sporadic Pseudohypoparathyroidism Type 1B Presented with
Hypokalemia
Authors: Yang Wen-jun , Zhang Qin , Jin Ping
Published: July 2021

Dear Editor

Luo et al. 1 reported two cases of autosomal
dominant pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1B (AD-PHP1B) and reviewed literature about
the genetic and epigenetic characteristics of AD-PHP1B. Pseudohypoparathyroidism
(PHP) is a cluster of heterogeneous diseases characterized by hypocalcemia and
hyperphosphatemia due to resistance to parathyroid hormone (PTH). PHP1B almost
results from methylation abnormalities of the maternal differentially methylated
regions (DMRs) and can be divided into sporadic PHP1B and AD-PHP1B 1. As mentioned in this article 1, AD-PHP1B is caused by heterozygous maternal
deletions within GNAS or STX16, which are associated with loss of methylation at the
A/B DMR alone or at all maternally methylated GNAS exons. While sporadic
PHP1B remains unclear at the molecular level, except for approximately 10%
of the patients caused by paternal uniparental isodisomy or heterodisomy involving
chromosome 20q (patUPD20q) 2. Here, we would
like to present a rare case of sporadic PHP1B occurring in association with
hypokalemia.
A Prospective Observational Study of Clinicopathological and Biochemical Profile of Patients with Cholecystitis Visiting a Teaching Tertiary Care Centre of Haryana
Authors: Malik Pushpendra , Tarun L.N.U. , Singh Sanjeet , Garg Mahinder K , Sangwan Mukesh , Kumar Rahul , Sebastian Sebin
Published: July 2021

Introduction Gallstone diseases constitute a major part of patients visiting hospitals, and more than 50% of operation theaters are occupied by it or diseases related to it. It also imposes significant financial burden on health resources. The 21st century has opened with an improved foundation to our understanding of the basis of bile formation by defining the key transporters of the lipids in bile and the responsible genes. The specter of obesity as an epidemic in developed countries, and the recent recognition of the metabolic syndromes and their links to gallstone formation, emphasize the expectation of a rise in the frequency of cholesterol cholelithiasis.

Materials and Methods Data pertaining to patients who were admitted/received surgery for a diagnosis of gallstone diseases at the Department of General Surgery of BPS GMC Khanpur Kalan was collected.

The collected data was entered in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. Mean ± standard deviation (SD) was calculated for quantitative data, using Student’s “t” test/Kruskal test. Chi-square test was used to find out the association for categorical data.

Results and Discussion Most of the patients were experiencing right hypochondriac pain (79.23%) as presenting complaints, with the most common age range being 31 to 40 years, followed by 41 to 50 years, that is, 31.85% and 20.74%, respectively. Females were most commonly affected, approximately 90%, and only 10% of patients with gallstones visiting our hospital were males. Maximum patients had chronic cholecystitis (80%) on histopathological examination, followed by cholesterosis (6.15%). As much as 82.6% of patients presented with mixed gallstones, followed by cholesterol stones, that is, 10.43%. All types of stones are more common in patients with abdominal adiposities, that is, having waist-to-hip ratio more than 0.85, and these findings are statistically significant.

Conclusion Our study concluded that gallstones were more common in females of younger population (31–40 years) with right hypochondriac pain as presenting complaints. The most common histopathology was chronic cholecystitis with mixed types of stones, which is associated with increased waist-to-hip ratio. All biochemical markers were within normal range.
Covering Ileal Loop without Ostomy: A New Approach to Bring Down the Enterostomy-Related Morbidity
Authors: Karunakaran Kathiresan , Jayakumar Palanisamy , Maruthupandian Dheivendiran
Published: July 2021

Ileostomy is a commonly performed procedure for colon surgeries and the following emergency small or large bowel resection and anastomosis. We proposed a successful new technique of covering ileal loop without opening it, to decrease the stoma and reversal-related complications.
Long-Term Outcomes and Health-Related Quality of Life in a Swiss Patient Group with Esophageal Atresia
Authors: di Natale Anthony , Brestel Jessica , Mauracher Andrea Alexis , Tharakan Sasha Job , Meuli Martin , Möhrlen Ueli , Subotic Ulrike
Published: July 2021

Introduction Surgical treatment of esophageal atresia (EA) has markedly improved, allowing the focus to shift from short-term complications and mortality to long-term complications and quality of life. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is variable and reported to range from reduced to unimpaired in patients with repaired EA. We assessed the HRQoL, determined the prevalence of long-term complications and their possible impact on the HRQoL in patients who had correction of EA in Switzerland. Further, we also investigated in the general well-being of their parents.

Materials and Methods Patients with EA repair in Switzerland between 1985 and 2011 were enrolled. Long-term complications were assessed by enquiring disease-related symptoms, standardized clinical examinations, and analysis of radiographs. HRQoL was inquired using different validated questionnaires (KIDSCREEN-27, World Health Organization [WHO]-5, and Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index [GIQLI]). Patients were grouped according to their age. In underage patients, general well-being of the parents was assessed using the WHO-5 questionnaire.

Results Thirty patients were included with a mean age of 11.3 ± 5.7 years. Long-term complications were present in 63% of all patients. HRQoL in underage patients was comparable to the provided reference values and rated as good, while adult patients reported a reduced HRQoL. The presence of gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms was associated with reduced HRQoL in underage patients. Parents of underage patients stated a good general well-being.

Conclusion Long-term complications among patients with repair of EA in Switzerland are common. HRQoL in underage patients is good and general well-being of their parents is unimpaired. Adult patients reported a reduced HRQoL, consistent with other reports. As long-term complications may manifest only later in life, a structured follow-up of patients with an EA repair during childhood and adolescence is needed.
Impact of Magnetic Resonance Lymphography on Lymphaticolvenular Anastomosis for Lower-Limb Lymphedema
Authors: Yasunaga Yoshichika , Kinjo Yuto , Nakajima Yuta , Mimura Shinei , Kobayashi Miharu , Yuzuriha Shunsuke , Kondoh Shoji
Published: July 2021

Background Although several investigations have described the safety, utility, and precision of magnetic resonance lymphography (MRL) as a preoperative examination for lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA), it is unclear how much MRL assistance impacts LVA results. The present study aimed to clarify the outcome of MRL-assisted LVA for leg lymphedema using body water measurements obtained by bioelectrical impedance analysis.

Methods The water reductive effect of MRL-assisted LVA in female secondary leg lymphedema patients was compared with that of non-MRL-assisted controls in this retrospective study. In the MRL-assisted group, all LVA candidates underwent MRL prior to surgery, and the lymphatic vessels to be anastomosed were primarily determined by MRL findings. The body water composition of the treated legs was assessed before LVA and at 6 months postoperatively using a multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analyzer.

Results Twenty-three patients in the MRL-assisted study group and an equal number in the non-MRL-assisted control group were analyzed. Although mean leg water volume before LVA, mean excess water volume of the affected leg before LVA, and number of anastomoses created were comparable between the groups, the water volume reduction (1.02 L versus 0.49 L; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.03–1.03, p < 0.05) and edema reduction rate (46.7% versus 27.2%; 95% CI: 3.7–35.5%, p < 0.05) in the MRL-assisted group were significantly greater than in controls.

Conclusion Preoperative MRL-assisted lymph vessel visualization and selection appeared to significantly enhance the water reductive effect of LVA for International Society of Lymphology classification stage 2 leg lymphedema. MRL also helped to reliably identify lymphatic vessels for anastomosis. Without increasing the number of anastomoses, LVA could be performed more effectively by better detecting stagnant lymphatic vessels using MRL.
Risk Factors of Urogenital Problems among Perimenopausal Women
Authors: Suchithra B. S. , Rajeev T. P. , Dsilva Fatima
Published: July 2021

Introduction Menopause is a natural event that results from cessation of the menstrual cycle. It usually occurs in midlife, marking the end of women’s reproductive life. Perimenopause refers to the time at which our body makes the natural transition to the menopause and may last for 4 to 8 years. A lot of urogenital problems start appearing after the age of 40 in women. The aim of the study is to identify the risk factors of the urogenital problems in perimenopausal women.

Materials and Methods An explorative survey design with a purposive sampling method was used to collect the data from 200 women and older than 40 years admitted to the tertiary care hospital and a community under Natekal Primary Health Center were selected for the study.

Results A total of 200 women were enrolled; 85 (42.5%) had urinary tract infections, 49 (24.5%) had urinary retention, 35 (17.5%) had vaginal dryness, 17 (8.5%) had urinary incontinence, 14 (7%) had a loss of libido. The majority, 76 (38%), had this problem for 1 to 2 years. There was association between selected demographic variables with risk factors like occupation (0.023; p < 0.05), number of children (0.023; p < 0.05), and mode of delivery (0.023; p < 0.05).

Conclusion The study result concludes that there was a significant association between urogenital problems and risk factors.
General Surgery in COVID: Challenges of a Government Sector Tertiary Care Medical University in a Developing Country and Lessons Learnt
Authors: Gaurav Kushagra , Anand Akshay , Ahmad Faraz , Agrawal Manish K. , Kumar Awanish , Sonkar Abhinav A.
Published: July 2021

Preserving resources and manpower is paramount in health care. It is important to ensure the ability of surgeons and specialized professionals to function through the pandemic. With one-sixth of world’s population residing in a single developing country, with public health care expenditure being less than 1.28% of the total country’s GDP and poor social protection, it seemed fighting a losing battle. However, a thoughtful and collaborative approach among leaders at every level has resulted in keeping the country afloat. The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic underlines the importance of a mindful utilization of financial and human resources. Modifying international guidelines to fit the region-specific needs as per available resources is expected. This article is based on real-time challenges and experiences of a surgical department of a government medical university in planning and preparing clinical pathways during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure high quality surgical care.