bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apps and Online Platforms for Patients with Heart Failure
Authors: Ahmed Nida , Ahmed Sabahat , Grapsa Julia
Published: May 2020

The use of the internet for health advice and information has burgeoned over recent years. This corresponds with an increasing number of people living with heart failure and, in the context of a greater focus on patient engagement, producing accurate online health information is becoming vitally important. To help meet this need, major cardiology societies have designed dedicated, patient-specific areas on their websites. This article aims to provide an overview of the patient information resources from three main professional societies: the European Society of Cardiology, American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology. A summary of the content of these dedicated websites and two smartphone apps is provided, along with a brief look into the future role of these technologies and resources in supporting both patients and their clinicians in the management of heart failure.
Mechanisms of Myocardial Injury in Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Rali Aniket S , Ranka Sagar , Shah Zubair , Sauer Andrew J
Published: May 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) predominantly presents with symptoms of fever, fatigue, cough and respiratory failure. However, it appears to have a unique interplay with cardiovascular disease (CVD); patients with pre-existing CVD are at highest risk for mortality from COVID-19, along with the elderly. COVID-19 contributes to cardiovascular complications including arrhythmias, myocardial dysfunction and myocardial inflammation. Although the exact mechanism of myocardial inflammation in patients with COVID-19 is not known, several plausible mechanisms have been proposed based on early observational reports. In this article, the authors summarise the available literature on mechanisms of myocardial injury in COVID-19.
WATER CLEANING MODELING IN A HORIZONTAL SETTLER
Authors: V. A. Kozachyna  , V. I. Shynkarenko  , I. O. Bondarenko  , V. A. Gabrinets  , V. M. Horiachkin
Published: May 2020

Purpose. Improving the efficiency of wastewater treatment plants in water supply and sanitation is an important technical task. To analyze the effectiveness of water treatment of a particular structure, at the design stage, you need to have special mathematical models. The work is aimed to develop a numerical model of the mass transfer process in a vertical settler to assess its performance. Methodology. The spread of the pollutant in the treatment plant (settler) is calculated on the basis of the distribution equation of the impurity, which expresses the law of mass conservation. The modeling equation takes into account the convective transfer of impurities and the transfer of impurities due to turbulent diffusion. The mathematical model takes into account the uneven flow velocity field in the building. To determine this uneven flow velocity field, a mathematical model of the flow of an ideal fluid is used. In this case, the vortex nature of the flow is taken into account. Findings. The solution of modeling equations is found numerically. For numerical integration of the modeling transport equation in the structure, difference splitting schemes were used. The basic mass transfer equation is preliminarily split into equations that take into account the movement of an impurity in a settling tank due to convection, and into equations that take into account the transfer of an impurity due to diffusion. For numerical integration of the modeling equations of the inviscid fluid flow, implicit difference splitting schemes are used. The numerical calculation is carried out on a rectangular difference grid. Originality. A feature of the developed mathematical model is the possibility of modeling the velocity field and the process of impurity transfer taking into account the geometric shape of the settlers and the possibility of using plates in them, which affect the flow hydrodynamics in the structure and, therefore, the efficiency of water treatment. Practical value. The calculation time for one version of the task based on the constructed mathematical models is a few seconds. The models can be used to obtain an expert assessment of the operation of treatment facilities designed. The results of a computational experiment in determining the efficiency of the settler with two plates are presented.
Estimativa do Sexo e Idade por Meio de Mensurações Faciais em Crânios Secos de Adultos
Authors: Helda Crystiane Cirilo Teles  , Rafael Adailton dos Santos Junior  , Vanessa dos Anjos Sandes  , Francisco Prado Reis
Published: May 2020

O objetivo desta pesquisa é verificar o dimorfismo sexual e estimativa da idade através de mensurações faciais utilizando-se a região zigomática. Visa-se fornecer subsídios para futuras investigações na Antropologia Forense. Foi utilizada uma amostra 241 crânios, dos quais 226 crânios foram analisados. Dos incluídos, 89 do sexo feminino e 137 masculinos, todos maiores de 20 anos de idade e pertencentes ao acervo de uma coleção de crânios humanos secos do Laboratório de Anatomia Humana da Universidade Tiradentes. Todas as mensurações dos pontos, em ambas as faces foram realizadas com um paquímetro digital de precisão. A análise de variância mostrou que os indivíduos do sexo masculino apresentaram médias das variáveis maiores que as do sexo feminino. De acordo com o teste t, ocorreu diferença significativa em todas as variáveis (p
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) real-time RT-PCR ORF1ab 2020 v1
Authors: A Northill Judy , M Mackay Ian
Published: May 2020

A real-time RT-PCR to specifically detect SARS-CoV-2 betacoronavirus also called nCoV-2019 or Wuhan seafood market pneumonia virus. Based on sequence MN908947 made available by Professor Yong-Zhen Zhang, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. The target region is within the ORF1ab sequence. Notes Assay is fully optimised (as of 24Jan2020). This test has identified a clinical positive cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Stepping down and handing over
Authors: Gerrand Peter
Published: May 2020

Some departing words from the Journal's Managing Editor in stepping down from the role of Editor-in-Chief of the Telecommunications Journal of Australia and its successor, the Australian Journal of Telecommunications and the Digital Economy, after 21 years in the job.
Barriers to healthcare access for Arabic-speaking population in an English-speaking country
Authors: Al Jumaili Ali A. , Ahmed Kawther K. , Koch Dave
Published: May 2020

Objective: To identify barriers to healthcare access, to assess the health literacy levels of the foreign-born Arabic speaking population in Iowa, USA and to measure their prevalence of seeking preventive healthcare services.

Methods: A cross-sectional study of native Arabic speaking adults involved a focus group and an anonymous paper-based survey. The focus group and the Andersen Model were used to develop the survey questionnaire. The survey participants were customers at Arabic grocery stores, worshippers at the city mosque and patients at free University Clinic. Chi-square test was used to measure the relationship between the characteristics of survey participants and preventive healthcare services. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the focus group transcript.

Results: We received 196 completed surveys. Only half of the participants were considered to have good health literacy. More than one-third of the participants had no health insurance and less than half of them visit clinics regularly for preventive measures. Two participant enabling factors (health insurance and residency years) and one need factor (having chronic disease(s)) were found to significantly influence preventive physician visits.

Conclusions: This theory-based study provides a tool that can be used in different Western countries where Arabic minority lives. Both the survey and the focus group agreed that lacking health insurance is the main barrier facing their access to healthcare services. The availability of an interpreter in the hospital is essential to help those with inadequate health literacy, particularly new arriving individuals. More free healthcare settings are needed in the county to take care of the increasing number of uninsured Arabic speaking patients.
Using time-linear Cauchy—Helmholtz formulas in the derivations of the continuity equation of Euler, Ostrogradsky, Zhukovsky
Authors: Ovsyannikov V.M.
Published: May 2020

The paper indicates the reason for the appearance of the second and third order terms of smallness of the continuity equation, which in the wave dynamics lead to the appearance of spontaneous self-oscillations. The compatibility of periodic local non-conservation of the amount of substance in the control shape with the integral law of conservation of the total amount of substance in the flow region is demonstrated. It is shown that taking into account terms of the second and third order of smallness is equivalent to the order increase of time differentiality of the continuity equation, which gives an extension of the class of fluid flow movements. Attention is drawn to the similarity of constructions of inhomogeneous terms of the wave equation arising due to the convective terms of the L.D. Landau and E.M. Lifshitz equation of motion and due to the second-order smallness terms of the Euler continuity equation. It is also shown that the loss of members of second and third order of smallness in time in the derivation of the M.V. Ostrogradsky continuity equation occurs due to the neglect of the flow of fluid particles crossing twice the border of the convex control shape along the secant line, coming outside within the finite time interval and not included in the substance balance. The possibility and validity of the appearance of terms of high-order smallness in other physical laws containing the divergence operator is indicated.
Research of dynamic unbalance of a rotating mechanical system
Authors: Vitushkin V.V. , Zhigulevtsev Yu.N.
Published: May 2020

The paper presents the results of development of an automated laboratory complex for the study of dynamic reactions of bearings of a rotating mechanical system. This complex includes an electromechanical model unit equipped with sensors for measuring reactions and angular speed of the system rotation, a power supply and control unit and a PC for processing the results of measurements and calculations of dynamic reactions. The theoretical basis for calculating the dynamic reactions of the unbalanced rotating mechanical system bearings is given, and a description of the research laboratory complex is provided. The results of experimental determination of these reactions as well as the corresponding calculated dependences of the latter on the angular speed of rotation and the degree of system unbalance are presented. The presence of a region of mechanical system insensitivity to its dynamic unbalance caused by the effects of friction in the bearings is confirmed. There is a good agreement between the proposed method for calculating dynamic reactions of rotating mechanical system bearings and experimental data on their measurement. The effectiveness of the developed laboratory complex in the training process at higher school when teaching the appropriate section of theoretical mechanics is noted.
Features of subsonic air flow around perforated plates
Authors: Golubev A.G. , Stolyarova E.G. , Kalugina M.D.
Published: May 2020

The paper considers the process of flow around a flat plate with rounded front and side edges at various degrees of surface perforation. The flow patterns were studied both near the plate with zero degree of perforation, and at the surface of plates with a perforation degree of more than 20%. The features of air flow directly inside the holes at various values of the angle of attack are considered. Isobars of pressure distribution in the vertical plane of the flow over a solid plate are given. A simulation of the flow around a perforated plate at subsonic speed of the incoming air flow is performed, aerodynamic characteristics are obtained and graphical dependencies of the aerodynamic coefficients of longitudinal and normal force on the angle of attack are presented. Special attention is paid to the comparative analysis of aerodynamic characteristics for solid (with zero degree of perforation) and perforated plates.
Future teachers’ mathematics cognitive failures and their learning styles
Authors: Awofala Adeneye Olarewaju , Lawal Ruth Folake , Arigbabu Abayomi Adelaja
Published: May 2020

This study investigated the disparities in the mathematics cognitive failures of future mathematics teachers based on learning style inclination. As a descriptive survey study, the sample included 480 future mathematics teachers from four universities in south-west Nigeria. Two research questions were involved and two instruments were used for the collection of quantitative data for the study: Learning Style Inventory (LSI, Cronbach alpha coefficient=0.74) and the Mathematics Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (MCFQ, Cronbach alpha coefficient=0.89). The collected data were analyzed using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), frequency, and percentage. Results showed that future mathematics teachers in varying degrees preferred the four learning styles of convergers, divergers, accommodators, and assimilators. In addition, there was a statistically significant influence of learning style on future teachers’ mathematics cognitive failures. Thus, there were meaningful disparities in mathematics cognitive failures between accommodators and the other three types of future teachers: divergers, convergers, and assimilators. The disparity was in support of the accommodators. Succinctly, the accommodators pooled the greatest mathematics cognitive failures while the divergers recorded the least mathematics cognitive failures. In line with these study findings, it is advised that strategies that could reduce future teachers’ mathematics cognitive failures and close the gaps created by learning styles should be enacted to promote their success in mathematics learning.
Tendencias didácticas de algunos docentes universitarios de matemáticas
Authors: Leguizamón José Francisco , Jiménez Alfonso , Chaparro Arley Zamir
Published: May 2020

Se presenta un análisis sobre el quehacer docente de profesores de la  Licenciatura en Matemáticas de la Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, que puede considerarse como un punto de partida para mejorar las prácticas de aula. El enfoque teórico es el de modelos de clase propuesto por Porlán, complementado con el constructivismo clásico de Piaget, el enfoque sociocultural de Vygotsky y el interaccionismo de Bruner. La metodología de investigación es mixta, con alcance descriptivo. Los instrumentos de recolección de información fueron los cuestionarios y la entrevista no estructurada. Los resultados muestran que la mayoría de los docentes que participaron en el estudio: diseñan sus clases con base en objetivos operacionales; evalúan mediante la aplicación de pruebas objetivas, planteadas especialmente como guías; y consideran que el aprendizaje ocurre mediante un proceso progresivo de asimilación de concepto. De acuerdo con lo anterior, se evidencia que las características de las prácticas de los profesores se asocian con una tendencia didáctica tecnológica.
Resiliencia en estudiantes exitosos en matemáticas
Authors: Santiago Martha Cecilia , Vergel Mawency , Gallardo Henry De Jesús
Published: May 2020

El objetivo de investigación fue evaluar la relación entre el rendimiento académico en matemáticas y el éxito escolar en estudiantes de educación superior. La investigación siguió un enfoque cuantitativo, descriptivo-comparativo y microsociológico. Los datos provinieron de fuentes primarias. La recolección de datos fue transeccional y la muestra fue de 1500 estudiantes. Se utilizó la escala de resiliencia de Wagnild y Young. Los resultados muestran que hay una relación importante entre el nivel de exigencia, la aplicación de las matemáticas, la abstracción y el rendimiento académico. Los estudiantes desarrollan habilidades emocionales de resiliencia que les permiten mejorar su calidad de vida. En conclusión, la resiliencia se relaciona significativamente con todas las fortalezas del carácter, así como con la aceptación positiva del cambio y con la competencia personal. Se identificó que, si bien la resiliencia ayuda a los estudiantes a ser más tolerantes y a comprender mejor lo que sucede en el entorno, es precisamente en esos desafíos donde se manifiestan las fortalezas que les brindan un alto desempeño educativo. Los estudiantes exitosos demuestran habilidades de pensamiento formal, pensamiento creativo, aplicación de la matemática y resiliencia, las cuales inciden en su calidad de vida.
Estimating the Number of Infected by COVID-19 in Italy
Authors: Cintra Pedro H.P. , Fontinele Felipe N.
Published: May 2020

Italy suffered heavily with the new pandemic crisis caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Given the low number of tests performed on the early stages of the outbreak, Italy lost track of most of infections. We use a modified SEIR model to reconstruct the most realistic infection curve using the hospitalization curve of the registered data. Using this method we estimated that, by the end of the first infection wave, about 3-4% of the population will have been infected by the virus. Following the same process, the number of deaths is projected to be between 100000 to 115000. We also find a significant correlation between the number of tests performed, the fraction of undocumented infections and the rate of change dI/dt of the real infection curve. We conclude that herd immunity is not enough to contain further spread of the disease inside the country.
Order Effects in the Perception and Production of New Words
Authors: Richtsmeier Peter , Moore Michelle
Published: May 2020

Purpose: Perceptual learning and production practice are basic mechanisms that children depend on to acquire adult levels of speech accuracy. In this study, we examined perceptual learning and production practice as they contributed to changes in speech accuracy in three- and four-year-old children. Our primary focus was manipulating the order of perceptual learning and baseline production practice to better understand when and how these learning mechanisms interact. Method: Sixty-five typically-developing children between the ages of three and four were included in the study. Children were asked to produce CVCCVC nonwords like /bozjəm/ and /tʌvtʃəp/ that were described as the names of make-believe animals. All children completed two separate experimental blocks: a baseline block in which participants heard each nonword once and repeated it, and a test block in which the perceptual input frequency of each nonword varied between 1 and 10. Half of the participants completed a baseline-test order; half completed a test-baseline order. Results: Greater accuracy was observed for nonwords produced in the second experimental block, reflecting a production practice effect. Perceptual learning resulted in greater accuracy during the test for nonwords that participants heard 3 or more times. However, perceptual learning did not carry over to baseline productions in the test-baseline design, suggesting that it reflects a kind of temporary priming. Finally, a post hoc analysis suggested that the size of the production practice effect depended on the age of acquisition of the consonants that comprised the nonwords. Conclusions: The study provides new details about how perceptual learning and production practice interact with each other and with phonological aspects of the nonwords, resulting in complex effects on speech accuracy and learning of form-referent pairs. These findings may ultimately help speech-language pathologists maximize their clients’ improvement in therapy.
From Centralized Systems to Distributed 5G-Enabled Manufacturing
Authors: Baxter Kathryn , Lundberg John
Published: May 2020

The landscape of centralized cloud computing is now changing to distributed and decentralized clouds with promising impacts on energy consumption, resource availability, resilience, and customer experience. This research highlights the impacts of emerging IT trends, namely, 5G wireless technology, blockchain, and industrial Artificial Intelligence (AI) in development and realization of the next generation of cloud computing. Integration of these technologies in cyber-physical system and cloud manufacturing paradigms is explained and a unified edge-fog-cloud architecture is proposed for successful implementation in manufacturing systems.
A New Health Assessment Prediction Approach: Multi-Scale Ensemble Extreme Learning Machine
Authors: Tarek BERGHOUT
Published: May 2020

This work can be considered as a first step of designing a future competitive data-driven approach for remaining useful life prediction of aircraft engines. The proposed approach is an ensemble of serially connected extreme learning machines. The results of prediction of the first networks are scaled and fed to the next networks as an additive features to the original inputs. This feature mapping allows increasing the correlation of training inputs with their targets by holding new prior knowledge about the probable behavior of the target function. The proposed approach is evaluated under remaining useful estimation using a set of “time-varying” data retrieved from the public dataset C-MAPSS (Commercial Modular Aero Propulsion System Simulation) provided by NASA. The prediction performances are compared to basic extreme learning machine and proved the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.
Optimistic Prediction Model for the COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic Based on the Reported Data Analysis
Authors: Aloufi Khalid
Published: May 2020

The world is facing new challenges every day. however, with the pandemic spread over the world, a new challenge is different. The pandemic challenge is taking all the challenges to concentrate and increase in one time. Although different sectors are facing consequences, the most important sectors, health and economy are the most affected. When the pandemic start, it is not known when it will last for different health and economic planning. Therefore, it is very important for decision makers and the public to know the prediction and expectations of the future of these challenges to successfully goes over it. In this work, the current situation is analyzed. Then, an expectation model is developed based on the statistics of the pandemic using a growth rate model based on the exponential and logarithmic increase rate. Based on the available open data about the pandemic spread, the model successfully can predict the future expectations. The model expects the time and the maximum number of cases of the pandemic. The model uses the equilibrium point as the day the of cases decreases. The model can be used for planning and development of strategies to overcome the challenges.
Electrical Conductivity of Natural Volcanic Tuff Mix by Cyclic Voltammetry Method
Authors: Alkhawaldeh Ahmad Khalaf
Published: May 2020

This paper has experimentally measured volcanic tufa electrical conductance. The calculations are carried out in accordance with the potential of cyclic voltammetry in a constant state. The cyclic voltammograms nanoelectrode platinum prepared electrochemically were examined in the range -0.2 to 1.2 V vs. AgCl [Cl-]:1.0 M in the presence and absence of volcanic tuff in the aqueous solution of 1.0 M HCl. The cyclic voltammetry studies show that the Nano platinum film suffers degradation when the potential exceeds +0.85 V, and below this potential, it is quite stable. The redox reaction of the electrode is reversible. The nanoparticle platinum synthesized at low temperature and high acid concentration exhibits higher electronic conductivities. It has been observed that, relative to area under the peak aggregate tests, the use of volcanic concrete was showing a large increase in electrical conductivity. It was shown that with cyclic voltammetry, three well-defined anode peak could be achieved at a power of 0.0, 0.4 and 0.6 V versus Ag/AgCl.
Pelatihan Deteksi Formalin dan Rhodamin B dalam Makanan bagi Guru dan Wali Murid TK Bintara Jaya Bekasi
Authors: Fatmawati Sofia , Riyanti Hurip Budi , Yati Kori
Published: May 2020

People in general, consumes food which is homecooked or buying finished products every day. Many types of prepared fast foods used food additives such as preservatives, flavorings agents, sweeteners etc. Additives which being used must be safe for consumption in a certain limit. The community service was held to the teachers and parents from Bintara Jaya Bekasi Kindergarten in order to quickly detect additional ingredients of fformaldehyde and rhodamine in food and using a test kit. The target is to increase the knowledge and skills of the teachers and parents from Bintara Jaya Bekasi Kindergarten students to detect and test foods containing formaldehyde and rhodamine B because the commons does not yet understand between safe and prohibited food additives. This workshop can improve the quality of health in the school and family environment. The training was done by lecturing method, practicing rapid detection and using a test kit and followed by discussion. The results of the community service showed an increase in the knowledge and skills of the teachers and parents from Bintara Jaya Bekasi Kindergarten in detecting foods containing formaldehyde and rhodamine B.
A glance on anti-viral strategy target Coronavirus life cycle
Authors: Zhang Yue , Chen Huijie , Pirozzi Nicole , Cong Yingying
Published: May 2020

Coronavirus (CoV), is a single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus, which is characterized by a coronal-shaped spinous process on its surface and is the largest known RNA virus. Recently, the new outbreak of CoV was first found in Wuhan, China at the end of 2019, however, the infection is worldwide and causing high pathogenicity and mortality rates, especially in the aged population. Unfortunately, there is no available strategy to control the infection or treat patients. By reviewing the life cycle of CoV infection in host cells, including: virion attachment and entry, genome transcription and replication, and virion assembly and release, we focused on the role of viral proteins in the viral life cycle and summarized how their function could be targeted for the prevention/therapy of CoV. Thus, this information would pave the way to precisely design the antiviral drug component/vaccine against CoVs.
Prevalence and Factors Associated With Malnutrition in Children Aged 6-59 Months in Jubek State, South Sudan.
Authors: Iyya Martin Adelino , Grace Ndeezi , Nicolette Nabukeera Barungi , Chollong Hassan
Published: May 2020

Background: Rates of acute malnutrition have been consistently higher in South Sudan than any other country in sub-Saharan Africa, according to South Sudan Household Survey 2010, the prevalence of Global Acute Malnutrition in children under 5 years was 22%, Prevalence of stunting is 45% and underweight was 48%. This study sought to determine the prevalence and factors associated with malnutrition among children aged 6-59 months in Jubek state, South Sudan. Methods: This was a cross sectional analytical community based study to assess the prevalence and factors associated with malnutrition among children aged 6-59 months in Jubek state, South Sudan. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire from 396 children. Anthropometric measurements were taken and a blood sample by finger prick was removed for HIV test. The equipment which were used included: WHO recommended MUAC tape for 6months to 59 months old children, digital weighing scale (SECA) and portable Stadiometers. Results: The analysis of this study revealed that, 32.2%, 28.2% and 32.3% of children were stunted, wasted and underweight respectively. The main associated factors of stunting were age older than one year (p= 0.004), children from households who were renting their houses and children who defecate in open spaces with no latrine at their homes (p= 0.015). Underweight was associated with child’s age (p= 0.001), loss of appetite (p=<0.001), children who ate from own plate (p=0.001) and children who didn’t consume meat (p=0.007). Male genders (p=0.022), households with two or more children aged zero to five years (0.010) not consuming vitamin A rich vegetable (p=0.002), diarrheal disease within two weeks prior to interview (p=0.006) and those from households with water sources other than piped (<0.001) were also associated with wasting. Conclusion: The general objective of this study was to assess the nutritional status of children aged 6-59 months in Jubek state, South Sudan. This study showed that the levels of stunting, wasting and underweight were high, one in three children were likely to be stunted (32.1%), or wasted (28.2%) or underweight (32.3%).
Motivation of disabled athletes for sport activities: validity and reliability of the Lithuanian version of the sport motivation scale
Authors: Sabaliauskas Stanislav
Published: May 2020

The aim of the research was to evaluate the structural validity of the Lithuanian version of the Sports Motivation Scale in the context of the disability sport. This study included 66 athletes with hearing and visual impairment (45 men and 21 women). The average age of the research participants was 26.5 ± 11.7 years, they used to participate in sport activity for  10.1 ± 7.6 years. Athletes who participated in the research were representatives of goalball, tennis, athletics, swimming, basketball and other sports. 39 athletes were prize winners in World and European championships. The participants of the research completed the questionnaire based on the Sports Motivation Scale (SMS) already adapted in Lithuania. Data were processed using Jamovi program. SMS psychometric parameters demonstrated good internal scale compatibility. In the confirmatory factor analysis, a 4-factor model suitable for data analysis (CFI – 0.881; TLI - 0.863; RMSEA - 0.0710; χ2 / df 1.439) was identified which comprised 20 SMS items. The structure of the model consisted of factors that characterize athletes' intrinsic motivation – “to discover” (1), intrinsic motivation – “to feel self-improvement” (2), extrinsic motivation – “need for social dependency” (3) and “amotivation” (4).
Patterning types of aggressive behaviour of primary school children with speech disorders
Authors: Bielova Olena
Published: May 2020

In order to understand the relationship between speech disorders and aggressive behaviour, the dependence of aggressive behaviour in young school-age children on their speech disorders was studied experimentally. The study had 286 children (6 to 10 years old), 57% of them with typical psychophysical development and 43% with speech disorders in Ukrainian schools. According to the results of the summary of the scientific methods, there have been discoveries of three types of aggression and six subtypes of aggression and also their features: the self-regulating type of aggression incorporates the controlled and the competitive subtypes; covert type – defensive and depressive; behavioural type – demonstrative and physical. The findings indicate that the more complex the speech disorder is, the greater the manifestation of depressive, demonstrative and physical aggression is. The more complex the state of aggression is, the harder it is to realize it. A child cannot always overcome such states on his/her own; therefore, he/she needs co-education, adult assistance.
Detoxification-related gene expression accompanies anhydrobiosis in the foliar nematode (Aphelenchoides fragariae)
Authors: Fu Zhen , Agudelo Paula , Wells Christina E.
Published: May 2020

The foliar nematode (Aphelenchoides fragariae) is a quarantined pest that infects a broad range of herbaceous and woody plants. Previous work has demonstrated its remarkable ability to survive rapid and extreme desiccation, although the specific molecular mechanisms underlying its anhydrobiotic response have not been characterized. The authors used RNA sequencing and de novo transcriptome assembly to compare patterns of gene expression between hydrated and 24-hr desiccated nematodes. In total, 2,083 and 953 genes were significantly up- and downregulated, respectively, in desiccated nematodes. Of the 100 annotated genes with the largest positive fold-changes, more than one third encoded putative detoxification-related proteins. Genes encoding enzymes of Phase I and Phase II detoxification systems were among the most strongly upregulated in the transcriptome, including 35 cytochrome p450s, 23 short chain dehydrogenase/reductases, 5 glutathione-S-transferases, and 22 UDP-glucuronosyltransferases. Genes encoding heat shock proteins, unfolded protein response enzymes, and intrinsically disordered proteins were also upregulated. Anhydrobiosis in A. fragariae appears to involve both strategies to minimize protein misfolding and aggregation, and wholesale induction of the cellular detoxification machinery. These processes may be controlled in part through the activity of forkhead transcription factors similar to Caenorhabditis elegans’ daf-16, a number of which were differentially expressed under desiccation.
Description and molecular phylogeny of Mesocriconema abolafiai n. sp. (Nematoda: Criconematidae) from Iran
Authors: Karani Hossein Mirbabaei , Eskandari Ali , Ghaderi Reza , Karegar Akbar
Published: May 2020

Mesocriconema abolafiai n. sp. is described by morphological, morphometric, and molecular approaches. The new species is characterized by a body slightly curved with 402 to 612 μm length, 90 to 113 cuticular body annuli with smooth to irregular margins lacking of crenation with not more than one anastomoses, lip region not offset, small flattened submedian lobes, stylet robust (52.8-60.0 µm) with well-developed knobs, open vulva with simple anterior lip, straight vagina, filled spermatheca with globular sperms, presence of males, and conical-acute tail with last annulus bilobed or rounded. Discussions are made on the characterization of M. abolafiai n. sp. from the most closely related species, M. ozarkiense, and several other species having similar tail shape. Furthermore, results of phylogenetic analyses inferred from D2 to D3 expansion fragments of 28S rRNA, 18S rRNA, and ITS rRNA gene sequences revealed the phylogenetic position of the new species within representatives of Criconematidae and supported morphological justifications for considering this population from Iran as a new species in the genus Mesocriconema.
Geo-spatial distribution of fluoride in drinking water resources in Eastern Iran
Authors: Nourafrouz Nourahmad , Naghizadeh Ali , Mansouri Borhan , Biglari Hamed , Derakhshani Elham , Thakkar Vaibhav
Published: May 2020

The purpose of this study was to determine the fluoride concentrations in drinking water of the Khaf County in Eastern Iran. Moreover, health risk assessment of three age groups (children, teens and adults), sensitivity analysis and uncertainties in the risk estimates were carried out using Monte Carlo simulation. For this reason, drinking water in 33 villages and 5 cities of the Khaf County were collected during March to September 2018. Fluoride contents in drinking water samples were assayed by using a HACH-DR6000 spectrophotometer. Fluoride content in drinking water from urban area and rural area ranged from 0.50 to 0.91 mg L−1 and 0.24 to 2.31 mg L−1. Among the population of the 33 villages, about 17 villages, corresponding to 51%, receive ﬂuoride concentrations less than 0.5 mg L−1 (minimum allowable concentration recommended by WHO), while the population of 4 villages, corresponding to 12%, receive ﬂuoride concentrations higher than 1.5 mg L−1 (the maximum allowable concentration of fluoride in drinking water recommended by the WHO). Moreover, our findings showed that the drinking water ingestion rate, ﬂuoride concentration in water, and the fraction of skin in contact with water were the most important variable in calculating the Hazard quotient (HQ).
Pharmacophore Generation, Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR), and Molecular Dynamic Simulation of Newly Substituted N-(6- Chloro-3-cyano-4-phenyl-4H-chromen-2-yl)-2-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-acetamide for Anticancer Activity
Authors: Chauhan Divya , Kumar Sushil , Hashim Syed Riaz , Raj Vinit
Published: May 2020

Objective:

The main objective of the study was to develop the Quantitative Structure-
Activity Relationship (QSAR) and pharmacophore model by using data obtained from HT-29
cells to develop potent lead molecule for the scientific community.

Materials and Methods:

Common pharmacophore model, atom-based 3D-QSAR, and molecular
dynamic (MD) simulation were carried out via computational techniques by using 4H-chromene
derivatives.

Results:

The reliable common pharmacophoric hypothesis, DHH13 was generated and 3.95 survival
value was also found. Furthermore, the statistically significant 3D-QSAR model was developed
where r2=0.52 was found by using the Partial least squares (PLS) regression method. Phase
predicted activity and Log GI50 demonstrated an important atomic position in the structure of ligands
to ascertain anti colon cancer activity. Also, MD simulation was carried out between top
rank leads targeting IL-6 that provided better binding conformational and complex stability into
the active pocket site of the target throughout the MD simulation.

Conclusion:

The outcome of this design shows that the pharmacophore model and 3D-QSAR
might be helpful for researchers in the field of medicinal chemistry to design and develop potential
anti colon cancer compounds.
A Pre-Post Study of Vitamin D Supplement Effects on Urinary Megalin: The Emerging Predictive Role of Megalin in Diabetic Nephropathy Progression
Authors: Kasabri Violet , Akour Amal , Bulatova Nailya , Suyagh Maysa , Yousef Al Motassem , Al Hawari Hussein , Al Shelleh Sameeha , Bzour Jameel , Fahmawi Hiba
Published: May 2020

Introduction:

Megalin is a renal proximal tubular protein that reabsorbs vitamin D from
glomerular filtrates. Previous studies found significantly higher levels of urinary megalin in chronic
microvascular complications of diabetes with associated metabolic derangements. This study aimed at
testing the effect of vitamin D supplements on urinary megalin levels in diabetic nephropathy (DN)
patients with vitamin D hypovitaminosis.

Methods:

Sixty-three participants with vitamin D deficiency and diabetic nephropathy (DN) were enrolled
in the pre-post study; urinary megalin levels with various clinical parameters and serum levels of
vitamin D3 were measured and compared to the baseline at 3- and 6-month intervals.

Results:

Interestingly, a supplementation related increase in serum vitamin D3 levels at 3- and 6-
month interventions affected a constellation of ameliorations in the DN progression of clinical and
metabolic factors. There was a decrease in ACR with a concomitant decrease in urinary megalin and a
decrease in blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and low-density lipoprotein – cholesterol
(LDL-C) – but an increase in glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Principally, pellet urinary megalin associated
positively (p < 0.05) with vitamin D hypovitaminosis and the albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR)
but negatively (p < 0.05) with Ca2+ and body mass index (BMI).

Conclusion:

Vitamin D supplementation could elucidate underlying pathophysiological mechanisms
and a prognostic significance of urinary megalin association with DN, obesity/MetS-related dyslipidemia,
and hyperglycemia modification. Megalin is a putative sensitive and precise predictive marker
and an emerging therapeutic target of renal anomalies.
Antibacterial and Synergistic Effects of Aqueous and Methanol Extracts of Artemisia annua Against Multidrug-resistant Isolates of Acinetobacter
Authors: Shadifar Hanieh , Bahreini Masoumeh , Khameneh Bahman , Emami Seyed A. , Fatemi Narges , Sharifmoghadam Mohammad R.
Published: May 2020

Background:

Acinetobacter is one of the most important pathogens that causes a high
prevalence of infection in clinical centers. Natural products are major sources of new anti-infective
agents and considered as an alternative medicine for the treatment of infectious diseases.

Objective:

This study aims to evaluate the antibacterial activity of aqueous and methanol extract of
Artemisia annua on the clinically isolated Acinetobacter and the combination of the plant extract
with amikacin and imipenem.

Methods:

The aqueous and methanol extract of the aerial parts of this plant was prepared by maceration.
Antibacterial activity was determined by the Broth microdilution method . The presence of
adeI and adeB genes in Acinetobacter isolates was investigated. The combination effects of antibiotics
were performed using the checkerboard method. The effect of plant extract on bacterial efflux
pumps was also investigated.

Results:

MIC values of the methanol extract of A. annua were from 4.46 mg/ml to 8.92 mg/ml.
The effects of the interaction of the plant extract with the amikacin and imipenem represent a significant
synergistic influence. Findings indicated that the plant extract was able to inhibit the efflux
pump remarkably.

Conclusion:

The combination of the plant extract with amikacin and imipenem can be used in the
treatment of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant Acinetobacter and probably other infectious
diseases.
Experimental and Bioinformatical Studies on Antimalarial Drug Sulfadiazine
Authors: Zelai Noha
Published: May 2020

Background:

Several computational tools assist in predicting the chemical properties,
toxicity, solubility, and binding affinity of the drugs.

Objective:

The study aims to experimentally analyze the efficiency of the antimalarial drug “sulfadiazine”
in a higher dose in contrast to its conventional use.

Methods:

The antimalarial drug was screened, and its application was assessed on the host (mice).

Results:

The results showed that parasitemia of the infected control group was significantly higher
than the others (P<0.0001) on days 3, 5, 7, and 9. The parasitemia of the IT+4 group was significantly
lower than the parasitemia of the IT-4 group on the 15th day.

Conclusion:

It was concluded that increased potency for the antimalarials is because they are nontoxic.
Nanotechnological Improvement of Veterinary Anthelmintics
Authors: Sanabria Rodrigo
Published: May 2020

:

Helminths infections are among the most important problems in animal health and husbandry.
Moreover, zoonotic helminths endanger rural communities, particularly in developing countries.
Helminthiasis are not only important in relation to the harmful effects of parasites; additional
issues like anthelmintic resistance spread became more important over time.

:

As new anthelmintic development takes many years and millions of dollars of investment, some
strategies are currently focused on the modification of already available drugs, in order to improve
their efficacy and overcome their limitations. In this field, nanotechnology has brought a novel approach,
showing advantages like the regulation of the drug’s delivery and kinetics, reaching of specific
targets, and possibilities to avoid the systemic spread and side effects.

:

Taking this into account, the present review aims to introduce some of the current knowledge in anthelmintic
improvement based on nanotechnology, and how researchers could benefit from this technology
in order to overcome the drugs limitations.

:

Finally, some insights into potential field applications are discussed, based on the most important
concerns of current anthelmintic therapy.
Biomass energy potential in Manabí province
Authors: Machuca Byron Ignacio Fernández , Torres Stalin Geovanny Paucha , Véliz Kevin Dionisio Manrique , Cantos José Luis Poggi
Published: May 2020

The present work aims to determine the energy potential of biomass in the province of Manabí, having as main actors the residues of cocoa, dry corn, bananas, and African palm, these being the products with the greatest abundance within the province since during Its production is constant throughout the year and this allows it to be used as a base for energy production. The increase in greenhouse gases in the production of consumable electrical energy has led to a significant advance in the development of biologically friendly alternatives. Among these alternatives, one of the options for immediate implementation is obtaining energy through the combustion of conventionally wasted waste, also known as biomass.
Digital Health Equity and COVID-19: The Innovation Curve Cannot Reinforce the Social Gradient of Health
Authors: Crawford Allison , Serhal Eva
Published: May 2020

Digital health innovations have been rapidly implemented and scaled to provide solutions to health delivery challenges posed by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. This has provided people with ongoing access to vital health services while minimizing their potential exposure to infection and allowing them to maintain social distancing. However, these solutions may have unintended consequences for health equity. Poverty, lack of access to digital health, poor engagement with digital health for some communities, and barriers to digital health literacy are some factors that can contribute to poor health outcomes. We present the Digital Health Equity Framework, which can be used to consider health equity factors. Along with person-centered care, digital health equity should be incorporated into health provider training and should be championed at the individual, institutional, and social levels. Important future directions will be to develop measurement-based approaches to digital health equity and to use these findings to further validate and refine this model.