bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial Channels and Their Role in Cardioprotection
Authors: Mishra Keerti , Luo Min
Published: December 2021

Mitochondria play a pivotal role in cardioprotection. The major cardioprotective mechanism is ischemic preconditioning (IpreC), through which short periods of ischemia protect a subsequent prolonged acute ischemic episode. Mitochondria channels, particularly the potassium channels (mitoK) such as ATP-dependent and calcium-activated potassium channels, have been suggested as trigger or end effectors in IpreC. Activators of mitoK are promising therapeutic agents for the treatment of the myocardial injury due to ischemic episodes. In this chapter, we are summarizing our current knowledge on the physiology function of different mitochondrial channels with a focus on the potassium channels and their mechanism in cardioprotection. Furthermore, the currently under development therapy by targeting the mitochondrial channels for the treatment of heart failure are also discussed.
Formal Abstraction and its Problems in Aquinas
Authors: Svoboda David ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: December 2021

Formal abstraction is a key instrument Aquinas employs to secure the possibility of mathematics conceived as a theoretical Aristotelian science. In this concept, mathematics investigates quantitative beings, which are grasped by means of formal abstraction in their necessary, universal, and changeless properties. Based on this, the paper divides into two main parts. In the first part (section II) I explicate Aquinas’s conception of (formal) abstraction against the background of the Aristotelian theory of science and mathematics. In the second part (section III) I present and critically assess the problems associated with formal abstraction in mathematics. With all due respect to Aquinas’s genius, I find his conception of formal abstraction (as well as mathematics) unsatisfactory and list the main reasons for its failure in the conclusion.
Reflections on Revising Part 2 of the ERDs
Authors: Brehany John F. ,   The National Catholic Bioethics Center
Published: December 2021

This article is the third part in an examination of the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Facilities. This installment explores the second section of the most recent edition of the ERDs, discussing what changes were made and why. It also discusses how the ERDs might change in the next edition and what issues will need to be addressed, as well as the best structure in which to present them.
Gain-of-Function and Pathogenic Viruses
Authors: Fischer Thomas H. , Smith Carr J. ,   The National Catholic Bioethics Center
Published: December 2021

Gain of function research is a little known and controversial area of study in virology. Though there is some disagreement in the exact definition of gain of function, the process involves modifying animal viruses to infect human cells for the purposes of advancing the understanding of the way viruses mutate. This article examines the controversy, with particular consideration of the COVID-19 lab leak hypothesis, exploring the danger of creating such modified viruses.
Cardiac troponins: current information on the main analytical characteristics of determination methods and new diagnostic possibilities
Authors: Chaulin Aleksey M.
Published: December 2021

The methods used to diagnose cardiovascular diseases are constantly being improved, leading to an expanded perception of the diagnostic value of biomarkers and their new diagnostic possibilities. One striking example are the main biomarkers used to diagnose acute myocardial infarction: cardiac troponins. The first methods for determining cardiac troponins (proposed 30 years ago) were characterized by extremely low sensitivity. Therefore, they could only detect large acute myocardial infarctions. These methods were also characterized by low specificity, expressed as a high probability of cross-reactivity with skeletal troponin isoforms, which generated false-positive results in the presence of skeletal myopathies and skeletal muscle lesions. With the introduction of high-sensitivity cardiac troponins into clinical practice, the possibility of early diagnosis and exclusion of acute myocardial infarction by assessing troponin concentrations in the first few hours (from admission to the first hour, second hour, or third hour) has become more specific. Our knowledge about cardiac troponins has changed over the years and promising new medical uses have emerged. This paper reviews current data on the diagnostic value of cardiac troponins, the main methods used for their determination, and their analytical characteristics from historical and modern insights.
Migration from Post-Soviet countries to Poland and the Baltic States: trends and features
Authors: Vorotnkov Vladislav V. , Habarta Andrzej
Published: December 2021

This article aims to analyse migration from the post-Soviet space to the northeastern periphery of the EU (Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia) and examine the hypothesis about these states, once countries of origin, turning into destinations for migrants. A change in the socio-economic paradigm and accession to the EU sped up economic development in the Baltics and Poland. Despite growing welfare and income levels and a decline in the unemployment rate, further economic growth was hampered by the outflow of skilled workforce and resulting labour shortages. In response, the governments of the Baltics and Poland drew up programmes to attract international labour. Soon these countries transformed from exporters of labour into importers. Unlike Western European countries, Poland and, to a lesser extent, the Baltic States are trying to attract migrants from neighbouring nations with similar cultural and linguistic backgrounds. In the long run, this strategy will facilitate migrant integration into the recipient society. The Polish and Lithuanian governments are devising measures to encourage ethnic Poles and Lithuanians to repatriate from post-Soviet republics. To achieve the aim of the study, we investigate the features of migration flows, trends in migration, migration policies of recipient countries, and the evolution of diaspora policies.
The emotions in the educational context and quality assessment of ongoing platforms for online teaching on the territory of Kosovo and Metohija
Authors: Ranđelović Dušan , Mihajlović Ružica
Published: December 2021

The theoretical basis of the work is represented by the theory of control and value of emotions and Pekurn's understanding of academic emotions as well. The main goal of the research was to examine the expression of positive emotions such as enjoyment, pride, relaxation or relief and negative emotions as well, such as anger, boredom, anxiety at students during online classes, as well as their relationship to overall success and quality assessment of online teaching platforms in use.The following material was used in this work: Achievement Emotion Questionnaire (AEQ), Questionnaire on Quality Assessment of ongoing Online Teaching Platforms (UPKPON1) and Questionnaire of Sociodemographic Variables. A hundred high school final year students from Kosovo and Metohija were involved in this sample. The results showed that during online classes positive emotions such as enjoyment, pride and relief are experienced more intensely than negative ones such as anger, anxiety and boredom; the most expressed positive emotion is enjoyment, and the most expressed negative emotion is boredom. Experience of positive and negative emotions during online teaching doesn't correlate significantly with students' school success. The most of students were using laptops to monitor online classes and they had adequate internet speeds as well as their own device for monitoring classes. Students expressed a neutral general attitude towards online teaching; Google Meet platform was the most used platform to follow online classes. A significant correlation between the experience of positive and negative emotions and the general attitude towards online teaching was proved. The students who felt more anxious, angry and got bored during online classes expressed more satisfaction with online classes. There is a difference in the expression of certain positive and negative emotions during online classes with regard to the gender and type of high school that students attend.
Evaluation of the impact of black carbon on the worsening of allergic rhinitis and asthma in the region of Uzice Serbia
Authors: Tomić-Spirić Vesna , Kovačević Gordana , Marinković Jelena , Janković Janko , Ćirković Anđa , Milošević-Đerić Ana , Relić Nenad , Janković Slavenka
Published: December 2021

Many epidemiological studies have shown a positive association between black carbon (BC) concentrations and exacerbation of allergic rhinitis and asthma. The aim of this study was to examine, for the first time in Serbia, the connection between visits to emergency services due to worsening of allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma and the concentration of BC in the air. Materials and methods: A time-stratified case crossover design was applied for emergency room visits due to allergic rhinitis and worsening asthma that occurred in the Užice region between 2012-2014. Data on visits were routinely collected at the Uzice Health Center. Results: A statistically significant association was observed between the worsening of allergic rhinitis and BC concentration two days before the visit to the emergency department (UO = 359, UO = 3.20 and UO = 3.24, depending on whether the analysis is not adjusted or adjusted for appropriate weather conditions). There was also a statistically significant association between worsening of allergic asthma and BC concentration two days before the emergency service visit (UO = 3.15, GP = 0.98-10.14) and three days before the emergency service visit (UO = 2.98; UO = 3.23 ; UO = 2.98). Conclusion: Exposure to soot, especially during the heating season, increases the risk of emergency services due to worsening of allergic rhinitis and asthma.
Nutritional therapy of COVID-19 disease in Intensive care units
Authors: Damnjanović Biljana , Šijan Đuro , Rović Ivan , Lazić Igor , Knežević Saša , Stanisavljević Jovana , Dukić Marija , Vrućinić-Kozić Jelena , Milenković Marija
Published: December 2021

Since the beginning of 2020, SARS-CoV 2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome - Corona Virus 2) has been in the focus of scientific circles and beyond. Finding the most efficient therapeutic protocol in prevention and treatment of the new and unknown COVID - 19 (Corona Virus Disease - 2019) disease has been indentified as especially important. SARS-CoV 2 uses various mechanisms to lead patients to malnutrition, which is detected by a higher frequency of admission to hospital treatment, especially on admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Malnutrition has a negative impact on the course and outcome of the disease. In the pandemic, the number of patients on various types of oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation increased, and in correlation with that, there has been a greater need for knowledge and education of staff to use different diagnostic and therapeutic modalities and different approaches in feeding critically ill patients. Nutritional therapy is the basis for maintaining body weight, supporting respiratory function, as well as helping in the overall recovery of patients. Omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins C and D have shown potentially beneficial effects against COVID-19 diseases. The aim of this paper is to consolidate the current knowledge and recommendations in the field of nutritional therapy in patients with COVID-19 treated in the Intensive Care Unit.
Significance/role of family medicine physicians in early detection of secondary hypertension
Authors: Jandrić-Kočič Marijana , Knežević Snežana
Published: December 2021

SUMMARY - Introduction: Secondary arterial hypertension has an identifiable underlying cause. Routine screening is not indicated given the low prevalence of the disease (5-10% arterial hypertension), longterm and costly diagnostic evaluation. Case report: An outpatient family medication presents a 34-year-old patient due to worsening, by then stable, arterial hypertension. She was found 12 months ago when reported to a private healthcare facility where she was allowed perindopril / amlodipine 4/5 mg, 1x1 tablet. So far healthy, it negates diseases of relevance to inheritance. Smoker. 24hour outpatient blood pressure monitoring checks for elevated diastolic blood pressure levels in 59,3% of measurements during the day and 59,2% of measurements during the night. Thyroid ultrasound checks for inhomogeneous structure, right flap 40x15x16 mm, left flap 42x15x16 mm. Abdominal ultrasound reduces left kidney, bilateral thinning cortex, left ventricular moderate hydronephrosis. The laboratory contains large amounts of tyrosimulating hormone as well as antibodies to thyroid peroxidase, decreased levels of free thyroxine and a slight increase in albumin in 24 hours of urine. The patient is referred for a consultative examination by a nephrologist and a nuclear medicine specialist. Same indicative hygiene dietary regimen and introduction of levothyroxine sodium tablets 100 mcg 1x 1 ¼ tablets (125 mcg). Antihypertensive therapy was discontinued at most months later, while levothyroxine sodium replacement therapy was reduced to 1 x 100 mcg. Conclusion: The work of a selected family physician in accordance with good clinical practice guidelines allows for the early detection, normalization or increase in the number of secondary hypertension, the reduction of the possibility of accommodation of irreversible changes in blood vessels, and coexisting essential hypertension.
Legal consequences of the disturbances in air traffic caused by the Covid-19 crisis
Authors: Janković Svetislav
Published: December 2021

In the article, the author considers special legal regime of liability of an air carrier in the circumstances of the corona pandemic. Author is focused on the air traffic's disturbances which are, mainly, manifested in the cancellation of flight and, consequently, to the appropriate rights of passengers. Th e basic problem which is targeted by the author is the legal qualification of the corona crisis and, in short, deciding whether corona crisis has an attribute of force majeure. It has been derived a conclusion about corona crisis as some kind of social force majeure, especially having regard to state's measures of limiting of movement of people across the border. In order to make passengers rights in these circumstances more certain, the European Commission enacted the official interpretation of the several regulations which are dedicated to rights of passengers. Th e most important right in that official interpreted act is the right to reimbursement which in a concrete sense, means to return sum which passenger previously paid for a ticket.
Apresentação da seção temática Culturas digitais e história no tempo presente
Authors: Sossai Fernando Cesar , Bresciano Juan Andrés
Published: December 2021

Apresentação
Christopher Marlowe, The Jew of Malta, ed. William H. Sherman and Chloe Preedy (London: Bloomsbury, 2021); Christopher Marlowe, The Jew of Malta, ed. Lloyd Edward Kermode (New York: Norton, 2021)
Authors: Hansen Adam
Published: December 2021

A review of two editions of The Jew of Malta newly published in 2021.
El nuevo orden constitucional para las autopistas después de la 62.a modificación de la Ley Fundamental alemana en 2017
Authors: Ibler Martin
Published: December 2021

La Constitución alemana sufrió un cambio importante en 2017. Con este se remodela la compensación financiera federal para mejorar el desempeño de las tareas en el orden federal. Asimismo, se modificó la disposición constitucional sobre las autopistas federales y las demás carreteras federales de largo recorrido. Surge un nuevo ordenamiento jurídico constitucional para las autopistas, las cuales durante mucho tiempo han sido objeto de deseos político-jurídicos de privatización. Esta parte de la reforma, que pretende aumentar la eficiencia de la administración de las autopistas, se presenta y evalúa en este artículo.
María Pilar Hernando Serra: Una historia inacabada. El autonomismo valenciano de los años treinta
Authors: Aznar i Garcia Ramón
Published: December 2021

María Pilar Hernando Serra: Una historia inacabada. El autonomismo valenciano de los años treinta, Valencia, Tirant lo Blanch, 2021, 207 págs.
Modelos de ministério e perfil dos “padres novos”
Authors: Ferraro Benedito
Published: December 2021

O artigo apresenta e analisa dados de uma pesquisa de campo em busca do perfil dos “padres novos”, relativos a quatro perguntas do questionário aplicado, dentre as dez que compõem a Parte III em torno ao exercício do ministério presbiteral na Igreja e na sociedade hoje. O teor das questões diz respeito ao que está superado e o que continua válido na forma de exercício do ministério dos padres das “décadas de 1970-1980”, bem como quais as novidades que os “padres novos” trazem e ao que não tem futuro na forma de exercício de seu ministério. Os dados apresentados são relativos a cinco categorias de agentes eclesiais consultados — padres, leigos/as, jovens, seminaristas e religiosas — por perspectiva teológico-pastoral: a perspectiva “institucional/carismática”, à qual eles se alinham os “padres novos”, e a perspectiva “evangelização/libertação”, à qual se alinham os “padres das décadas de 1970/80”.
History Textbooks as Social Contract: Educational Reform, the Unified History Textbooks and Patriotism in Contemporary Russia
Authors: Yarlykova Mariya , Xunda Yu
Published: December 2021

This article examines uniform standardized history education in Russia. It focuses primarily on the process of designing unified national history textbooks in 2013-2017, and also examines the educational reform that followed this process, along with the role of Russian society in the
formulation of the textbook’s content. The new historical-cultural criteria—and the Unified textbooks based on them—are considered as a product of social contract as it was revised and approved by the different levels of Russian society: academics, parents, teachers, and
government. In essence, the new textbooks are the first joint project made by the government, academics and society in the history of the Russian state. The new history textbooks are regarded as an attempt by the state and society to link Russian history with world history; previously, each
discipline was studied separately. It is also an attempt to acknowledge and accept all of Russian history as one historical process of the evolution of Russian statehood, including all successes and achievements as well as black spots and wrongdoings. Although the unified textbooks are the
most prudent revision of history in contemporary Russia, however there are several improvements required to redirect textbooks from being simply a tool for the construction of patriotism in schools to also being a mechanism of development of the younger generation’s critical thinking.
Two-dimensional coherent optical en/decoder based on serially coupled dumbbell microring resonator
Authors: Ji Zhe , Yan Ying-Zhan , Jia Da-Gong ,   School of Mechanical Engineering, Shijiazhuang Tiedao University, Shijiazhuang 050043, China,   The 54 th Research Institute of CETC, Shijiazhuang 050081, China,   Key Laboratory of Opto-electronics Information Technology, Ministry of Education, School of Precision Instrument and Opto-Electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
Published: December 2021

Free spectral range (FSR) of reflection spectrum of micro-ring resonator restricts the improvement in user capacity of the optical code division multiple access (OCDMA) system using micro-ring resonator array. Vernier effects can expand FSR of cascaded optical microring resonator. Based on vernier effect, a novel two-dimensional coherent optical en/decoder using serially coupled dumbbell micro-ring resonator is proposed in this paper. The theoretical model of optical transmission for series dumbbell-shaped microring resonators is established. The relation between the suppression of pseudo-modes in optical reflection spectrum and the coupling coefficient is analyzed in detail. The effects of coupling coefficient, processing error and chip rate on the performance of series dumbbell microring resonator optical en/decoder are studied. The en/decoding simulation experiments are carried out on a series dumbbell-shaped micro-ring resonator with radius of 40 μm-30 μm-40 μm respectively. The results show that comparing with the traditional series micro-ring resonator with radius of 40 μm-40 μm-40 μm respectively, the FSR value of dumbbell microcavity is increased by 4 times and the user capacity can increase exponentially. Meanwhile, the ratio of autocorrelation peak to maximum wing (P/W) and the cross-correlation ratio (P/C) are increased by about 33% and 8%, respectively.
Oxygen overload
Authors: Foerster Britta
Published: December 2021

A structure that helps algae photosynthesize when carbon dioxide levels are low may also play a role during hyperoxia conditions.
Comparing supervised and unsupervised approaches to multimodal emotion recognition
Authors: Fernández Carbonell Marcos , Boman Magnus , Laukka Petri
Published: December 2021

We investigated emotion classification from brief video recordings from the GEMEP database wherein actors portrayed 18 emotions. Vocal features consisted of acoustic parameters related to frequency, intensity, spectral distribution, and durations. Facial features consisted of facial action units. We first performed a series of person-independent supervised classification experiments. Best performance (AUC = 0.88) was obtained by merging the output from the best unimodal vocal (Elastic Net, AUC = 0.82) and facial (Random Forest, AUC = 0.80) classifiers using a late fusion approach and the product rule method. All 18 emotions were recognized with above-chance recall, although recognition rates varied widely across emotions (e.g., high for amusement, anger, and disgust; and low for shame). Multimodal feature patterns for each emotion are described in terms of the vocal and facial features that contributed most to classifier performance. Next, a series of exploratory unsupervised classification experiments were performed to gain more insight into how emotion expressions are organized. Solutions from traditional clustering techniques were interpreted using decision trees in order to explore which features underlie clustering. Another approach utilized various dimensionality reduction techniques paired with inspection of data visualizations. Unsupervised methods did not cluster stimuli in terms of emotion categories, but several explanatory patterns were observed. Some could be interpreted in terms of valence and arousal, but actor and gender specific aspects also contributed to clustering. Identifying explanatory patterns holds great potential as a meta-heuristic when unsupervised methods are used in complex classification tasks.
Unique spicules may confound species differentiation: taxonomy and biogeography of Melonanchora Carter, 1874 and two new related genera (Myxillidae: Poecilosclerida) from the Okhotsk Sea
Authors: Santín Andreu , Uriz María-Jesús , Cristobo Javier , Xavier Joana R. , Ríos Pilar
Published: December 2021

Sponges are amongst the most difficult benthic taxa to properly identify, which has led to a prevalence of cryptic species in several sponge genera, especially in those with simple skeletons. This is particularly true for sponges living in remote or hardly accessible environments, such as the deep-sea, as the inaccessibility of their habitat and the lack of accurate descriptions usually leads to misclassifications. However, species can also remain hidden even when they belong to genera that have particularly characteristic features. In these cases, researchers inevitably pay attention to these peculiar features, sometimes disregarding small differences in the other “typical” spicules. The genus Melonanchora Carter, 1874, is among those well suited for a revision, as their representatives possess a unique type of spicule (spherancorae). After a thorough review of the material available for this genus from several institutions, four new species of Melonanchora, M. tumultuosa sp. nov., M. insulsa sp. nov., M. intermedia sp. nov. and M. maeli sp. nov. are formally described from different localities across the Atlanto-Mediterranean region. Additionally, all Melonanchora from the Okhotsk Sea and nearby areas are reassigned to other genera; Melonanchora kobjakovae is transferred to Myxilla (Burtonanchora) while two new genera, Hanstoreia gen. nov. and Arhythmata gen. nov. are created to accommodate Melonanchora globogilva and Melonanchora tetradedritifera, respectively. Hanstoreia gen. nov. is closest to Melonanchora, whereas Arhythmata gen. nov., is closer to Stelodoryx, which is most likely polyphyletic and in need of revision.
Impact of climatic conditions projected at the World Cup in Qatar 2022 on repeated maximal efforts in soccer players
Authors: Chodor Wiktor , Chmura Paweł , Chmura Jan , Andrzejewski Marcin , Jówko Ewa , Buraczewski Tomasz , Drożdżowski Adrian , Rokita Andrzej , Konefał Marek
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the climatic conditions predicted for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the capacity for repeated maximum effort (RSA), of soccer players. Twenty-four semi-professional soccer players participated in the study. The exercise test consisted of ten 6-second maximal efforts on a cycloergometer. A 90-second passive rest interval was used. Mechanical parameters were recorded in each repetition, and biochemical parameters at rest and even repetitions. The test was performed in a Weiss Technik WK-26 climate chamber under two different conditions: (1) thermoneutral (TNC - 20.5 °C; 58.7% humidity); (2) predicted for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar (QSC - 28.5 ± 1.92 °C; 58.7 ± 8.64% humidity). Significantly higher mean maximum power values were recorded in the second repetition under QSC conditions (1731,8 ± 214,4 W) (p = 0.025). A significantly longer time to reach maximum power was also recorded under TNC conditions compared to QSC conditions in repetition 2 (1,32 ± 0,33 s), (1,05 ± 0,29 s) (p = 0.016) and 6 (1,41 ± 0,48 s), (1,17 ± 0,25) (p = 0.036). There was a significantly higher rate of power loss, between repetition 2 (p = 0.023) and 4 (p = 0.043) under QSC conditions, compared to TNC. Considering the biochemical parameters, a significantly higher pO2 concentration was registered under QSC conditions in the 10th repetition (p = 0.006). The ambient temperature during exercise should be taken into account to determine the anaerobic exercise capacity of the athletes. At higher temperatures, there is a greater capacity for maximal effort, in terms of maximal power achieved, but with a greater decrease in performance.
A taxonomic outline of the Poecilimon affinis complex (Orthoptera) using the geometric morphometric approach
Authors: Kociński Maciej , Grzywacz Beata , Hristov Georgi , Chobanov Dragan
Published: December 2021

The genus Poecilimon contains 145 species, widely distributed in the Palaearctic, among which the Poecilimon ornatus group has the greatest diversity in the Balkans. Despite several revisions of the genus, the systematics of the species group, and in particular, of the taxa associated with the species Poecilimon affinis, is still unsolved. Due to morphological similarity, P. affinis with its subspecies, P. nonveilleri and P. pseudornatus form the Poecilimon affinis complex. The aim of this study is to test the hypotheses of an outlined species complex, namely the P. affinis complex, within the P. ornatus group using morphological data. Geometric analysis was conducted to explore variation in the structure of the male tegmen, ovipositor, male cercus, and male pronotum. The number of teeth and stridulatory file measurements provided additional information on morphological variation within the complex. A phylogenetic tree based on the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (COI) was used for comparison with the morphological data. Canonical variate analysis showed that male tegmen and male cercus are good morphostructures to distinguish the taxa belonging to the P. affinis complex from other species in the P. ornatus group. This may confirm our assumption for the designation of the P. affinis complex. The results of the principal component analysis of stridulatory file measurements, molecular data, and CVA of the ovipositor suggest adding two additional species to the complex: P. ornatus and P. hoelzeli.
To ban or not to ban, is it the only option to regulate biological invasions?
Authors: Oficialdegui Francisco Javier , Delibes-Mateos Miguel , Franch Nati , Altamirano María , Clavero Miguel
Published: December 2021

Las invasiones biológicas son una de las mayores causas de pérdida de biodiversidad. Para paliar los impactos de las especies exóticas invasoras (EEIs) que suponen una amenaza grave, se creó el Catálogo Español de Especies Exóticas Invasoras, una herramienta dinámica en su creación, pero rígida en su aplicación. Aunque sujeto a continuas modificaciones, la inclusión de una EEI en el Catálogo supone generalmente la prohibición genérica de su posesión, transporte, tráfico y comercio. Sin embargo, esa rigidez genera a menudo conflictos socio-económicos cuando las EEIs son recursos explotables económicamente. En esta revisión, ejemplificamos las dificultades de implementar prohibiciones genéricas y proponemos que, para ser eficaz, la legislación sobre EEIs debería ampliar el abanico de herramientas disponibles (i.e. flexible), más allá del dilema de prohibirlo o permitirlo todo. Para ello proponemos la creación de categorías de EEIs que impliquen diferentes niveles de restricción y de estrategias de gestión. En el caso de EEIs ampliamente distribuidas sin posibilidades técnicas de control poblacional a gran escala ni de prevención de su expansión, planteamos la permisividad de su explotación comercial bajo ciertas restricciones, y señalamos las dificultades asociadas a prohibir dicha explotación cuando ésta ya se realiza. Aunque las soluciones simples (i.e. prohibir o no prohibir) pueden ser más fáciles de entender e implementar, no son siempre las más eficaces. Por tanto, animamos a que la legislación introduzca flexibilidad, que, pese a introducir una mayor complejidad, facilitaría la toma de decisiones en la gestión de las EEIs, mejoraría la eficiencia en el uso de recursos y reduciría los conflictos sociales asociados a esa gestión.
Comparison of Molecular Method and Culture in Detection of Community Acquired Pneumonia in Under Five Year Children in Assam, India
Authors: Sonowal Aparna , Das Partha Pratim , Medhi Mithu , Baruah Aditi , Hussain Ezaz
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Pneumonia is the single largest infectious cause of death in children worldwide. Aetiology of pneumonia can be identified using multiple diagnostic tools including culture, serology and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR); common pathogens include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, some atypical bacteria like Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydophila pneumoniae. Aim: To find out the bacteriological agents causing Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) in under five year children and to compare the conventional culture and PCR in identifying the pathogen. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was undertaken in the Department of Microbiology and Department of Paediatrics in a tertiary care centre of Assam, India, between March 2016 to September 2018. The study was undertaken with 200 under five year old children who were clinically diagnosed as CAP. Oropharyngeal (OP) swabs and blood culture were processed for bacteriological culture. PCR assay of OP swabs for Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus etc., including atypical bacteria like Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydophila pneumoniae were performed. Data entry, database management and statistical analysis were performed using Epi-Info software version 7.0. Results: A total of 200 subjects were included in the present study with a male:female ratio of 1.63:1. Most of the study subjects were <11 months of age. Most common isolates were Streptococcus pneumoniae (26.5%) and Staphylococcus aureus (25%) from OP swabs; blood culture revealed mostly Staphylococcus aureus (59%) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (25%). PCR assay of OP swabs were found positive mostly for Staphylococcus aureus (47%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (21.5%) while two children were positive for Haemophilus influenzae; Bordetella pertussis was detected in one child. On evaluation, PCR assay in detecting the bacterial pathogen was found statistically more significant than conventional culture of OP swabs (p<0.05). Conclusion: Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae were the most common bacterial organisms in the study. PCR assay was found to be more useful in diagnosing the pathogen for bacterial pneumonia including those difficult to grow in conventional culture.
Modeling Coronavirus Pandemic Using Univariate and Multivariate Models: The Nigerian Perspective
Authors: Adamu Ibrahim , Justin Ogbonna Chukwudi , Adamu Yunusa , Zakari Yahaya
Published: December 2021

Corona virus Disease, a disease which was discovered in December, 2019 has been spreading worldwide like wildfire. In view of this, there is need of continuous findings on the impact, consequence and possible medications of the pandemic in Nigeria and the world at large. Therefore, this research is aimed at Analyzing the spread of Coronavirus pandemic in Nigeria, using univariate and multivariate models namely;(ARIMA) and (ARIMAX). The daily data used in this research was obtained from the NCDC official website dated from 19th April, 2020 to 20th April, 2021 with total of 384 observations using R and Eview10 software for the analysis. Three different variables were examined. The variables are; total confirmed, discharged and death cases for the purpose of establishing reliable forecast, for better decision making and a helping technique for drastic action in reducing the day to day spread of the pandemic. Summary statistics and stationary test were checked with the data being stationary at the first difference and design technique was conducted as well. Also, best fitted model was selected using Akaike Information Criteria (AIC). The ARIMA (1,1,3) model with an exogenous variable was chosen from the ARIMA models with minimum AIC. From the model, a prediction of sixty-days forecast showed the upward trend of the total confirmed cases of the pandemic in the country. The government on its part via its task force can use the predicted line to take much necessary measures and emphases on taking COVID-19 vaccines so as to prevent further spread of the virus
A Time Series Model on the Occurrence of COVID-19 Pandemic in Nigeria
Authors: Kuhe David Adugh , Atsua Ikughur Jonathan
Published: December 2021

Coronaviruses belong to a large family of viruses which affect the hepatic, gastrointestinal, neurological and respiratory systems. The increase in the daily number of COVID-19 conﬁrmed and deaths cases from different countries of the world has brought social, economic and political activities to a standstill, affecting individuals, government, public and private sectors. In this study, autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) time series model for modeling and forecasting daily confirmed, recovered, and deaths cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria was used with data on daily cases of confirmed, recovered and deaths due to COVID-19 in Nigeria from 27/02/2020-31/07/2020 obtained from Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) website. The data from 27/02/2020-16/07/2020 were used for model building while 15 observations from 17/07/2020-31/07/2020 were used for training and forecast evaluations. Time plots and Dickey-Fuller Generalized Least Squares unit root test were used to investigate the stationarity properties of the data. Schwarz Information Criterion (SIC) in conjunction with log likelihood were used to search for optimal ARIMA models while Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) was used for forecast evaluation.  Results showed that all the study variables were differenced stationary and hence integrated of order one, I (1). ARIMA (2,1,4), ARIMA (2,1,2) and ARIMA (2,1,3) models were selected as the best candidates for modeling and forecasting the confirmed, recovered and deaths cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria respectively. The study found an approximate COVID-19 life cycle of 12 days among the infected population. The 15 days’ forecasts from ARIMA (2,1,4) and ARIMA (2,1,2) models showed increases in the daily number of confirmed and recovered cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria. The forecasts from ARIMA (2,1,3) model however showed fluctuating trend with decline in the number of deaths cases due to the disease. The result of the study further showed that improving on the present approach to treatment will further decrease the number of casualties due to COVID-19 in Nigeria.
Antibacterial Activity of CuO Nanoparticles Synthesized by Justicia adhatoda Leaf Extract
Authors: David S. Alwin , Subramanian P.
Published: December 2021

Aims: To determine the antibacterial activity of CuO nanoparticles (CuO NPs) synthesized by Justicia adhatoda leaf extract.

Study Design:  Synthesis, characterization and antibacterial activity determination of CuO NPs.

Place and Duration of Study: PG and Research Department of Chemistry, V.O.Chidambaram College, Tuticorin, Tamilnadu, India, between April 2019 and April 2020.

Methodology: CuO NPs were synthesised using Justicia adhatoda leaf extract. UV-Visible spectroscopy was used to characterize CuO NPs. The role of biomolecules in plant extract in the formation of the CuO NPs was identified using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The particle size and lattice properties of CuO NPs were determined using XRD. The surface morphology of CuO NPs was studied using SEM. The presence of Cu and O in CuO NPs was confirmed using EDAX analysis. Bacterial antimicrobial activity was investigated.

Results: An absorbance band at 285 nm in the UV–visible spectrum clearly revealed the formation of CuO NPs. In the FTIR, CuO NPs had a distinct absorption peak at 608 cm-1, confirming metal–oxygen stretching in Cu-O nanostructures. The presence of crystalline CuO NPs was confirmed by XRD patterns, and they were found to be spherical in shape with a size range of 23.21–37.57 nm, as evidenced by FESEM. The biosynthesized CuO NPs exhibited a strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Bacillus cereus bacteria.

Conclusion: Justicia adhatoda leaf extract mediated CuO NPs have shown significant antibacterial activity and they are considered potent antibacterial agents.
Prevalence of Xerostomia and Associated Systemic Risk Factors in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Mumtaz Muhammad , Alsuwaiket Almuhanad Abdullah , Raza Shammas , Kazmi Farhat , Shaikh Quratulain , Tabassum Afsheen
Published: December 2021

Purpose: Xerostomia is a feeling of dry mouth and may result in poor oral hygiene, dental caries, mucosal lesions and burning mouth syndrome. Medication, systemic diseases and stress are common etiological factors of xerostomia. The present study investigated the prevalence of xerostomia and explored the possible risk factors associa­ted with this condition among Saudi population.

Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 418 participants visiting at Maxillofacial clinic, at secondary care hospital, Riyadh.  Demographic data and complete medical history were obtained from participants. All participants were requested to fill the Xerostomia-Inventory (XI) questionnaire. Comparisons between mean scores of XI-inventory and categorical variables like gender, comorbid conditions were made with students t-test or Wilcoxon test. Chi-square or Fischer’s Exact test were used for comparison between categorical variables like gender and responses to XI-items (No/Yes). P value of <0.05 was considered significant. All analysis was done on JMP-version-12.

Results: Total 418-participants with mean age (41.1 ± 12.8 years) were included in the study in which 302-participants (72.2%) were female and 116-participants (27.8%) were male. Xerostomia’s prevalence was 24.7% and it was higher in males (34%) as compared to females (21%). A statistically-significant association was found between xerostomia and participant’s age (P < 0.0001). The participants with systemic illness showed a significantly higher mean Xerostomia Inventory (XI) score as compared to the healthy patients. In our study population common comorbid conditions were hypertension and diabetes.

Conclusion: The prevalence of xerostomia increases with increasing age and it has strong positive co-relation with chronic systemic diseases.
Prakaradi Yogas: The Traditional Immunomodulators
Authors: Kumari Priya , Pani Sudhir Kumar , CR. Swapnil , Patil Aboli
Published: December 2021

It’s a well-known fact that Prevention is better than cure. As children are the basic building block of future generation Its the need of situation and mandatory for all to take care of their health in this current pandemic situation. Childhood is considered as the most susceptible age for infection. So following the proper safety measures during pandemic Arogya can also be achieved by good physical and mental health with the use of different(Ayurveda formulations well explained about Prakaradi yogas in Arogya raksha kalpa Druma one of the classical Ayurveda paediatric book for children .Prakaradi yogas  aims at achieving basis of life immunity through various herbal formulations. Immunomodulators are the herbal drugs that augment or improve the immune response and immunity is always a prime concern in childhood. In Arogya Raksha Kalpadrum it’s been explained well that herbal formulations can enhance immunity when taken accordingly from birth up to attainment of 12 years of age. Use of Immuno-modulatory measures starting from Jatamatravastha up to 12 years of age can fulfill the desired health and longevity. Tackles the expected dosha vaishamya, and stabilizes Agni when taken at right time.This article highlights the role of different Prakkaradi Yoga in children for healthy growth and development of child to improve the longevity and quality of life.
Solving Generalized Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation by Adomian Decomposition Technique
Authors: Edah Gaston , Adanhoumè Villévo , Ayela Marc Amour
Published: December 2021

In this paper, using a suitable change of variable and applying the Adomian decomposition method to the generalized nonlinear Schr¨odinger equation, we obtain the analytical solution, taking into account the parameters such as the self-steepening factor, the second-order dispersive parameter, the third-order dispersive parameter and the nonlinear Kerr effect coefficient, for pulses that contain just a few optical cycle. The analytical solutions are plotted. Under influence of these effects, pulse did not maintain its initial shape.
Convergência das Normas Brasileiras Aplicadas ao Setor Público: Um estudo exploratório no município de Uberlândia - MG
Authors: Melo Kamila Batista , Prieto Marina Freitas , Andrade Maria Elisabeth Moreira Carvalho
Published: December 2021

Este artigo tem por objetivo identificar e analisar o nível de informação que os servidores públicos possuem sobre a convergência Normas Brasileiras Aplicadas ao Setor Público, no município de Uberlândia. Para atingir este objetivo foi realizada uma pesquisa exploratória sendo realizada por meio de uma pesquisa de campo, com aplicação de questionário na escala likert, em órgãos públicos: federal, estadual e municipal. O tratamento de dados foi realizado de três formas: análise do Ranking Médio (RM), para as questões específicas; estatística descritiva para as questões que tratam do perfil dos respondentes e a técnica multivariada HOMALS. Conclui-se que não está havendo empenho pelos órgãos públicos do município de Uberlândia para a capacitação dos servidores para a efetiva implantação das normas internacionais.
COMPETÊNCIAS DIDÁTICAS DOS PROFESSORES DE CURSOS DE MBAs
Authors: Rezende Josué Ladir Queiroz , Souza Andreia Alves , Miranda Gilberto José , Leal Edvalda Araujo
Published: December 2021

O presente estudo tem por objetivo avaliar as deficiências pedagógicas dos docentes de cursos de MBAs (Master’s in Business Administration) de uma universidade pública brasileira, realizando-se, para tanto, uma pesquisa quantitativa. A partir de uma revisão de literatura, foram formuladas as variáveis do estudo e, em seguida, desenvolveu-se um estudo de campo, utilizando-se o método survey, com a aplicação de um questionário junto a 116 estudantes de pós-graduação (MBAs) na área de negócios, matriculados em uma instituição de ensino público brasileira. Os dados obtidos foram avaliados por meio da análise fatorial exploratória, o que permitiu analisar a estrutura das inter-relações (correlações) entre as variáveis propostas no estudo. Como resultados, os fatores determinantes identificados evidenciam quatro diferentes dimensões: Deficiências Didáticas (F1); Deficiências de Relacionamento e Interação (F2); Deficiências de Comunicação (F3); e Deficiências de Domínio de Conteúdo (F4). Os quatro fatores encontrados explicam 66,43% das variações das medidas originais, o que indica um bom nível de representação dos dados. Os resultados mostraram que as deficiências estudadas não estão presentes no grupo de professores investigados.
GESTÃO AMBIENTAL: UMA ANÁLISE DOS CUSTOS DAS EMPRESAS DISTRIBUIDORAS DE ENERGIA ELÉTRICA
Authors: Rufino Maria Audenôra , Siqueira Juliana Soares , Araújo Aneide Oliveira
Published: December 2021

As empresas quando no exercício de suas atividades geram impactos de diversos tipos, tanto positivos quanto negativos, ao meio ambiente. A minimização dos impactos negativos ao meio ambiente leva à ocorrência dos custos ambientais. Nesse contexto, o objetivo desta pesquisa consistiu em verificar os eventos que podem estar associados à existência dos custos ambientais, divulgados nos relatórios de sustentabilidade das empresas do setor de energia elétrica, no período de 2010 a 2012. No que concerne aos procedimentos metodológicos, a pesquisa é descritiva, com abordagem qualitativa do problema. O instrumento de coleta de dados utilizado consistiu em pesquisa documental, realizada nos relatórios de sustentabilidade ou anual das empresas distribuidoras de energia elétrica. Percebeu-se ao final deste estudo, a inconstância no processo de divulgação dos custos ao longo dos três anos pesquisados. E que as associações são estatisticamente insignificantes, em termos de grau explicativo. Essa limitação pode estar relacionada à dificuldade das empresas em reconhecerem corretamente o que são custos ambientais. A maior correlação encontrada foi entre os Custos Ambientais de Prevenção e Conservação e a extensão das Redes de Distribuições (42,7%). A variável dependente, Custos para a Gestão de Resíduos, não é explicada pela quantidade de Resíduos Gerados, variável independente, com 1,4% de poder explicativo.