bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural Antimicrobial Nano Composite Fibres Manufactured from a Combination of Alginate and Oregano Essential Oil
Authors: Lu Hao , Butler Jonathan A. , Britten Nicole S. , Venkatraman Prabhuraj D. , Rahatekar Sameer S.
Published: August 2021

Alginate is a linear biodegradable polysaccharide polymer, which is bio-renewable and widely used for various biomedical applications. For the next generation of medical textiles, alginate nanofibres are desirable for their use in wound dressings that are biocompatible, sustainable, and abundantly available. This study has developed a unique manufacturing process for producing alginate nanofibres with exceptional antimicrobial properties of oregano essential oil (OEO) as a natural antimicrobial agent. OEO with varying degrees of concentration was incorporated in an aqueous alginate solution. Appropriate materials and electrospinning process parameter selection allowed us to manufacture alginate fibres with a range of diameters between 38 and 105 nm. A unique crosslinking process for alginate nanofibres using extended water soaking was developed. Mechanical characterisation using micro-mechanical testing of nonwoven electrospun alginate/oregano composite nanofibres revealed that it was durable. An extensive antimicrobial study was carried out on alginate/oregano composite nanofibres using a range of Gram-positive (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Listeria monocytogenes) and Gram-negative bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella enterica), which are common wound and food pathogens. The results indicated that increasing the concentration of OEO from 2 to 3 wt % showed improved antimicrobial activity against all pathogens, and activity was significantly improved against MRSA compared to a non-alginate-based control disk containing OEO. Therefore, our research suggests that all-natural alginate/oregano nanofibre composite textiles offer a new generation of medical textiles for advanced wound dressing technology as well as for food packaging applications.
Biosensor Based Immunoassay: A New Approach for Serotyping of Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Sousa Susana , Castro António , Correia da Costa José Manuel , Pereira Eulália
Published: August 2021

Toxoplasmosis is the most reported parasitic zoonosis in Europe, with implications in human health and in the veterinary field. There is an increasing need to develop serotyping of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) in view of greater sensitivity and efficiency, through the definition of new targets and new methodologies. Nanotechnology is a promising approach, with impact in the development of point-of-care devices. The aim of this work was to develop a simple but highly efficient method for Toxoplasma gondii serotyping based on gold nanoparticles. A simple colorimetric method was developed using gold nanoparticles modified with the synthetic polymorphic peptide derived from GRA6 antigen specific for type II T. gondii. The method of preparation of the gold nanoprobes and the experimental conditions for the detection were found to be critical for a sensitive discrimination between positive and negative sera. The optimized method was used to detect antibodies anti-GRA6II both in mice and human serum samples. These results clearly demonstrate that a biosensor-based immunoassay using AuNPs conjugated with polymorphic synthetic peptides can be developed and used as a serotyping device
Vascular and Blood Compatibility of Engineered Cationic Cellulose Nanocrystals in Cell-Based Assays
Authors: Bernier Alexandre , Tobias Tanner , Nguyen Hoang , Kumar Shreshth , Tuga Beza , Imtiaz Yusha , Smith Christopher W. , Sunasee Rajesh , Ckless Karina
Published: August 2021

An emerging interest regarding nanoparticles (NPs) concerns their potential immunomodulatory and pro-inflammatory activities, as well as their impact in the circulatory system. These biological activities of NPs can be related to the intensity and type of the responses, which can raise concerns about adverse side effects and limit the biomedical applicability of these nanomaterials. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of a library of cationic cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) in the human blood and endothelial cells using cell-based assays. First, we evaluated whether the cationic CNCs would cause hemolysis and aggregation or alteration on the morphology of red blood cells (RBC). We observed that although these nanomaterials did not alter RBC morphology or cause aggregation, at 24 h exposure, a mild hemolysis was detected mainly with unmodified CNCs. Then, we analyzed the effect of various concentrations of CNCs on the cell viability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in a time-dependent manner. None of the cationic CNCs caused a dose-response decrease in the cell viability of HUVEC at 24 h or 48 h of exposure. The findings of this study, together with the immunomodulatory properties of these cationic CNCs previously published, support the development of engineered cationic CNCs for biomedical applications, in particular as vaccine nanoadjuvants.
Some Examples of Calculation of Massless and Massive Feynman Integrals
Authors: Kotikov Anatoly V.
Published: August 2021

We show some examples of calculations of massless and massive Feynman integrals.
Application of Regge Theory to Astronomical Objects
Authors: Adamian Gurgen G. , Antonenko Nikolai V. , Lenske Horst , Sargsyan Vazgen V.
Published: August 2021

Using the model based on the Regge-like laws, new analytical formulas are obtained for the moment of inertia, the rotation frequency, and the radius of astronomical non-exotic objects (planets, stars, galaxies, and clusters of galaxies). The rotation frequency and moment of inertia of a neutron star and the observable Universe are estimated. The estimates of the average numbers of stars and galaxies in the observable Universe are given. The Darwin instability effect in the binary systems (di-planets, di-stars, and di-galaxies) is also analyzed.
Essential Oils of Sage, Rosemary, and Bay Laurel Inhibit the Life Stages of Oomycete Pathogens Important in Aquaculture
Authors: Miljanović Anđela , Grbin Dorotea , Pavić Dora , Dent Maja , Jerković Igor , Marijanović Zvonimir , Bielen Ana
Published: August 2021

Saprolegnia parasitica, the causative agent of saprolegniosis in fish, and Aphanomyces astaci, the causative agent of crayfish plague, are oomycete pathogens that cause economic losses in aquaculture. Since toxic chemicals are currently used to control them, we aimed to investigate their inhibition by essential oils of sage, rosemary, and bay laurel as environmentally acceptable alternatives. Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis showed that the essential oils tested were rich in bioactive volatiles, mainly monoterpenes. Mycelium and zoospores of A. astaci were more sensitive compared to those of S. parasitica, where only sage essential oil completely inhibited mycelial growth. EC50 values (i.e., concentrations of samples at which the growth was inhibited by 50%) for mycelial growth determined by the radial growth inhibition assay were 0.031–0.098 µL/mL for A. astaci and 0.040 µL/mL for S. parasitica. EC50 values determined by the zoospore germination inhibition assay were 0.007–0.049 µL/mL for A. astaci and 0.012–0.063 µL/mL for S. parasitica. The observed inhibition, most pronounced for sage essential oil, could be partly due to dominant constituents of the essential oils, such as camphor, but more likely resulted from a synergistic effect of multiple compounds. Our results may serve as a basis for in vivo experiments and the development of environmentally friendly methods to control oomycete pathogens in aquaculture.
Time Course of Root Axis Elongation and Lateral Root Formation in Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)
Authors: Robin Arif Hasan Khan , Irving Louis John , Crush Jim , Schnyder Hans , Lattanzi Fernando Alfredo , Matthew Cory
Published: August 2021

Grasses have a segmental morphology. Compared to leaf development, data on root development at the phytomer level are scarce. Leaf appearance interval was recorded over time to allow inference about the age of segmental sites that later form roots. Hydroponically grown Lolium perenne cv. Aberdart tillers were studied in both spring and autumn in increasing and decreasing day length conditions, respectively, and dissected to define the development status of roots of known age on successive phytomers basipetally on the tiller axis. Over a 90-day observation period spring and autumn tillers produced 10.4 and 18.1 root bearing phytomers (Pr), respectively. Four stages of root development were identified: (0) main axis elongation (~0–10 days), (1) primary branching (~10–18 days), (2) secondary branching (~18–25 days), and (3) tertiary and quaternary branching without further increase in root dry weight. The individual spring roots achieved significantly greater dry weight (35%) than autumn roots, and a mechanism for seasonal shift in substrate supply to roots is proposed. Our data define a root turnover pattern likely also occurring in field swards and provide insight for modelling the turnover of grass root systems for developing nutrient efficient or stress tolerant ryegrass swards.
A DPPH· Kinetic Approach on the Antioxidant Activity of Various Parts and Ripening Levels of Papaya (Carica papaya L.) Ethanolic Extracts
Authors: Iordănescu Olimpia Alina , Băla Maria , Gligor (Pane) Dina , Zippenfening Simelda Elena , Cugerean Marius Ioan , Petroman Mircea Ionuţ , Hădărugă Daniel Ioan , Hădărugă Nicoleta Gabriela , Riviş Mircea
Published: August 2021

Papaya fruits (Carica papaya L.) are valuable both as food, including concentrates and mixed beverages and in traditional medicine. The goal of the study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of various parts of unripe and ripe papaya fruit from the DPPH· kinetics point of view. Peel, pulp, seed, and seed-pulp of unripe and ripe papaya fruits (¼ and >¾ level of ripening) were extracted with ethanol and monitored at 517 nm in the presence of DPPH·. The radical scavenging capacity (RSC) at various time ranges and DPPH· reaction rates for specific time intervals were determined. The highest RSC values were obtained for papaya pulp extracts, consistently higher for the ripe samples in comparison with the unripe ones (86.4% and 41.3%). The DPPH· rates significantly differ for the unripe and ripe papaya extracts, especially for the first time range. They are more than double for the ripe papaya. These values were 2.70, 4.00, 3.25, 2.75 μM/s for the peel, pulp, seed, seed-pulp extracts from the ripe papaya and only 1.00, 1.65, 1.40, 1.80 μM/s for the unripe samples. DPPH· kinetic approach can be useful for a fast and simple evaluation of the overall antioxidant properties of fruit extracts.
The Bottom-Up Development Model as a Governance Instrument for the Rural Areas. The Cases of Four Local Action Groups (LAGs) in the United Kingdom and in Italy
Authors: Gargano Giuseppe
Published: August 2021

The present research which originates from the author’s PhD dissertation awarded at the School of Politics of the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in 2019, explores the comparative evolution of rural development policies and Local Action Groups (LAGs) in the United Kingdom (Argyll and the Islands LAG—Scotland and Coast, Wolds, Wetlands and Waterways LAG—England) and in Italy (Delta 2000 LAG—Emilia-Romagna Region and Capo Santa Maria di Leuca LAG—Puglia Region) in a multi-level governance framework. LAGs and in particular their public–private local partnerships have become common practice in the governance of rural areas. This governance operates within the European Union LEADER approach as a tool designed to generate the development of rural areas at local level. In order to establish the implications of the LAG practices, the following main objectives for this research have been established: (1) to explore the utility of EU strategies for rural development; (2) to explain how LAGs structure, institutional arrangements and working are positioned in the layers of MLG framework; (3) to carry out a comparative evaluation of the LAGs working in the different nations and their subnational contexts. Some significant findings from the case studies are summarized in relation to these themes: the key characteristics and the outcomes associated with the LAG working mechanisms and what do we draw about the emergence, operation and performance of local partnerships. The core argument of the research is that the partnership approach has given the rural development actors a governance platform to help increase beneficial interactions and economic activity in each of these LAGs, but it is the bottom-up leadership of key local actors, seizing opportunities provided by the EU funding, which have been the most important factors for the LAG successes.
A Cluster of Dengue Cases in Travelers: A Clinical Series from Thailand
Authors: Imad Hisham A. , Phadungsombat Juthamas , Nakayama Emi E. , Chatapat Lapakorn , Pisutsan Phimphan , Matsee Wasin , Piyaphanee Watcharapong , Nguitragool Wang , Shioda Tatsuo
Published: August 2021

Dengue is an overlooked tropical disease for which billions of people are at risk. The disease, caused by a Flavivirus with four distinct serotypes, is transmitted primarily by urban Aedes mosquito species. The infection leads to a spectrum of clinical manifestations, with the majority being asymptomatic. Primary dengue fever and, to a greater extent, a subsequent infection with a different serotype is associated with increased severity. Increased global travel and recreational tourism expose individuals naïve to the dengue viruses, the most common arboviral infections among travelers. We describe a cluster of possible primary acute dengue infections in a group of 12 individuals who presented to Bangkok Hospital for Tropical Diseases in 2017. Infection was confirmed by dengue NS1 antigen and multiplex real-time RT-PCR. Nine individuals required hospitalization, and four developed dengue warning signs. Leukocytes, neutrophils, and platelets declined towards defervescence and were negatively correlated with day of illness. Six clinical isolates were identified as dengue serotype-1, with 100% nucleotide identity suggesting that these patients were infected with the same virus.
A Gut Reaction to SIV and SHIV Infection: Lower Dysregulation of Mucosal T Cells during Acute Infection Is Associated with Greater Viral Suppression during cART
Authors: O’Connor Megan A. , Munson Paul V. , Dross Sandra E. , Tunggal Hillary C. , Lewis Thomas B. , Osborn Jessica , Peterson Christopher W. , Huang Meei-Li W. , Moats Cassandra , Smedley Jeremy , Jerome Keith R. , Kiem Hans-Peter , Bagley Kenneth C. , Mullins James I. , Fuller Deborah Heydenburg
Published: August 2021

Selection of a pre-clinical non-human primate (NHP) model is essential when evaluating therapeutic vaccine and treatment strategies for HIV. SIV and SHIV-infected NHPs exhibit a range of viral burdens, pathologies, and responses to combinatorial antiretroviral therapy (cART) regimens and the choice of the NHP model for AIDS could influence outcomes in studies investigating interventions. Previously, in rhesus macaques (RMs) we showed that maintenance of mucosal Th17/Treg homeostasis during SIV infection correlated with a better virological response to cART. Here, in RMs we compared viral kinetics and dysregulation of gut homeostasis, defined by T cell subset disruption, during highly pathogenic SIVΔB670 compared to SHIV-1157ipd3N4 infection. SHIV infection resulted in lower acute viremia and less disruption to gut CD4 T-cell homeostasis. Additionally, 24/24 SHIV-infected versus 10/19 SIV-infected animals had sustained viral suppression <100 copies/mL of plasma after 5 months of cART. Significantly, the more profound viral suppression during cART in a subset of SIV and all SHIV-infected RMs corresponded with less gut immune dysregulation during acute SIV/SHIV infection, defined by maintenance of the Th17/Treg ratio. These results highlight significant differences in viral control during cART and gut dysregulation in NHP AIDS models and suggest that selection of a model may impact the evaluation of candidate therapeutic interventions for HIV treatment and cure strategies.
The Repressor C Protein, Pf4r, Controls Superinfection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 by the Pf4 Filamentous Phage and Regulates Host Gene Expression
Authors: Ismail Muhammad Hafiz , Michie Katharine A. , Goh Yu Fen , Noorian Parisa , Kjelleberg Staffan , Duggin Iain G. , McDougald Diane , Rice Scott A.
Published: August 2021

It has been shown that the filamentous phage, Pf4, plays an important role in biofilm development, stress tolerance, genetic variant formation and virulence in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. These behaviours are linked to the appearance of superinfective phage variants. Here, we have investigated the molecular mechanism of superinfection as well as how the Pf4 phage can control host gene expression to modulate host behaviours. Pf4 exists as a prophage in PAO1 and encodes a homologue of the P2 phage repressor C and was recently named Pf4r. Through a combination of molecular techniques, ChIPseq and transcriptomic analyses, we show a critical site in repressor C (Pf4r) where a mutation in the site, 788799A>G (Ser4Pro), causes Pf4r to lose its function as the immunity factor against reinfection by Pf4. X-ray crystal structure analysis shows that Pf4r forms symmetric homo-dimers homologous to the E.coli bacteriophage P2 RepC protein. A mutation, Pf4r*, associated with the superinfective Pf4r variant, found at the dimer interface, suggests dimer formation may be disrupted, which derepresses phage replication. This is supported by multi-angle light scattering (MALS) analysis, where the Pf4r* protein only forms monomers. The loss of dimerisation also explains the loss of Pf4r’s immunity function. Phenotypic assays showed that Pf4r increased LasB activity and was also associated with a slight increase in the percentage of morphotypic variants. ChIPseq and transcriptomic analyses suggest that Pf4r also likely functions as a transcriptional regulator for other host genes. Collectively, these data suggest the mechanism by which filamentous phages play such an important role in P. aeruginosa biofilm development.
Correction: Hardy et al. Genome Sequence and Characterization of Five Bacteriophages Infecting Streptomyces coelicolor and Streptomyces venezuelae: Alderaan, Coruscant, Dagobah, Endor1 and Endor2. Viruses 2020, 12, 1065
Authors: Hardy Aël , Sharma Vikas , Kever Larissa , Frunzke Julia
Published: August 2021

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [...]
Two-Stage Multi-Period Coordinated Load Restoration Strategy for Distribution Network Based on Intelligent Route Recommendation of Electric Vehicles
Authors: Su Su , Wei Cunhao , Li Zening , Xia Dong
Published: August 2021

To cope with the frequent blackouts in recent years and improve the resilience of the distribution network, a two-stage multi-period coordinated load restoration strategy for the distribution network based on intelligent route recommendation of electric vehicles (EVs) is proposed. The first stage of the model aims at maximizing the weighted power supply time of load, minimizing the total network loss, optimizing the output of each power supply source at each time period, and determining the optimal charging station assignment scheme for schedulable EVs. The second stage is based on the optimal charging station assignment scheme for EV determined in the first stage, with the shortest total time for all EVs to reach the designated charging stations as the objective and determining the optimal travel route of each EV. The model dispatches the idle EVs during blackout as a flexible power supply resource, realizing the multi-period coordination output of multiple sources and recommending the routes for EVs to reach the designated charging stations to optimize the restoration effect of critical loads. The methods of piecewise linearization, second-order conic relaxation (SOCR) and the Dijkstra algorithm are applied to ensure the feasibility and accuracy of the model. Finally, by comparing the proposed strategy with two different single-stage strategies, the effect of these three strategies on the critical load’s restoration and the operation status of the distribution network is further analyzed, which verifies the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed strategy.
Epistemological component in the ontology of scientific and practical research
Authors: Kazakevich T.A.
Published: August 2021

This publication is a review of the textbook I.V. Ponkin and A.I. Lapteva “Methodology of scientific research and applied analytics” (2nd ed. M.: Buki Vedi, 2021. 567 p.)
Museum studies in modern cultural studies
Authors: Tsyplyakova D.I.
Published: August 2021

This research is based on the current trend in the development of Museum studies in the field of cultural studies. Understanding the Museum as one of the subsystems of culture allowed us to identify the following aspects for the study of preventive conservation: considering it as a part of museology and at the same time as a system that has its own structure and functional connections between its components, as well as considering it from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Human and society. Didactic materials for independent work of 10th grade students of educational institutions
Authors:   Department of Theory and History of Culture, Russian State Pedagogical University named after A.I. Herzen, Dokuchaev I.I.
Published: August 2021

The series of publications was prepared on the basis of a teaching manual addressed to 10th grade schoolchildren of schools studying the integrative course “Social Studies” (section “Man and Society”), and is a set of materials for independent work. The content of the manual fully meets the requirements of the Federal State Educational Standards of Basic General Education and work programs for secondary (complete) education in social studies. The presented theoretical and practical material reveals the main aspects of social life: the essence and functional characteristics of consciousness and activity, ideas about society and social institutions as a system, types of societies, views on culture as a cumulative spiritual experience and “collective memory”, its main institutions — science, religion, morality, education, art. Particular attention is paid to the definition of social progress and global problems of mankind.
The functioning of the systems of the institution of the Chinese nation in the period of global threats
Authors:   Department of Sinology of the Oriental Institute — School of Regional and International Studies of the Far Eastern Federal University,, Ishutina Y.A.
Published: August 2021

The institution of a nation is an integral system of autonomous but interdependent institutions, whose activities are designed to ensure the vitality of the national group, both in the usual conditions of existence and in the period of existential threats of our time. The relevance of addressing the issue of the functioning of the institution of the Chinese nation during the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic is due to the need to track how the systems and resources of the PRC national group are mobilized in order to preserve their anthropological composition. The novelty of the research lies in highlighting the role of the intellectuals of the national community, who accept the challenge of the global threat and solve the urgent problems of the nation.
The negotiation process and the Martti Ahtisaari Plan as a way to the unconditional state independence of the "Republic of Kosovo"
Authors: Filimonova Anna Igorevna , Kot Kseniya Dmitrievna
Published: August 2021

The article presents an analysis of one of the most acute and urgent problems of our time — the acquisition of the de facto independence declared by Pristina on February 17, 2008 by the separatist forces of the Kosovo Albanians, represented mainly by the former leaders of the so-called Kosovo Liberation Army, of the sabotage and punitive character of the fighting, and the Albanian politicians completely subordinate to them by that time. The authors focused on identifying the role of the UN (UN Security Council and the UN Civil Administration in Kosovo and Metohija — UNMIK), the United States, the EU, and Serbia since the beginning of the illegitimate process of negotiations, not on the implementation of the binding UN Security Council Resolution No. 1244, but on the completely contradictory negotiations on the status of Kosovo and Metohija, the failure of which, however, led, as planned, to the proclamation of the creation of the "Republic of Kosovo" and its subsequent strengthening on the basis of the principles underlying the preparation and conduct of these negotiations, as well as the Martti Ahtisaari Plan. The article covers the period from the end of the NATO military aggression against the FRY (June 1999) to February 17, 2008 – the starting point of the creation of the quasistate of Kosovo. The materials of the article can be used in the educational process within the "International Relations" and "Political Science" program tracks.

English version of the article on pp. 322-333 at URL: https://panor.ru/articles/negotiation-and-martti-ahtisaariplan-as-a-path-to-the-unconditional-state-independence-of-the-republic-of-kosovo/65975.html
Customs authorities as a subject of ensuring economic security in the context of the formation of the digital economy
Authors: Dadalko Vasiliy Aleksandrovich , Nazarchuk Anastasiya Vyacheslavovna
Published: August 2021

The article examines the role of customs authorities in ensuring economic security, determines the nature of the impact of the digital economy on the specifics of the functions performed by customs authorities, and analyzes possible risks and challenges, as well as potential ways to neutralize them. In the current conditions of the intensive desire of states to make the rapid transition to the technologies of the V and VI technological structures, it is natural to form a set of elements of such a way of organizing economic relations as the digital economy. In this context, the impact of the developing components of the digital economy on the directions and specifics of the activities of not only private organizations, but also state bodies, including customs, is obvious. The article shows that in the context of the formation of the digital economy, customs authorities, being one of the subjects of ensuring the economic security of the state, continue to implement their main functions and tasks, while adjusting the used methods in the direction of an increasingly deep application of ICT. The general change in working methods caused by the development of the digital economy, as it was mentioned above, leads to the transformation of the chosen ways of solving the set tasks and performing the assigned functions, but does not affect their semantic essence.
excepcionalidad del principio de subsidiariedad en la acción de libertad
Authors: Puch Tórrez Fabiola Beatriz
Published: August 2021

El presente documento hace un análisis crítico respecto a la excepcionalidad del principio de sudsidiariedad en lo referente a la Acción de Libertad. El objetivo fue analizar críticamente diferentes Sentencias Constitucionales que puntualizan el principio de subsidiariedad excepcional de la Acción de Libertad para tutelar derechos sin perjuicio que exista otro medio o recurso legal. El método utilizado fue el dogmático – jurídico al efectuarse un análisis teórico a partir de la revisión de jurisprudencia y normativa. Los resultados develaron que pese a que el Tribunal Constitucional refiere la “subsidiariedad excepcional del hábeas corpus”, de forma que la “negligencia (…) de las partes no puede ser salvada por esta jurisdicción”, dicha excepcionalidad debería dar lugar a una interpretación restringida, pero en la jurisprudencia parece ser regla general, encuadrándose solo a evitar ese óbice en la Justicia, sin tomar en cuenta que en conclusión se debe primar los derechos fundamentales que acoge y protege la Acción de Libertad.
Two-Level Classification in Determining the Age and Gender Group of a Speaker
Authors: Yücesoy Ergün
Published: August 2021

In this study, the classification of the speakers according to age and gender was discussed. Age and gender classes were first examined separately, and then by combining these classes a classification with a total of 7 classes was made. Speech signals represented by Mel-Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCC) and delta parameters were converted into Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) mean supervectors and classified with a Support Vector Machine (SVM). While the GMM mean supervectors were formed according to the Maximum-a-posteriori (MAP) adaptive GMM-Universal Background Model (UBM) configuration, the number of components was changed from 16 to 512, and the optimum number of components was decided. Gender classification accuracy of the system developed using aGender dataset was measured as 99.02% for two classes and 92.58% for three classes and age group classification accuracy was measured as 67.03% for female and 63.79% for male. In the classification of age and gender classes together in one step, an accuracy of 61.46% was obtained. In the study, a two-level approach was proposed for classifying age and gender classes together. According to this approach, the speakers were first divided into three classes as child, male and female, then males and females were classified according to their age groups and thus a 7-class classification was realized. This two-level approach was increased the accuracy of the classification in all other cases except when 32-component GMMs were used. While the highest improvement of 2.45% was achieved with 64 component GMMs, an improvement of 0.79 was achieved with 256 component GMMs.
A Research on Frequently used Products from Sangam Literature
Authors: R Nallamuthu
Published: August 2021

As to impoverished men this present world is not:  The ‘graceless’ in you world have neither part nor lot. As the famous poet vazhuvar puts across this thought, we are surrounded and dependenton material possessions in this world. These asserts play a vital role in every stage and every event of our life. The relationship between oneself and the goods is too deep and enigmatic. In no way we withdraw ourselves from these domestic equipments. The materials connected to our everyday life can be tagged domestic products. These asserts help us in understanding and sangam period. On this note, the domestic products and its varieties are widely discussed. The research focuses on differentating these products namely: Domestic things, pottery, jewelleries made of gold, utensils made of stone, iron and bamboo made appliances.
The Conflict in Syria from the Perspective of the Russian Federation
Authors: Karczmarzyk Dominik
Published: August 2021

Following the outbreak of the conflict in Syria, the United States and Russian Federation became involved in the peace process aimed at stabilizing the internal situation. In the initial phase of this process, Russia introduced political plans to resolve the dispute, while successively blocking UNSC projects calling for the resignation of Bashar al-Assad. As a consequence of the changes that took place in Russia’s foreign policy after the annexation of Crimea, it began conducting military activities aimed at ousting opposition forces from Syria and preventing the West from making any possible intervention. Due to the lack of a decisive response from the United States, within a few years the Syrian regime’s offensive, militarily supported by Russia, reduced the opposition forces supported by the US to the defense. As a result of Russi’s intense involvement in the process of resolving the Syrian conflict, this country has once again started to play a key role in the international arena. The conflict in Syria has highlighted the Russian government’s aspirations to rebuild its state as a superpower.
Pengaruh Metode Chain Writing terhadap Keterampilan Menulis Siswa Kelas V Sekolah Dasar
Authors: Ai Ai Parihah , Fahmi M. Fahmi Nugraha , Anggia Anggia Suci Pratiwi
Published: August 2021

This study aimed to find out the effect of the implementation of the Chain Writing method on writing skills of grade V SDN Cisasah in learning to developing main ideas. This was a quantitative research with quasi experimental design. The basic consideration for using this design was that learning takes place naturally and the results obtained could be used to measure the effect of a treatment in the characteristics of the subject. The subject of this study were students grade V who came from two groups of students, namely the experimental group (implementing the Chain Writing method) and the control group. The data were collected through test technique divided two part, namely pretest and. The analysis technique this study was t-test. Based on this research showed that: (1) there are differences in the ability to writing skills to develop main ideas between students from experimental group with control group as evidence by the Sig. (2 tailed) is 0.00<0.05; and (2) there is an effect of implementing Chain Writing method for improving writing skills to developing the main ideas. Based on the mean value of the posttest results showed the experimental group is greater than the control group (83.70>57.90)
Tecnología y Abstracción
Authors: Figueroa Vargas Andrea del Carmen , Aravena Gaete Margarita Ercilia , Campos Soto María Natalia , Ruete Zuñiga David
Published: August 2021

El objetivo de este estudio es proponer modelos de aprendizaje de máquina supervisada para predecir la capacidad de abstracción en los estudiantes, como mecanismo de alerta temprana, a través de la utilización de la tecnología y el uso del video juego. La metodología utilizada es mixta, con un diseño descriptivo y predictivo, se analizaron 118 tests aplicados a estudiantes chilenos de formación docente. Para ello, se correlacionaron las variables: edad, modalidad y semestre académico y se examinaron seis modelos predictivos. Los resultados evidencian tres hallazgos relevantes. En primer lugar, en la relación abstracción/edad, en las categorías Satisfactoria y No Abstracción, la distribución es homogénea en todas las edades. En segundo lugar, la relación abstracción/modalidad se evidencia que sigue un patrón del 50% para todas las categorías de abstracción. En tercer lugar, la relación abstracción/semestre académico, se observa que en el séptimo semestre se concentra la mayor cantidad de estudiantes sin capacidad de abstracción. Se concluye que el nivel de abstracción es bajo, evidenciándose que el 61,1% de los estudiantes no tiene un nivel cognitivo superior. De los 6 modelos de aprendizaje de máquina supervisada, dos se sugieren para predecir una alerta temprana, árbol de decisión y bosque aleatorio que tienen una exactitud (Accuracy) del 100%. Por lo tanto, mediante el uso de la tecnología y el video juego es posible afianzar el desarrollo de habilidades cognitivas superiores, por medio de una serie de estrategias planificadas en tiempos de covid-19, concentradas en el primer y segundo semestre de formación.
Analysis of a Portuguese HEI teachers experience in the context of COVID-19
Authors: Brito Elisabete , Gomes Natália , Tadeu Pedro , Brigas Carlos
Published: August 2021

The current context of the pandemic crisis has led to unexpected educational changes. It has forced the institutions to rapidly adapt their teaching and learning methodologies in all areas, especially in higher education. This situation, atypical, has given rise to numerous reflections on the ability of institutions to adapt to this new paradigm. This research aims to understand how the Portuguese Higher Education Institution (Polytechnic of Guarda) teachers have adjusted their teaching and learning process to distance learning situation. We constructed a quantitative investigation with a survey applied to the population, consisting of 158 elements, achieving 102 valid answers, 65% of the population. The results show that despite the initial doubts and concerns at the beginning of the process, there was always a substantial increase in work volume. There was a rapid adaptation to new teaching and learning methodologies in COVID-19 time. Overall, most of the inquiries considered this distance learning experience to be very positive.
SEM model for technological, ecological and inclusive teacher training in times of pandemic
Authors: Hernández Fernández Antonio , Camargo Claudia de Barros
Published: August 2021

This work tries to analyze the relationship between teacher training (TT), teacher training in inclusive education (TTIE), teacher training in technologies (TTT), teacher training in ecology (TTE) and teacher training in time of pandemic (TTP), through a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with structural equation model (SEM) of a Likert scale created ad hoc, validated and confirmed. For the search for answers, a non-experimental, descriptive, explanatory and correlational research process has been carried out. The instrument used to collect the data has been a scale, which has been validated in content and with an excellent Cronbach's alpha (.902). The construct validity has been carried out with an exploratory factorial analysis (EFA). The sample has been of 598 students of Master's Degree in Teacher Training and the last year (4th) of the Primary Education Degree from the University of Jaen (Spain). It can be concluded that there is a relationship between the different forms of teacher training, from the correlational analysis the highest coefficient is between teacher training and teacher training in ecology and teacher training in inclusive education. From the CFA it is confirmed that this correlation is a very strong one, so that inclusion and ecology should be central axes in all teacher training, on the other hand, it concludes the low relationship between teacher training and teacher training in times of pandemic, so that, at least in theory, Covid-19 should not affect teacher training.
New level comprehensive approach: living water engineering
Authors: Петрова Л.В. , Щербакова Ю.А. , Сизова И.М.
Published: August 2021

Опыт и компетенции на рынке водоснабжения и водоотведения, накопленные компанией ЭКОС Групп за более чем 30 лет развития и профессионального роста, бесценны. Опираясь на многолетнюю историю реализованных проектов, собственный научно-технический, проектный и производственный потенциал, ЭКОС Групп предлагает сегодня инновационные решения актуальных и сложных задач, оперативно реагирует на быстро изменяющиеся условия на рынке очистки и повторного использования сточных вод, следует новым тенденциям профессиональной среды, учитывает кризисные процессы в экономике и конкретные нужды клиентов с заботой о планете, о людях, о будущем, о профессии. Комплексный подход в реализации проектов обеспечивает на каждом этапе выполнение своих обязательств, исключая риски неоправданных затрат и сокращая вред, наносимый окружающей среде.

The experience and competencies in the water supply and wastewater disposal market gained by ECOS Group over more than 30 years of development and professional growth, are invaluable. Based on the long history of implemented projects, scientific, technical, design and production and production experience, ECOS Group today offers innovative solutions to urgent and challenging tasks, quickly responds to rapidly changing conditions in the wastewater treatment and effluent reuse market, follows new trends in the professional environment. Ecos Group takes into account crisis processes in the economy and the specific needs of clients with care for the planet, people, the future, and the profession. A comprehensive approach to the implementation of projects ensures at every stage the fulfillment of the commitments eliminating the risks of unjustified costs and reducing damage to the environment.
Public-private partnership: case study of the wastewater treatment facilities in Novoshakhtinsk
Authors: Лановой А.С. , Чумаченко В.Н. , Иванов А.М. , Яковенко А.С.
Published: August 2021

С момента перехода государства на новую экономическую модель развития социально значимые отрасли остались в тени «локомотивов» экономического развития – топливно-энергетического и минерально-сырьевого комплексов. Отрасли народного хозяйства, не имеющие коммерческого интереса, отмирали полностью или сжимались до размеров возможной минимальной окупаемости. Данные изменения затронули и отрасль жилищно-коммунального хозяйства, в частности водопроводно-канализационное хозяйство. Катастрофическое состояние отрасли в настоящее время требует особого внимания и особых решений со стороны всех участвующих и заинтересованных сторон: органов государственной и муниципальной власти, органов контроля и надзора, операторов систем водопроводно-канализационного хозяйства, коммерческих организаций, высшей школы, профильного научного сообщества и населения. Одна из базовых отраслей народного хозяйства не должна находиться в таком состоянии и, несмотря на отсутствие экономической стабильности, необходимо сделать ее восстановление приоритетной государственной задачей, направив на это максимальные материальные и интеллектуальные ресурсы страны. Приведен пример концессионного соглашения, которое иллюстрирует один из возможных путей продления ресурса городского канализационного хозяйства с предельным износом.

Since the transition of Russian Federation to a new economic model of development, socially significant industries have remained in the shadow of the «locomotives» of the economic development, i. e., the fuel and energy and mineral resource sectors. Branches of the national economy that had no commercial interest died out completely or shrank to the size of a possible minimum payback. These changes also affected the housing and utilities sector, in particular, the water supply and wastewater disposal systems. The catastrophic state of the industry currently requires special attention and special decisions on the part of all the stake holders: the state and municipal authorities, control and supervision bodies, operators of water and wastewater utilities, commercial organizations, higher education, the relevant scientific community and population. One of the basic sectors of the national economy should not be in such a state and, despite the lack of the economic stability, its restoration should be a priority state task directing the maximum material and intellectual resources of the country. An example of a concession agreement is given that can be a possible way to extend the resource of an urban wastewater disposal system with a wear limit.
SMEGENŲ ŽIEVĖS STRUKTŪROS PAKITIMŲ ĮTAKA PSICHIKOS SVEIKATAI
Authors: Jablonskytė Karolina , Jaras Algirdas
Published: August 2021

Straipsnyje aprašomas 23 metų pacientės klinikinis at­vejis, prasidėjęs bloga nuotaika, nerimo simptomatika, padidėjusiu jautrumu, verksmingumu, sutrikusiu nak­ties miegu ir po subjektyviai reikšmingos stresogeninės situacijos pasireiškęs staigia psichozine simptomatika. Pacientė jauno amžiaus ir staiga sutrikusi psichikos svei­kata buvo indikacija ieškoti galimos organinės patologi­jos. Gydymo eigoje atlikus detalų ištyrimą ir įvertinus galvos smegenų MRT vaizdus, nustatytas įgimtas galvos smegenų Silvijaus vagos išplitimas, galvos smegenų mi­krogirija ir pachigirija. Tyrimo tikslas – pristatyti galimus psichikos būklės pasikeitimus ir simptomus, esant įgim­tiems galvos smegenų struktūros pakitimams.
ŪMINIS CHOLANGITAS: KLINIKINIS PASIREIŠKIMAS, DIAGNOSTIKA, GYDYMAS
Authors: Reipšleger Aurimas
Published: August 2021

Ūminis cholangitas yra gyvybei pavojinga būklė, reika­linga greitų ir efektyvių diagnostikos ir gydymo priemo­nių, siekiant išvengti tokių komplikacijų, kaip septinis šokas ir dauginis organų nepakankamumas. Ligai būdin­gas karščiavimas, dešiniojo viršutiniojo pilvo kvadranto skausmas, gelta. Auksinis diagnostikos standartas yra endoskopinė retrogradinė cholangiopankreatografija (ERCP), tačiau galima taikyti ir kitus vaizdinius tyri­mus, leidžiančius vizualizuoti tulžies latakus. Dauguma pacientų pasveiksta taikant konservatyvius gydymo me­todus, tačiau apie 15 proc. pacientų prireikia biliarinės dekompresijos, kuri dažniausiai atliekama taikant ERCP. Tyrimo tikslas – įvertinti ir aptarti mokslinėje literatūroje pateikiamą informaciją apie ūminio cholangito klinikinį pasireiškimą, diagnostiką bei gydymą.
IDIOPATINĖ DILATACINĖ KARDIOMIOPATIJA: KLINIKINIS ATVEJIS
Authors: Kropaitytė Monika , Rylskytė Neda , Rekienė Daiva Emilija
Published: August 2021

Dilatacinė kardiomiopatija yra širdies raumens patologija, kuri išsivysto dėl genetinių ir aplinkos veiksnių derinio. Šiai ligai būdingi širdies nepakankamumo klinikiniai požymiai, įvairūs ritmo ir laidumo sutrikimai, angininio pobūdžio krūtinės skausmas. Dilatacinė kardiomiopatija diagnozuojama remiantis klinikiniais simptomais ir ins­trumentiniais tyrimais, paneigiant įgimtas širdies ydas, vainikinių arterijų, hipertenzines ligas, vožtuvų patolo­giją. Nediagnozuota ir negydoma liga didina staigios širdinės mirties riziką. Straipsnyje pristatomas klinikinis atvejis, kai pacientui dilatacinė kardiomiopatija pirmą kartą pasireiškė stenokardiniais skausmais ir gyvybei grėsmingais ritmo sutrikimais (paroksizmine skilveline tachikardija, skilvelių virpėjimu).
ANTINKSČIŲ KRIZĖ: PATOLOGIJOS APŽVALGA IR GYDYMO BEI PREVENCIJOS GALIMYBĖS
Authors: Judickas Martynas
Published: August 2021

Antinksčių krizė − tai ūmi gyvybei pavojinga būklė, le­mianti pacientų, kuriems patvirtintas antinksčių nepa­kankamumas, didesnį mirštamumą. Nepaisant didelės antinksčių nepakankamumo gydymo pažangos, antinks­čių krizė vis dar išlieka viena iš pagrindinių šios grupės pacientų mirties priežasčių, nes jai būdingas sisteminis organizmo pažeidimas, nesant specifinių simptomų, to­dėl sunku diagnozuoti ir neretai pavėluojama gydyti. Šiuo Straipsniuyje plačiau bus aptartasiamas antinksčių krizės aktualumas, ligai būdingąa klinika, gydymo bei prevencijos gairės.

Tyrimo tikslas − apžvelgti ir aptarti retos, tačiau gyvy­bei itin pavojingos būklės – antinksčių krizės epidemi­ologijos, diagnostikos bei gydymo naujoves. Atlikta naujausių prevencinių programų bei gydymo gairių, ku­rios leistų sumažinti šios klinikinės būklės atvejų skaičių ateityje, paieška mokslinėje literatūroje. Literatūros šal­tinių paieška vykdyta anglų kalba PubMed, UpToDate, Medscape ir Cohrane medicinos duomenų bazėse. Nau­doti raktiniai žodžiai ir jų deriniai: adrenal crisis, adrenal insufficiency, hydrocortisone, treatment guidelines for adrenal crisis, prevention of adrenal crisis syndrome. Atrinkti 24 viso teksto moksliniai straipsniai, atitikę ty­rimo tikslą ir atlikta jų analizė. Tyrimo rezultatai parodė, kad pagrindinis šią patologiją išprovokuojantis veiksnys yra infekcija, tačiau antinksčių krizės priežastis gali būti operacija, trauma, gliukokortikoidų terapijos plano nesi­laikymas ar itin sunkus fizinis stresas. Pirmoji pagalba, nustačius antinksčių krizę, apima: parenterinį hidrokor­tizono skyrimą, rehidrataciją ir elektrolitų homeostazės atkūrimą. Pagrindinė prevencijos priemonė – pacientų edukacija. Išvados: 1) pirmo pasirinkimo vaistas gydyti antinksčių krizę yra hidrokortizonas; 2) pirmos kartos ir ilgo veikimo gliukokortikoidai prednizolonas ir dek­sametazonas nerekomenduojami, išskyrus atvejus, kai hidrokortizonu nepasiekiama efektyvaus gydymo; 3) laiku pradėtas adekvatus gretutinių ligų, tokių kaip vėžys, autoimuniniai susirgimai, antinksčių nepakankamumas bei infekcijos, gydymas gali sumažinti antinksčių krizės atvejų skaičių; 4) sergantieji Adisono liga, reguliariai naudojantys specialius klausimynus savo būklei įver­tinti, gali reikšmingai sumažinti antinksčių krizės riziką.