bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Features of Dynamics of Heart Rate Variability at Work with Perspective Human — Computers Interfaces
Authors: Turovskiy Y.A. , Gureev A.P. , Vitkalova I.Y. , Popov V.N. , Vakhtin A.A.
Published: June 2021

The aim of the work was to assess the parameters of the heart rate variability of the user by the interfaces of the brain-computer, oculographic, respiratory, myographic, depending on the SNV in the genes that are somehow related to the functioning of the autonomic nervous system. Heart rate variability is an indicator of the cardiovascular system and a number of mechanisms regulating the whole organism, which can be used as one of the markers of the state of a human operator. The paper analyzes the association of point mutations of the HTR2A, APOE and TPH2 genes with HRV indices when users master a number of human-computer interfaces: brain-computer, oculographic, myographic and respiratory. The brain-computer interface is implemented on stable (well-established) visual evoked potentials; oculographic interface provided a set of text by eye movement, myographic provided the same task as the two above interfaces, due to changes in the user’s muscular activity; respiratory interface — due to changes in breathing. It has been shown that the SNV of the HTR2A and TPH2 genes involved in serotonin metabolism are associated with HRV indices in the development of neurocomputer interfaces. The SNV rs6313 HTR2A C allele carriers are characterized by higher rates of tonic effects on HRV when working with the oculographic interface, which is probably associated with an increase in serotonin receptor expression, which is involved in the vegetative regulation of heart rhythm. The genotype T / T SNV rs4290270 of the TPH2 gene is associated with a large spread of cardiointervals. This is probably due to an increase in the expression of the TPH2 gene, which catalyzes the limiting step of serotonin synthesis.
A new look at the correction of COVID-19-mediated pulmonary gas exchange disorders
Authors: Simutis I S , Boyarinov G A , Yuriev M Yu , Petrovsky D S , Kovalenko A I , Sapozhnikov K V
Published: June 2021

Aim. To assess the effect of meglumine sodium succinate on the effectiveness of basic therapy in correcting gas exchange abnormalities in patients with severe COVID-19 infection complicated by bilateral community-acquired pneumonia.

Methods. The analysis of the effectiveness of therapy of 12 patients with a diagnosis of New coronavirus infection COVID-19 (confirmed), severe form U07.1. Complication: bilateral multifocal pneumonia was carried out. The patients were divided into two groups: 7 received, as part of standard therapy, a solution of meglumine sodium succinate in a daily dose of 5 ml/kg during stay in the intensive care unit; 5 patients received a similar volume of Ringer's solution and formed the control group. In the arterial and venous blood of all patients, the indicators of acid-base state and water-electrolyte balance, glycemia and lactatemia were measured at several stages: (1) at admission to the intensive care unit, (2) 24 hours after the start of intensive therapy, (3) after 812 hours, (4) after 24 hours. On the 28th day of observation, mortality, the duration of treatment in the intensive care unit and the incidence of thrombotic complications in the groups were assessed. The Friedman nonparametric hypothesis test was used to assess intragroup dynamics, and the nonparametric Mannhitney U test for intergroup comparisons.

Results. In the group of patients who received meglumine sodium succinate, there was a significant decrease in the incidence of thromboembolic events during 28 days of treatment: myocardial ischemia event rate ratio from 0.89 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.191.16] in the control group to 0.55 (95% CI 0.060.81) in the study group at p=0.043; pulmonary embolism event from 0.50 (95% CI 01.0) in the control group to 0.28 (95% CI 01.0) in the study group at p=0.041. There was also a decrease in the duration of intensive care unit length of stay to 6.11.1 days in the study group versus 8.91.3 days in the control group.

Conclusion. Compared with standard infusion therapy, the use of meglumine sodium succinate leads to a faster normalization of ventilation-perfusion ratios in patients with severe coronavirus infection.
Effects prenatal exposure to peat smoke on the emotional behavior of rat offspring and its correction with fabomotizole
Authors: Ivashova Dinara M. , Litvinova Svetlana A. , Voronina Tatiana A. , Tsorin Iosif B.
Published: June 2021

Relevance. Long-term smoke from forest fires cause a wide range of health disorders, including somatic state, emotional status, and cognitive functions. The question of the consequences of exposure to combustion products of peat and wood during pregnancy for offspring remains open.

Intention. The goal is to explore the disorders (anxiety, reflex behavior, aggression, etc.) that occur in the offspring of rats exposed to peat smoke in the early and late postnatal periods and the effect of fabomotizole on these disorders.

Methodology. The research was conducted on the offspring of rats of both sexes from females forcibly exposed to peat smoke (1-20 days). The effect of peat smoke on rats and the protective effect of fabomotizole (1 and 10 mg / kg / 20 days of gestation) were studied in the early (5 days) and late (60-80 days) postnatal periods. The formation of the sensory-motor reflex, anxiety, aggression, and motor activity were assessed.

Results and discussion. Exposure to peat smoke of pregnant females (from 1-20 days of gestation) causes a perturb in the formation of a sensory-motor reflex in the early postnatal period ( 5 days), a decrease in the level of natural adaptive reactions and intraspecific aggression, as well as an increase in locomotor activity in mature animals (60-80 days). Fabomotizole, when administered prenatally (1-20 days of gestation) at doses of 1 and 10 mg / kg, corrected the formation of a conditioned sensory-motor reflex in male and female rat pups, data of the emotional status and motor activity of sexually mature animals.

Conclusion. The protective effect of fabomotizole on the offspring of rats prenatally exposed to peat smoke from the toxic effects of peat combustion products was revealed. Fabomotizole returns the studied behavioral reactions, disturbed by peat, to the level of the physiological norm, which confirms the previously established cyto- and neuroprotective properties of the drug.
Pengembangan Kartu Kata Berbahasa Arab dan Kegiatan Pembelajarannya untuk Siswa Kelas III Madrasah Aliyah
Authors: Rahimadinullah Muhammad Zahid ‘Afafarrasyihab , Murtadho Nurul , Sultoni Achmad
Published: June 2021

Abstract: Word cards are unique, captivating, and specific learning media. In this research, Arabic word cards are used to improve students’ vocabulary mastery in learning Arabic. This research is aimed to (1) develop Arabic word cards and the learning activities for grade III students of Madrasah Aliyah; (2) identify the effectiveness of using Arabic word cards and the learning activities. The method of this research is Research and Development. The data sources include a subject expert, a media expert, a learning expert, a teacher, and students. The data are collected using questionnaires. The word cards are made in two forms, namely mind map, and word-by-word. The Arabic word cards are equipped with Arabic learning activities. Overall, the result of the development and the research shows that the average score is 89% in the valid category with details as follows: subject expert 91.7%, media expert 68.2%, learning expert 92.5%, teacher’s assessment 100%, and students’ assessment 92.8%. Therefore, it can be concluded that Arabic word cards and the learning activities are effective to be used in learning Arabic for grade III students of Madrasah Aliyah.

Keywords: development, word cards, Arabic

Abstrak: Kartu kata merupakan salah satu media pembelajaran yang unik, memukau, dan spesifik. Dalam penelitian ini, kartu kata berbahasa Arab digunakan untuk meningkatkan penguasaan kosakata siswa dalam mempelajari bahasa Arab. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk: (1) Mengembangkan kartu kata berbahasa Arab dan kegiatan pembelajarannya untuk siswa kelas III Madrasah Aliyah; (2) Mendeskripsikan kelayakan pemanfaatan kartu kata berbahasa Arab dan kegiatan pembelajarannya. Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah Research and Development. Sumber data ini adalah ahli materi, ahli media, ahli pembelajaran, guru, dan siswa. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan angket. Pengembangan media ini berupa media kartu kata berbahasa Arab yang memiliki 2 bentuk yaitu bentuk peta konsep dan tampilan perkata. Media kartu kata berbahasa Arab dilengkapi dengan kegiatan pembelajaran bahasa Arab. Secara keseluruhan hasil pengembangan dan penelitian menunjukkan bahwa skor rata-rata sebesar 89% dalam kategori valid dengan rincian: uji ahli materi 91,7%, uji ahli media 68,2%, uji ahli pembelajaran 92,5%, penilaian guru 100%, dan penilaian siswa 92,8%. Dengan demikian, dapat disimpulkan bahwa media kartu kata berbahasa Arab dan kegiatan pembelajaran yang dikembangkan ini layak digunakan dalam pembelajaran bahasa Arab kelas III di Madrasah Aliyah.

Kata Kunci: pengembangan, kartu kata, bahasa Arab
Technical points of Ilizarov external mini-fixator for the treatment of phalanx fractures
Authors:   Chongqing Greatwall Hospital, Chongqing, China, Tian L. , Chen W. ,   Research Centre for Regenerative Medicine, International Joint Laboratory on Regeneration of Bone and Soft Tissue, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China, Qu L. ,   731th Hospital of Chinese Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation, Beijing, China
Published: June 2021

The Ilizarov external mini-fixator (IEMF) has become an effective tool for the treatment of acute and chronic hand and foot injuries and deformity correction due to its advantages of easy fixation, good holding power, and artful appearance. However, there are relatively few clinical reports on this technique. Materials and methods From June 2019 to March 2021, we preformed IEMF on 113 patients with open phalanx fractures as emergency surgery, and all patients had 3–6 months follow-up. Results All fractures achieved clinical healing. Among them, pin site infection occurred in 8 fractures (7.07 %), arthrolysis occurred after 6 fractures (5.3 %), and 4° rotation malunion occurred in 3 cases (2.65 %).
The monitoring value of ultrasonography in the treatment of bone union at the docking site after tibial bone transport by accordion maneuver
Authors:   The second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China, He G. , Zhou X. ,   The second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China, Shi Y. ,   The second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China, Wang D. ,   The second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China, Yu J. ,   The second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China, Xing H. ,   The second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China, Yin H. ,   The second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China, Zhang J. ,   The second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China, Liu H. ,   The second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China, Wang B. ,   The second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China, Jia Y. ,   The second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China, Zhang Y. ,   The second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
Published: June 2021

recruited. The accordion operation was performed at the docking site after bone transport. The specific operation process was compression, suspension of adjustment, distraction, retraction. Ultrasound was used to monitor the hematoma, blood flow and callus in and around the docking site at each stage. Results (1) At the compression, there were 14 cases with hematoma and 2 cases without hematoma. (2) The size of hematoma was negatively correlated with the bone healing time of the docking site and the blood flow resistance index. (3) The Adler grading of blood flow gradually increased before the retraction, and then gradually decreased. But the degree of callus mineralization continued to rise. Conclusion (1) Ultrasound can dynamically monitor the change trend of hematoma, blood flow and new callus at the docking site during accordion operation, so as to predict the tendency of bone healing at the docking site. (2) This study can preliminarily demonstrate that the compression stress applied in accordion technique can promote the bone healing at the docking site.
Editorial Advisory Board
Authors: BHAC Journal Building Healthy Academic Communities
Published: June 2021

No abstract available.
A Message from BHAC Board President: Enhancing our Mental Health by Improving our EQ
Authors: Melnyk Bernadette Mazurek
Published: June 2021

No abstract available.
Growth differentiation factor 15 associations with clinical features of chronic heart failure with midrange ejection fraction and preserved ejection fraction depending on the history of myocardial infarction
Authors: Kuzheleva E. A. , Garganeeva A. A. , Aleksandrenko V. A. , Fedyunina V. A. , Ogurkova O. N.
Published: June 2021

Aim    To analyze associations between levels of the inflammatory marker, growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), and echocardiographic indexes in CHF patients with mid-range and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LV EF) depending on the history of myocardial infarction (MI).Material and methods    This study included 34 CHF patients with preserved and mid-range LV EF after MI (group 1, n=19) and without a history of MI (group 2, n=15). Serum concentration of GDF-15 was measured with enzyme immunoassay (BioVendor, Czech Republic). Statistical analysis was performed with STATISTICA 10.0.Results    Patients of the study groups were age-matched [62 (58;67) and 64 (60;70) years, p=0.2] but differed in the gender; group 1 consisted of men only (100 %) whereas in group 2, the proportion of men was 53.3 % (p=0.001). Median concentration of GDF-15 was 2385 (2274; 2632.5) and 1997 (1534;2691) pg/ml in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p=0.09). Patients without MI showed a moderate negative correlation between LV EF and GDF-15 concentration (r= – 0.51, p=0.050) and a pronounced correlation between GDF-15 and LV stroke volume (r= –0.722, p=0.002). For patients after MI, a correlation between the level of GDF-15 and the degree of systolic dysfunction was not found (р>0.05).Conclusion    Blood concentration of the inflammatory marker, GDF-15, correlates with LV EF and stroke volume in CHF patients with preserved or mid-range LV EF and without a history of MI while no such correlations were observed for patients with a history of MI.
Is Adiponectin Elevation Associated with Left Atrial Remodeling and Impaired Mechanical Functions? (a Speckle Tracking Study)
Authors: Kalaycıoğlu Ezgi , Çetin Mustafa , Özyıldız Ali Gökhan , Kırış Tuncay , Turan Turhan
Published: June 2021

Objectives    Recent studies demonstrated that elevated adiponectin levels predicted an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke; however, a causal relationship is yet to be unknown. Reduced left atrium (LA) functions detected by two-dimensional echocardiographic speckle tracking (2D-STE) can predict AF development. We aimed to investigate the relationship between adiponectin level and LA functions in hypertensive and diabetic patients at high risk for incident AF.Material and methods    The study consisted of 80 hypertensive diabetic patients. All patients underwent echocardiography, and venous blood samples were taken. The relationship between adiponectin levels and LA functions was analyzed.Results    We divided patients into two groups according to the mean adiponectin level (13.63 ng / ml). In the high adiponectin group, the mean age (p=0.001) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (p=0.015) were higher, whereas estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (p=0.036) and hemoglobin (p=0.014) levels were lower. Although LA maximum volume, LA minimum volume, and LA pre-A volume were higher in the group with high adiponectin levels, they did not reach a statistical significance. Peak early diastolic LA strain (S-LAe) (p=0.048) and strain rate (SR-LAe) (p=0.017) were lower in this group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age (p=0.003) and hemoglobin (p=0.006) were predictors of elevated adiponectin levels. On the contrary, S-LAe, HDL cholesterol, and eGFR lost their statistical significance.Conclusion    In patients with HT and DM, elevated adiponectin level is associated with impaired LA mechanical functions. Increased age and hemoglobin level are independent predictors of elevated adiponectin levels.
The place of impulse oscillometry system in the diagnosis of early obstructive disorders associated with asthma
Authors: Leontieva N. M. , Demko I. V. , Sobko E. A. , Ischenko O. P. , Soloveva I. A.
Published: June 2021

Asthma is one of the most common and socially significant human diseases. To date, spirometry is included in most recommendations as the gold standard for the diagnosis of obstructive disorders. However, in real clinical practice, this procedure does not always reveal signs of bronchial obstruction, not only in the early stages of the disease but also in more severe controlled bronchial asthma. Tests of oscillatory mechanics are increasingly being used to detect early violations of the pulmonary ventilation function. These tests are based on the forced oscillation technique, and the latest modification is impulse oscillometry system. Theaimof this study was to investigate the capabilities of impulse oscillometry in diagnosing early changes in the function of the respiratory system in patients with asthma and identifying the most informative parameters of the method.Methods. A total of 146 patients with an established diagnosis of mild and moderate asthma were examined during remission. The patients were divided into 2 groups by the severity of asthma. The comparison group included 40 people with no signs of lung abnormalities.Results. Disorders of the pulmonary ventilation function were found in 23% of patients with asthma by spirometry, in 42% by bodypletismography in 42%, and in 72% of patients by impulse oscillometry. Impulse oscillometry system revealed obstructive changes localized in the central respiratory tract in 11% of patients, and obstruction of mixed localization was found in 6% of respondents. Peripheral respiratory tract disorders were diagnosed in 56 % of patients. Most respiratory tract lesions were located in the small bronchi in both groups. The obstructive disorders in large bronchi and generalized obstruction were observed more often in the 2ndgroup. Among impulse oscillometry parameters, the increase in Delta (Rrs5– Rrs20) was most often recorded in both examined groups of patients with asthma.Conclusion. Compared to standard methods, impulse oscillometry system is more sensitive. Therefore, it has advantages in diagnosing respiratory system dysfunctions both in the early stages of asthma and in more severe cases during remission.
Factors of vascular endothelial dysfunction and thrombogenic risk in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in combination with obstructive sleep apnea after an exacerbation
Authors: Tseymakh I. Ya. , Shoykhet Y. N.
Published: June 2021

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disease. The incidence is higher in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with moderate to severe bronchial obstruction or hypoxemia. OSA is associated with increased risks of fatal outcomes of acute cardiovascular diseases in such patients. Objective. To assess the effect of long-term non-invasive ventilation of the lungs in the spontaneous breathing mode with positive airway pressure (CPAP) on the indicators of systemic inflammation, insulin resistance, and thrombogenic risk together with clinical outcomes during the rehabilitation period after an exacerbation in patients with concomitant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and obstructive sleep apnea who do not need long-term oxygen therapy. Methods. The effects of long-term CPAP therapy as a part of complex treatment were analyzed in an openlabel, prospective, comparative six-week study that enrolled 65 patients with concomitant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and obstructive sleep apnea. The main group included 26 people who received CPAP therapy as a part of complex treatment. The comparison group included 39 people who did not use non-invasive ventilation of the lungs. The patients’ age was 55.5 ± 2.1 years in the main group and 57.1 ± 1.5 years in the comparison group (p > 0.1). Men prevailed in both groups – 92.3% in the main group and 100.0% in the comparison group (p > 0.1). Results. The clinical efficacy of CPAP therapy was confirmed by an improvement in the quality of life of patients on the SF-36 questionnaire, a decrease in the degree of daytime sleepiness on the Epworth scale (Johns, 1991). CPAP-therapy was associated with a drop in the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor α and the blood level of endothelin 1, a more pronounced decrease in the levels of C-reactive protein, interleukin 8, C-peptide, vascular endothelial growth factor, homocysteine versus the comparison group. Conclusion. The use of CPAP-therapy in patients with concomitant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and obstructive sleep apnea who do not need long-term oxygen therapy during the rehabilitation period after an exacerbation is associated with a decrease in systemic inflammation, vascular endothelial dysfunction, and hyperhomocysteinemia.
On the prospects for the use of thiamine, pyridoxine, and cyanocobalamin in the complex therapy and rehabilitation of patients with COVID-19
Authors: Gromova O. A. , Torshin I. Yu. , Chuchalin A. G.
Published: June 2021

The new coronavirus infection COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of ongoing support for innate antiviral immunity systems. The aim. Conduct a systematic review of publications on the research of the use of B vitamins to support immunity and rehabilitation of patients with COVID-19. Methods. Intelligent analysis of so-called Big Data and special computational methods for analyzing Big Data of biomedical publications, based on the topological theory of sentiment analysis of medical texts from PubMed/MEDLINE. Results. Low levels of B vitamins contribute to chronic comorbidities and aggravate the clinical course of COVID-19 significantly. Increasing the supply of B vitamins in COVID-19 patients is essential for the maintenance of energy and oxygen metabolism; the direct antiviral effects of vitamins (reduction of SARS-CoV-2 replication); compensation of chronic comorbidities (thromboembolism, impaired liver and kidney functions, diabetes mellitus, polyneuropathy), which aggravate the course of COVID-19; reducing hyperhomocysteinemia and chronic aseptic inflammation; inhibiting carbonic anhydrases to improve oxygen metabolism in the lungs, and increasing the clearance of lactate from the blood and preventing sepsis. Conclusion. By improving myelination of the olfactory sensory neurons, vitamin B 12 can help overcome anosmia, which occurs in 80% of COVID-19 patients. Short courses (up to 2 – 3 weeks) of high-dose parenteral therapy with thiamine, pyridoxine, and cyanocobalamin can be used as a part of a complex of therapeutic measures to improve clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19, especially in elderly patients with polyhypovitaminosis, diabetes mellitus, hyperhomocysteinemia, thrombophilia, and high risk of sepsis. Oral therapy with thiamine, pyridoxine, and cyanocobalamin is justified as a part of rehabilitation measures after COVID-19 in patients who have faced its consequences in the form of clinical signs of vitamin B vitamin deficiency.
A New One-term Approximation to the Standard Normal Distribution
Authors: Hanandeh Ahmad , Eidous Omar
Published: June 2021

This paper deals with a new, simple one-term approximation to the cumulative distribution function (c.d.f) of the standard normal distribution which does not have closed form representation. The accuracy of the proposed approximation measured using maximum absolute error (M.S.E) and the same criteria is used to compare this approximation with the existing one-term approximation approaches available in the literature. Our approximation has a maximum absolute error of about 0.0016 and this accuracy is sufficient for most practical applications.
Anatomy of Carlina corymbosa L., Carthamus dentatus Vahl. and Picnomon acarna (L.) Cass. (Asteraceae)
Authors: ÖZ Ummahan
Published: June 2021

Species of Carlina corymbosa L.,Carthamus dentatus Vahl. and Picnomon acarna (L.) Cass. are belonging to Asteraceae family. The purpose of the study is to determine the anatomical structures of these species in the same tribe and to compare the features. Samples of root, stem and leaf of e-ach species were collected, fixed and examined using a light micros-cope. In addition, some anatomical features were measured. Secondary growth was observed in the root cross section of each species. Secretory ducts were determined in all species. While the pith is filled with xylem elements in C. corymbosa and C .dentatus, the pith of P. acarna consists of different shaped parenchyma cells. Periderm was observed in the stem in all species. All species contain bicollateral vascular bundles in stem. In all species, glandular and non-glandular trichomes were observed on the leaf cross section, on the surface of the adaxial and abaxial epidermis. While C. corymbosa has dorsiventral mesophyll, unifacial mesophyll is observed in other species. There is bicollateral vascular bundle in C. corymbosa whereas collateral vascular bundle was identified in C.dentatus and P.acarna. Also, C. corymbosa and C.dentatus have only one vascular bundle in the midrib but P.acarna has three vascular bundles.
“Insha´Allah I´ll do my homework”: adapting to Arab undergraduates at an English-speaking university in Dubai
Authors: Rapanta Chrysi
Published: June 2021

The United Arab Emirates and Dubai in particular have in recent years attracted an increased number of Western teachers for all educational levels, especially universities. As part of the orientation for a Western teacher before entering a classroom, the main differences between Western and Middle East culture are often highlighted without an effort to explain how these differences are manifested in students’ behavior in courses, or to suggest how the teacher could address them. This paper aims at helping current and future faculty in their professional practice by considering Emirati Arab cultural characteristics as well as strategies adopted by the author to cope with them. Such strategies have been successful, as her students´ evaluations and academic performance distinctions during the last two years have continuously shown.
Peer feedback for peer learning and sharing
Authors: Al-Ghazali Fawzi
Published: June 2021

Peer feedback is applauded in many writing courses for fostering students’ independence and collaboration and for creating a wider learning environment in which students can benefit from the feedback and diversity of input they get from other peers (Stubbe, 2013). It improves students’ writing skills by developing their use of effective composing processes since they can share ideas while planning, drafting, and revising writing forms (Richards and Schmidt, 2010). It also reduces the anxiety of students who can get constructive feedback on their writing from other peers instead of their teachers (Phillipson, 2007). However, application of peer feedback in writing courses is a complex process since it requires provision of rubrics and guidelines for students to follow; this is in addition to explaining the areas they need to focus on. It also requires having cultural awareness of the level of corrections Arab students can accept. This paper reflects on a practical experiment conducted with a group of undergraduate students for showing how peer feedback is approached and practised by students in English language courses. Students’ views and perceptions about peer feedback are also surveyed showing their appreciation of the level of collaboration peer feedback encourages among them. Nevertheless, the results also show a number of concerns students have about peer feedback.
Western-Educated Faculty Challenges in a Gulf Classroom
Authors: Sonleitner Nancy , Khelifa Maher
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate challenges for new Western/Western-educated faculty and their responses to those challenges as they began teaching at a national women’s University located in the Arabian Gulf. Twenty-four new faculty were recruited for the study. Faculty were hired from America, the UK, Canada, and Australia to provide an American-like education to students. 75% percent of participants were native English speakers, and 54% had not taught in a foreign university before. Before arriving in the country to begin teaching, the participants were asked to complete a questionnaire measuring their attitudes towards student learning and performance, and their teaching methods. Six to ten weeks after the beginning of their first semester they were asked to participate in focus groups. The focus group questions asked faculty to discuss issues and challenges they were facing and how they were coping. Results of the quantitative data and the focus groups show faculty were facing classroom challenges but were committed and creative in finding teaching/learning strategies. Focus group data further showed faculty were experiencing cultural differences that were challenging and frustrating. They were finding their teaching rewarding and were enjoying the experience of interacting with the students who were the first generation of women in the nation to be educated in a Western-style pedagogy.
Analysis of Bias in Student Evaluations of Faculty at an All Female Arab University in the Middle East
Authors: Morgan John , Davies Thomas
Published: June 2021

This paper reports results of analyses made at an all-female Gulf Arab university measuring the nature and extent of biases in students' evaluation of faculty. Comparisons are made with research reporting the nature of similar relationships in North America. Two issues are investigated: 1) What variables (if any) bias faculty evaluation results at an all-female Arab university? 2) Are biasing variables different in nature or magnitude to those reported at North America universities? Using the population of 13,300 faculty evaluation records collected over two school years at Zayed University, correlations of faculty evaluation results to nine potentially biasing factors are made. Results show biases to faculty evaluation results do exist. However, biases are small, and strikingly similar in nature to those reported at North American universities.
Modeling and Optimization of Manganese Carbonate Precipitation Using Response Surface Methodology and Central Composite Rotatable Design
Authors: Muanda Meschack Mukunga , Omalanga Pele Pascal Daniel
Published: June 2021

A sulfate solution containing 1773.965 mg/L Mn2+, 3216.178 mg/L Mg2+ and 566.254 mg/L Ca2+ was used to perform the maximum recovery of manganese and minimum recovery of magnesium. Carbonate precipitation was used due to the better selectivity for manganese over magnesium and other impurities recovery compared to hydroxide precipitation. Four factors were studied: solution pH value, contact time, reaction temperature and sodium carbonate consumption. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and response surface methodology (RSM) were used to determine the optimum. Under the optimum conditions, the manganese and magnesium recoveries were the highest and the lowest respectively, while the pH, the time, the temperature and the volume of Na2CO3 were the lowest.  The values of the four factors were found as followed: 8.9293, 60.69 min, 77.95°F, and 50.7650 mL respectively. Moreover, the recoveries of manganese and magnesium were 99.9799% and 4.3045% respectively. The results show that optimization using RSM is effective in improving carbonate precipitation of manganese.
La guerra contra el narcotráfico de Felipe Calderón: de la crisis de seguridad a la tragedia humanitaria
Authors: PONTVIANNE JULIE
Published: June 2021

Felipe Calderón Hinojosa es el segundo presidente de la alternancia política mexicana, pero, contrariamente a su antecesor Vicente Fox, llegó al poder en 2006 con un muy escaso margen. Durante su campaña presidencial no se había presentado como el candidato de la guerra al narcotráfico. Sin embargo, la declaró pocos días después de entrar en función y esa guerra es probablemente su principal legado político. La meta de este artículo es precisamente analizar cómo un presidente que hizo de la guerra al narcotráfico la prioridad de su sexenio (2006-2012) pudo contribuir, de manera paradójica, al desarrollo de una profunda crisis de seguridad, que se convirtió rápidamente en una verdadera crisis humanitaria. En una primera parte, estudiaremos la declaración de guerra al narcotráfico por parte de Felipe Calderón preguntándonos si fue un medio para legitimar su llegada al poder en el marco de las elecciones más controvertidas de la historia contemporánea de México. En una segunda parte, analizaremos el pilar de la política de seguridad de Felipe Calderón Hinojosa que calificamos de “improvisada”, i.e. la militarización. En una tercera y última parte, trataremos de explicar por qué la crisis de seguridad se convirtió en una verdadera tragedia humanitaria en México y de descifrar cuáles fueron sus principales rasgos.
Colonización alemana en la frontera entre Colombia y Panamá (1886-1941)
Authors: HORTA GAVIRIA CAROLINA MARÍA
Published: June 2021

Este artículo analiza la colonización alemana en la frontera entre Colombia y Panamá para el periodo 1886-1941. Siguiendo el método hermenéutico, se interpretaron diversas fuentes impresas y manuscritas que datan de dicho periodo producidas por el Gobierno de Colombia: Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, Ministerio de Guerra, Ministerio de Gobierno, Ministerio de Negocios Extranjeros, Ministerio de Industrias, Ministerio de Agricultura y Comercio, Ministerio de Hacienda. Se encontró que, para el periodo de estudio, el Estado colombiano promovió la colonización alemana, y así se configuró una amenaza para el coloso del Norte, los Estados Unidos. La economía mundial incentivó la rivalidad imperial y la colonización en la frontera entre Colombia y Panamá.
Sistema de Energia Ininterrupta Trifásico Baseado no Conversor de Nove Chaves
Authors: Lopes Anderson , Cavalcanti Marcelo C. , Azevedo Gustavo M. S. , Limongi Leonardo R. , Gomes Márcio
Published: June 2021

Neste trabalho é apresentada uma topologia de conversor usando como base o conversor de nove chaves, sendo utilizada como uma alternativa para fontes ininterruptas de energia na eletrônica de potência, vislumbrando uma melhor qualidade de energia para o sistema elétrico. Esta topologia é aplicada como uma alternativa aos conversores convencionais (back-to-back), tendo em vista a diminuição da quantidade de chaves semicondutoras. O conversor proposto tem dois terminais trifásicos, lado série sem conexão com o neutro e lado paralelo composto com o neutro, em que ambos os terminais funcionam como filtros para a realização do condicionamento de energia. O lado série funciona como uma fonte de corrente senoidal e o lado paralelo trabalha como um fonte de tensão senoidal. A topologia faz uso de controladores proporcional mais multi-ressonantes (PMR) para atuar no controle das correntes de entrada e tensões de saída. Resultados experimentais comprovam a efetividade do sistema proposto.
The relationship of bioelectric activity and structural changes in the hippocampus at pharmacoresistant temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Astakhova E. A. , Cherenkova S. E. , Marchenko E. V. , Sebelev K. I. , Aleksandrov M. V.
Published: June 2021

Background. Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases globally. The unified concept about the role of hippocampus in the development of pharmacoresistant temporal lobe epilepsy is currently missing. Patients with pharmacoresistant temporal lobe epilepsy is often carried out by invasive electrocorticography to identify an epileptic focus. Registration of bioelectric activity of the hippocampus and comparison of data from the MRI pattern of the patient will determine the neurophysiological correlates of structural changes in hippocampus.Objective. The aim of the work was to determine the neurophysiological correlates of structural changes in the hippocampus in patients with focally caused temporal lobe epilepsy.Design and methods. The study was based on the analysis of the results of extraoperative invasive monitoring of the bioelectrical activity of the cortex and hippocampal complex, performed in 19 patients with focally caused drug-resistant epilepsy. The quantitative analysis included 34 tracks of hippocampal activity.Results. A distinctive feature of the bioelectrical activity of the hippocampal complex with its structural damage is the stable dominance of delta activity, which makes up 40–45 % of the total spectrum power. When the hippocampal complex is included in the epileptic system, high-index epileptiform activity is recorded. In the absence of structural damage to the hippocampal complex, the pattern is predominantly formed by the activity of theta and alpha frequency ranges. However, in the group of patients with the absence of a neuroimaging picture of sclerotic changes in the hippocampus, in 63 % of cases, a neurophysiological pattern of “prolapse” was recorded on the electrocorticogram. The spontaneous activity of the hippocampus had a low coherent relationship with the parameters of activity in the cortex of the ipsilateral and contralateral temporal lobes.Conclusions. The electrophysiological correlate of MR-positive structural changes in the hippocampal complex in drug-resistant epilepsy is the pattern of “loss of bioelectric activity”. Spontaneous hippocampal activity is generated independently of activity in the cortex of the ipsilateral and contralateral temporal lobes.
Bottlenecks in Production and Marketing of Apple in Mountainous and Inaccessible Areas of Chenab Valley
Authors: Ali Jahangir , Kachroo Jyoti
Published: June 2021

Background: An attempt has been made in this study to identify the limitations encountered by the apple farmers in production and marketing which stall its growth in the study area. The present study has been carried out in the Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir union territory with special emphasis on selected districts which fall under Chenab Valley, which is mostly hilly terrain and mountainous, as these regions had the highest area and production under apple crop. Methods: The primary data has been collected by survey method by interviewing the apple farmers as well as different market functionaries directly through an especially prepared and pre-tested schedule. The Identified constraints of the farmers in the production and marketing of apple had been ranked by making use of the Garrett’s Ranking Technique. Result: The analysis of the study revealed large number of constraints in the production and marketing of the commercial varieties of apple in a selected area, out of which occurrence of apple disease such as Stem Black, Powdery Mildew, Scab, Nectaria Twig Blight, Alternative Twig Blight, Peppery Dark/Pink Disease. Similarly, some of the common pests reported are: Woolly Aphids, San Jose Scale, Stem Borer, Root Borer, Bark Borer had been the major problem faced by the Growers, high labor cost, lack of latest technical knowledge, high cost of transportation, lack of transportation facilities and costly packing material have been identified as the major problems. In order to overcome the marketing problems of the study area apple producers should be organized as federation, cooperatives and union. The study calls for all government and non-governmental organizations to work together to expand and improve apple production and establish apple marketing hub for tackling the bottlenecks in the expansion of apple crop in the study area.
Population Viability Analysis of Yangtze Finless Porpoise in the Yangtze Main Steam Suggesting that a Total Ban on Productive Fishing could be Decisive
Authors: Bin Wu , Jingen Xu , Jianmin Wang , Lie Cao , Weiping Wang , Song Zhang
Published: June 2021

Background: China is paying more attention to ecological systems within the Yangtze River has provided great opportunities to the conservation of the Yangtze finless porpoise (YFP). The rapid population decline of YFP in the main steam appears to have slowed, but the infrequent movement of porpoises represents a considerable threat to the long-term viability of this species in this region. We studied the population viability of YFP in the Yangtze main steam, based on published ecological and genetic information. Methods: Vortex model was used to analyze the population viability of the YFP. The simulations were started from the year 2017 when the initial population size was 445 animals in baseline scenario. We examined the population viability for the species under demographic fluctuations and conservation scenarios. Result: Baseline model showed the probability of extinction was 0.245; deterministic growth rate was -0.023; stochastic growth rate was -0.036. Sensitivity analysis showed differences in population trends between the baseline and each alternative scenario and the most sensitive parameters were the percentage of females breeding and mortality rates. Under different conservation scenarios, the population of the YFP in the main stream will increase by 11.0%-181.2% in 100 years.
Comparison of Dentoalveolar Bony Defects Measurements by Dental Radiography and Computed Tomography in Companion Animals
Authors: Lee Seunghee , Lee Kichang , Han Junho , Cho Youngkwon
Published: June 2021

Background: Dental disorders are commonly encountered in companion animals and diagnosed with dental radiography (DTR) and computed tomography (CT). No study has been reported previously that compares dental measurements from DTR and CT in companion animals with periodontitis-related bone loss. The purpose was to compare the DTR and CT of bony defects in cats and dogs with dental disease. Methods: This is a retrospective study and the records of Jeonbuk Animal Medical Center were reviewed between June 2019 and October 2020. All patients underwent both modalities. In DTR, bisecting angle technique was used. In CT, slice thickness was applied at either 0.5 mm or 1.0 mm depending on the size of the patients. Bony defects of dentoalveolar structures were measured. Result: Eight dogs and eight cats with dental disease were included. All measurements in both cats and dogs were smaller in DTR than in CT. Additionally, CT with thin slice thickness provided more sufficient and accurate information for dental diagnosis. Conclusively, CT examination for dental disease showed to be superior in the assessment of periodontitis-related bone lesions by obtaining precise images without distortion and overlap and can possibly substitute DTR in cats and small dogs.
A Necropsy based Investigation on Concurrent Infection of PPR and Emerging Opportunistic Bacterial Pathogens in Sheep and Goat
Authors: Singh Shobhna , Chandratre Gauri A. , Narang Gulshan
Published: June 2021

Background: There is scanty literature available about concurrent infection of Pestes des Petits (PPR) and emerging opportunistic bacterial pathogens in field conditions. Thus, study was conducted to investigate the above based on necropsy. Methods: Systematic necropsy examination was conducted on 50 small ruminant carcasses. Detailed study included virological, bacteriological, gross and microscopic investigation on tissues collected using standard techniques. PPR virus (PPRV) antigen was detected in various samples using sandwich Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (s-ELISA). Bacterial pathogens were isolated on blood agar and identified by VITEK® system. Result: Eleven goats and nine sheep had concurrent infection. Highest positivity for PPRV antigen was observed in nasal and tracheal swab, lungs and lungs associated lymph nodes. Pasteurella multocida was the major bacteria found to cause fibrinious hemorrhagic broncho-alveolar pneumonia followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae spp. pneumoniae producing suppurative bronchoalveolar pneumonia in the presence of PPR infection. Sphingomonas paucimobilis and Acinetobacter baumannii, human pathogen were also isolated and found to produce severe hemorrhagic interstitial pneumonia and serofibrinous bronchopneumonia respectively in presence of PPR which is novel finding. Our study is the first report of necropsy based investigation on concurrent infection in sheep and goats.
The need of the hour: Adapting the delivery of clinical skills teaching remotely
Authors: Abraham Reina
Published: June 2021

As the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, the South African government enforced a nationwide lockdown in March 2020. The resulting closure of medical schools necessitated the provision of clinical skills teaching on remote platforms. This presented numerous challenges especially for skills that require face-to-face interaction and hands-on instruction. The Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal modified George’s (2001) five stage process and devised a framework for online small group skills teaching with the help of videos. The adapted method retained as close as possible the significant concepts and frameworks of conventional face-to-face programmes allowing for continuation of teaching under the current constraints.
Female Bioengineering: Primordial Germ Cell Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells onto Placental Scaffolds
Authors: Trindade Hill Amanda Baracho 
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Female infertility is a condition that is currently treated through the maximization of existing reserves; a necessity due to the fact that a true reversal of the processes leading to infertility is not yet technologically possible. This experiment examined the ability of mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into primordial germ cells (PGC) when cultured onto the placental scaffold. Methods: To produce the scaffolds, the cotelydons were collected and decellularized by umbilical vessel SDS perfusion. Adipose derived cells were isolated based on rapid adherence to the plastic. Results: The isolated cells displayed the markers CD90 and 105, while lacked CD34 and CD45. When seeded onto the scaffold, the cells successfully differentiated into PGC like cells, displaying typical PGCs markers, including STELLA, OCT4, DAZL and VASA. Discussion: These materials were chosen for their low cost and wide availability. The data in this study show the promising potential of cell-scaffold complex to support the development of female tissue engineering-based regenerative medicine therapies.