bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the Scorpionism Caused by Centruroides margaritatus, Tityus pachyurus and Tityus n. sp. aff. metuendus Scorpion Venoms in Colombia
Authors: Mendoza-Tobar Leydy Lorena , Meza-Cabrera Ivonne Alejandra , Sepúlveda-Arias Juan C. , Guerrero-Vargas Jimmy Alexander
Published: October 2021

Among other scorpion species, Colombia has two genera of the Buthidae family Centruroides and Tityus, considered to be dangerous to humans. This research shares scientific knowledge aiming to a better understanding about the pathophysiological effects of such venoms. The venom of the three species: Centruroides margaritarus, Tityus pachyurus, and T. n. sp. aff. metuendus with biomedical interest were studied. An initial pre-glycemic sample was taken from ICR mice. They were later intraperitoneally inoculated with doses of 35% and 70% of LD50 of total venom. Poisoning signs were observed during a 6-h period to determine the level of scorpionism. After observation, a second glycemic sample was taken, and a histopathological evaluation of different organs was performed. This work revealed that all three venoms showed considerably notorious histopathological alterations in main organs such as heart and lungs; and inducing multiple organ failure, in relation to the glycemia values, only C. margaritatus and T. n. sp. aff. metuendus showed significant changes through manifestation of hyperglycemia. According to the Colombian scorpionism level; signs were mild to severe affecting the autonomous nervous system.
PICO Questions and DELPHI Methodology for the Management of Venous Thromboembolism Associated with COVID-19
Authors: Riera-Mestre Antoni , Jara-Palomares Luis , Lecumberri Ramón , Trujillo-Santos Javier , Grau Enric , Blanco-Molina Angeles , Piera Carbonell Ana , Jiménez Sonia , Frías Vargas Manuel , Fuset Mari , Bellmunt-Montoya Sergi , Monreal Manuel , Jiménez David ,   on behalf of the COVILAX Project
Published: October 2021

Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have a higher risk of venous thromboembolic disease (VTE) than patients with other infectious or inflammatory diseases, both as macrothrombosis (pulmonar embolism and deep vein thrombosis) or microthrombosis. However, the use of anticoagulation in this scenario remains controversial. This is a project that used DELPHI methodology to answer PICO questions related to anticoagulation in patients with COVID-19. The objective was to reach a consensus among multidisciplinary VTE experts providing answers to those PICO questions. Seven PICO questions regarding patients with COVID-19 responded with a broad consensus: 1. It is recommended to avoid pharmacological thromboprophylaxis in most COVID-19 patients not requiring hospital admission; 2. In most hospitalized patients for COVID-19 who are receiving oral anticoagulants before admission, it is recommended to replace them by low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) at therapeutic doses; 3. Thromboprophylaxis with LMWH at standard doses is suggested for COVID-19 patients admitted to a conventional hospital ward; 4. Standard-doses thromboprophylaxis with LMWH is recommended for COVID-19 patients requiring admission to Intensive Care Unit; 5. It is recommended not to determine D-Dimer levels routinely in COVID-19 hospitalized patients to select those in whom VTE should be suspected, or as a part of the diagnostic algorithm to rule out or confirm a VTE event; 6. It is recommended to discontinue pharmacological thromboprophylaxis at discharge in most patients hospitalized for COVID-19; 7. It is recommended to withdraw anticoagulant treatment after 3 months in most patients with a VTE event associated with COVID-19. The combination of PICO questions and DELPHI methodology provides a consensus on different recommendations for anticoagulation management in patients with COVID-19.
A Comprehensive Coordinator Supported Hepatitis C Virus Testing and Linkage to Treatment Program at Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States
Authors: Jonas Mary Cabell , Rubenstein Kevin , Watson Eric , Basra Sundeep , Horberg Michael
Published: October 2021

Since 2020, the US Preventive Services Taskforce has recommended expanding hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening to include ages 18−79, in addition to baby boomers (born 1945−1965) and those at-risk for hepatitis C virus. This retrospective cohort analysis compared patients (18 years and above) tested for HCV through usual care versus a coordinator-supported program (HCV pathway) during 2015−2018 within Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States (KPMAS). In total, 131,176 patients were tested through the HCV pathway and 128,311 through usual care (non-standardized testing). Of those tested, 1.6% (HCV pathway) and 0.5% (usual care) had chronic HCV. Of those with chronic HCV, more patients tested within the HCV pathway completed hepatic transient elastography (82.6% HCV pathway vs. 45.6% usual care; p < 0.001) and a gastroenterology visit (72.2% HCV pathway vs. 46.5% usual care; p < 0.001), and had filled prescriptions for treatment (56.5% HCV pathway vs. 40.3% usual care; p < 0.001). The median time to complete each step was shorter for those tested through the HCV pathway (hepatic transient elastography (26 vs. 118 days), gastroenterology visit (63 vs. 131 days), and prescription fill (222 vs. 326 days)). More patients tested through a coordinator-supported, standardized testing pathway completed the necessary testing steps, in less time, compared to usual care. These findings may inform institutions seeking to create effective population-wide testing programs for HCV and other conditions.
Respiratory Viruses in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients
Authors: Bitterman Roni , Kumar Deepali
Published: October 2021

Solid organ transplantation is often lifesaving, but does carry an increased risk of infection. Respiratory viral infections are one of the most prevalent infections, and are a cause of significant morbidity and mortality, especially among lung transplant recipients. There is also data to suggest an association with acute rejection and chronic lung allograft dysfunction in lung transplant recipients. Respiratory viral infections can appear at any time post-transplant and are usually acquired in the community. All respiratory viral infections share similar clinical manifestations and are all currently diagnosed using nucleic acid testing. Influenza has good treatment options and prevention strategies, although these are hampered by resistance to neuraminidase inhibitors and lower vaccine immunogenicity in the transplant population. Other respiratory viruses, unfortunately, have limited treatments and preventive methods. This review summarizes the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, therapies and preventive measures for clinically significant RNA and DNA respiratory viruses, with the exception of SARS-CoV-2. This area is fast evolving and hopefully the coming decades will bring us new antivirals, immunologic treatments and vaccines.
Detection of Insect-Specific Flaviviruses in Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Northeastern Regions of South Africa
Authors: Guarido Milehna M. , Govender Kamini , Riddin Megan A. , Schrama Maarten , Gorsich Erin E. , Brooke Basil D. , Almeida Antonio Paulo Gouveia , Venter Marietjie
Published: October 2021

Mosquitoes in the Aedes and Culex genera are considered the main vectors of pathogenic flaviviruses worldwide. Entomological surveillance using universal flavivirus sets of primers in mosquitoes can detect not only pathogenic viruses but also insect-specific ones. It is hypothesized that insect-specific flaviviruses, which naturally infect these mosquitoes, may influence their vector competence for zoonotic arboviruses. Here, entomological surveillance was performed between January 2014 and May 2018 in five different provinces in the northeastern parts of South Africa, with the aim of identifying circulating flaviviruses. Mosquitoes were sampled using different carbon dioxide trap types. Overall, 64,603 adult mosquitoes were collected, which were screened by RT-PCR and sequencing. In total, 17 pools were found positive for insect-specific Flaviviruses in the mosquito genera Aedes (12/17, 70.59%) and Anopheles (5/17, 29.41%). No insect-specific viruses were detected in Culex species. Cell-fusing agent viruses were detected in Aedes aegypti and Aedes caballus. A range of anopheline mosquitoes, including Anopheles coustani, An. squamosus and An. maculipalpis, were positive for Culex flavivirus-like and Anopheles flaviviruses. These results confirm the presence of insect-specific flaviviruses in mosquito populations in South Africa, expands their geographical range and indicates potential mosquito species as vector species.
Occupational Hantavirus Infections in Agricultural and Forestry Workers: A Systematic Review and Metanalysis
Authors: Riccò Matteo , Peruzzi Simona , Ranzieri Silvia , Magnavita Nicola
Published: October 2021

Hantaviruses are zoonotic pathogens that can cause serious human disorders, including hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome and hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome. As the main risk factor for human infections is the interaction with rodents, occupational groups such as farmers and forestry workers are reportedly at high risk, but no summary evidence has been collected to date. Therefore, we searched two different databases (PubMed and EMBASE), focusing on studies reporting the prevalence of hantaviruses in farmers and forestry workers. Data were extracted using a standardized assessment form, and results of such analyses were systematically reported, summarized and compared. We identified a total of 42 articles, including a total of 28 estimates on farmers, and 22 on forestry workers, with a total workforce of 15,043 cases (821 positive cases, 5.5%). A pooled seroprevalence of 3.7% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 2.2–6.2) was identified in farmers, compared to 3.8% (95% CI 2.6–5.7) in forestry workers. Compared to the reference population, an increased occurrence was reported for both occupational groups (odds ratio [OR] 1.875, 95% CI 1.438–2.445 and OR 2.892, 95% CI 2.079–4.023 for farmers and forestry workers, respectively). In summary, our analyses stress the actual occurrence of hantaviruses in selected occupational groups. Improved understanding of appropriate preventive measures, as well as further studies on hantavirus infection rates in reservoir host species (rodents, shrews, and bats) and virus transmission to humans, is needed to prevent future outbreaks.
Influence of System and Actuator Nonlinearities on the Dynamics of Ring-Type MEMS Gyroscopes
Authors: Gebrel Ibrahim F. , Asokanthan Samuel F.
Published: October 2021

This study investigates the nonlinear dynamic response behavior of a rotating ring that forms an essential element of MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) ring-based vibratory gyroscopes that utilize oscillatory nonlinear electrostatic forces. For this purpose, the dynamic behavior due to nonlinear system characteristics and nonlinear external forces was studied in detail. The partial differential equations that represent the ring dynamics are reduced to coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations by suitable addition of nonlinear mode functions and application of Galerkin’s procedure. Understanding the effects of nonlinear actuator dynamics is essential for characterizing the dynamic behavior of such devices. For this purpose, a suitable theoretical model to generate a nonlinear electrostatic force acting on the MEMS ring structure is formulated. Nonlinear dynamic responses in the driving and sensing directions are examined via time response, phase diagram, and Poincare’s map when the input angular motion and nonlinear electrostatic force are considered simultaneously. The analysis is envisaged to aid ongoing research associated with the fabrication of this type of device and provide design improvements in MEMS ring-based gyroscopes.
SARS-CoV-2 in Conjunctiva and Tears and Ocular Symptoms of Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Rodríguez-Ares Teresa , Lamas-Francis David , Treviño Mercedes , Navarro Daniel , Cea María , López-Valladares María Jesús , Martínez Laura , Gude Francisco , Touriño Rosario
Published: October 2021

This study investigates the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in conjunctival secretions and tears and evaluates ocular symptoms in a group of patients with COVID-19. We included 56 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in this cross-sectional cohort study. Conjunctival secretions and tears were collected using flocked swabs and Schirmer strips for SARS-CoV-2 reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Assessment of ocular surface manifestations included an OSDI (Ocular Surface Disease Index) questionnaire. Patients had been admitted to hospital for an average of 2.4 days (range 0–7) and had shown general symptoms for an average of 7.1 days (range 1–20) prior to ocular testing. Four (7.1%) of 56 conjunctival swabs and four (4%) of 112 Schirmer strips were positive for SARS-CoV-2. The mean E-gene cycle threshold values (Ct values) were 31.2 (SD 5.0) in conjunctival swabs and 32.9 (SD 2.7) in left eye Schirmer strips. Overall, 17 (30%) patients presented ocular symptoms. No association was found between positive ocular samples and ocular symptoms. This study shows that SARS-CoV-2 can be detected on the conjunctiva and tears of patients with COVID-19. Contact with the ocular surface may transmit the virus and preventive measures should be taken in this direction.
Making Aquaponics a Business: A Framework
Authors: Silva Araújo Lorena , Keesman Karel J. , Goddek Simon
Published: October 2021

Commercial aquaponics systems remain a challenge independent of the country, fish, plant species, or system design type. Most aquaponics systems are made by hobbyists, with aquaponics not being the main source of income. As such, scholars and practitioners have long debated the real profitability of aquaponics systems. With the growth of the aquaponics industry and commercial businesses, sustainable economic viability is necessary. Recently, considerable literature has been published around the theme of aquaponics systems design but there is a gap in the literature regarding the business aspect of this. Moreover, only by acquiring the enterprise knowledge of planning a business case, obtaining funds, and running and maintaining a business will this industry be able to grow. This paper intends to create a directory of possible considerations to plan for a viable commercial aquaponics system by uniting already established business frameworks and adapting them to the aquaponics industry. This framework proposes a guide to evaluate the economic feasibility of the enterprise depending on the revenues, costs and investments needed for the chosen system within its operations, market, and environment.
Permanent Thermal and Chemical Stratification in a Restored Urban Meromictic Lake
Authors: Tandyrak Renata , Grochowska Jolanta Katarzyna , Augustyniak Renata , Łopata Michał
Published: October 2021

Meromictic lakes are unique aquatic ecosystems that occur extremely rarely. The phenomenon of meromixis can result from both natural and anthropogenic factors. The aim of this study was to analyse thermal and chemical stratification in a small, deep (6 ha, H max = 24.5 m) lake. The evaluated lake had a typical summer thermal profile with a shallow epilimnion, a sharp thermocline, and a distinct monimolimnion layer in the hypolimnion, which was also maintained during circulation. The lake had a clinograde oxygen profile, with an oxygen deficit in the metalimnion and permanent anoxic conditions in the deeper layers, including during circulation. A redox zone was identified during summer stagnation. The monimolimnion formed a thermally isolated layer at a depth of around 15 m, and the chemocline was situated above the monimolimnion. In the chemocline, the EC gradient ranged from 61 to 77 μS·cm−1 per meter of depth in the summer and from 90 to 130 μS·cm−1 per meter of depth during circulation. EC was significantly correlated with Ca2+ concentration (r2 = 0.549). Chemical stratification, particularly with regard to organic matter distribution, was observed in the chemocline. The monimolimnion severely limited nutrient internal loading.
Potential Impact of Climate Change Analysis on the Management of Water Resources under Stressed Quantity and Quality Scenarios
Authors: Tercini João Rafael Bergamaschi , Perez Raphael Ferreira , Schardong André , Bonnecarrère Joaquin Ignacio Garcia
Published: October 2021

Assuring access to high-quality water for its multiple uses is increasingly difficult and relevant, as climate changes are gradually altering the hydrologic cycle and impacting traditional and well-established techniques of water resource management. This manuscript proposes a methodology to assess the impact of climatic variability in pre-established management rules, using spatially interpolated rain gauged data for two future emission scenarios. With them, water allocation and water quality parameters are simulated for the Piracicaba, Capivari, and Jundiaí watersheds (PCJ watersheds) in São Paulo, Brazil, employing comparisons among scenarios of historical and climate modified hydrological series. Five selected water quality indicators are used to confirm that the introduction of climate variation signals worsens water quality parameters, along with a decrease in the capability to meet water demand. This finding suggests the importance of including climate change impact in similar studies in management plans. The results indicate higher stress levels on the watershed when changes in the hydrological regime are introduced by the future conditions modeled and driven by the regional climate model (RCM). Water availability decreases and water quality deteriorates, indicating that stakeholders must take action to progressively implement stricter control measures to achieve the goals established by the watershed master plan regarding the limits or classification set by the body governing the watershed in question. On average, there was an increase of about four times the amount of river stretches (in kilometres), from 29.6 km to 161.9 km outside the limits of the established framework. The average was taken for all parameters as presented in the discussion.
Effects of Geosynthetic Reinforcement on Tailings Accumulation Dams
Authors: Du Changbo , Liang Lidong , Yi Fu , Niu Ben
Published: October 2021

Owing to the complexity of current reinforcement mechanisms, test results from existing models alone cannot provide a basis for the design of new tailings dam reinforcement projects. On-site reinforced tailings accumulation dam testing is thus required to further understand the reinforcement mechanism. In this study, the influence of reinforcement on tailings dams and the variation law of pore water pressure (PWP) and internal pressure (IP) in the dam body after slurry discharge were analysed, and a comparative analysis was performed. The results showed that during the field test, the PWP and internal earth pressure of the accumulation dam after grouting gradually increased over time. Reinforcement can greatly reduce the PWP and IP of the reinforced dam; compared with geotextiles, the reinforcement effect of geogrids is slightly greater. Based on these results, we conclude that geosynthetics are a good choice for strengthening tailings accumulation dams.
Managing Demand-Side Water Conservation in the United States: An Audience Segmentation Approach
Authors: Gibson Kristin E. , Fortner Allison R. , Lamm Alexa J. , Warner Laura A.
Published: October 2021

The availability of fresh water affects public health and living standards around the globe, yet water resources are being rapidly depleted by unsustainable human activities. Strained freshwater resources will perpetuate unless the public is made aware of the severity of water scarcity issues. Audience segmentation, used frequently by environmental communicators to target unreached groups, is a social marketing strategy that segments audiences with shared characteristics to inform the development of effective communication messages. The purpose of this study was to determine characteristics of audience segments based on their level of water conservation behaviors. An online survey of the United States general public captured levels of water conservation behaviors based on how consumers prepare to vote on policy and intent to engage in water conservation behaviors. Cluster analysis resulted in two audience segments: lower water conservation and higher water conservation. Further analysis indicated significant demographic differences between the segments. The lower water segment presented less education, more moderate or conservative political beliefs, and lower family income levels than the higher water segment. Communication messages for the lower water segment should align with these characteristics, including using less scientific verbiage, linking moderate and conservative perspectives with water conservation, and emphasizing economic gain/loss.
Optical, Geochemical and Mineralogical Characteristics of Light-Absorbing Impurities Deposited on Djankuat Glacier in the Caucasus Mountains
Authors: Kutuzov Stanislav , Shahgedanova Maria , Krupskaya Viktoria , Goryachkin Sergey
Published: October 2021

Supra-glacial material, including light-absorbing impurities (LAI) such as mineral dust of crustal and soil origin, black carbon, algae and cryoconite, reduce the reflectance of snow and glacier ice. The reduction depends on the amount of LAI and their physical and chemical properties, which vary spatially and temporally. Spectral reflectance data and snow and ice samples, containing LAI, were collected in the ablation zone of the Djankuat Glacier, Central Caucasus, Russia. The spectra of the samples containing mineral dust transported from deserts were characterized by negative visible near-infrared gradients and were different from the spectra of clean aged snow and exposed glacier ice and from the samples containing mineral dust produced locally. Geochemical and mineralogical analysis using X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry showed that samples containing desert dust were characterised by a high proportion of clay materials and such minerals as smectites, illite–smectites and palygorskite and by a smaller size of mineral particles. They were enriched in chromium, zinc and vanadium. The latter served as an indicator of dust transport over or origin from the oil-producing regions of the Middle East. There was a strong negative correlation between the amount of organic matter and mineral dust in the collected samples and the albedo of surfaces from which the samples were collected. The results suggested that organic matter reduced albedo more efficiently than mineral dust. The study highlighted the importance of supra-glacial material in changing the surface reflectivity of snow and glaciers in the Caucasus region.
Trigno River Mouth Evolution via Littoral Drift Rose
Authors: Ciccaglione Margherita , Buccino Mariano , Di Paola Gianluigi , Tuozzo Sara , Calabrese Mario
Published: October 2021

A mid-term analysis of shoreline evolution was carried out in the present paper for the Trigno river mouth area (5.2 km), located in the northern part of the Molise coast region (southeast Italy). The littoral drift rose (LDR) concept was employed, coupled to the GENESIS one-line model, to produce numerical simulations. The LDR graph was used to define a single, time-invariant, “equivalent wave” component (EW), which was supposed to entirely rule the shoreline changes. Given the inherent bimodality affecting the Molise wave climate, EW could result not significant in forecasting shoreline evolution, since both a climate inversion and a time-varying diffusion extra effect are expected. These aspects, never investigated in the literature, are deepened in the present paper, with the main aims of firstly assessing the explanatory power of the LDR equivalent wave and its significance within a bimodal climate, and secondly checking the role of a time-varying diffusivity. Results confirmed the reliability of the EW concept, even within a bimodal climate. Moreover, the possible effect of a time-varying diffusion, which is expected with a large directional variability, produced insignificant results with respect to the EW.
Correction: Ghurye et al. Thermal Desalination of Produced Water—An Analysis of the Partitioning of Constituents into Product Streams and Its Implications for Beneficial Use Outside the O&G Industry. Water 2021, 13, 1068
Authors: Ghurye Ganesh L. , Mishra Dhananjay , Lucas Luke
Published: October 2021

In the original article [...]
Hybrid Energy Storage Management Strategy for Electric Propulsion Aircraft Based on Three-Step Power Distribution
Authors: Li Hang , Yao Taike , Zhang Xuan , Bu Feifei , Weng Luhui
Published: October 2021

To solve the problem of severe DC bus voltage fluctuations caused by frequent changes in the distributed electric propulsion aircraft load, and to further optimize the size and life of the hybrid energy storage system (HESS), this paper proposes a method based on three-step power distribution (TSPD). This strategy realizes the reasonable distribution of battery and supercapacitor power by using a low pass filter. Through the introduction of a supercapacitor state-of-charge (SOC) automatic recovery control and maximum power value dynamic limit strategy, the size of the HESS is optimized, and the service life of the energy storage device is extended. Finally, simulation and experiment platform are built to prove the effectiveness of the proposed strategy.
Spatial and temporal distribution of faecal indicators and multidrug resistant bacteria in a multiple-use freshwater lake: the case of Lake Hawassa, Ethiopia
Authors:   School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Hawassa University College of Medicine, Hawassa, Ethiopia, Daka Deresse , Beyene Hunachew , Dires Simachew ,   Department of Environmental Health, Hawassa University College of Medicine, Hawassa, Ethiopia
Published: October 2021

Background: Aquatic environments close to cities are frequently used as sources for water and at the same time overloaded with a variety of pollutants either through direct or indirect discharges of untreated wastes and sewage. This condition is also worsened by the indiscriminate disposal of untreated wastes and sewage vigorously into used water. Sewage contaminated waters are known to carry microorganisms, some of which are pathogenic to humans. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the extent of temporal and spatial levels of microbial pollution and sources of pollution in Lake Hawassa. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Lake Hawassa, which was sampled twice during 2017. A total of 26 samples of lake water were collected from 14 stations using a boat. Entry points of incoming streams, waste receiving sites, and areas upstream of anthropogenic impact, recreational and bathing sites were considered. Microbiological characterisation was performed using selective media and basic biochemical tests. Antibiotic sensitivity was tested with different antibiotics using the Kirby-Bauer agar disk diffusion method. Result: All samples were positive for pathogenic bacteria, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Enterobacteriaceae were the most common bacteria identified from the samples, including Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp, Shigella spp, Proteus spp and Gram-positive bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus. The predominant bacteria found in the samples include E. coli, which constituted 22/26 (84.6%) of the total samples, followed by Salmonella and Shigella spp. All bacterial isolates were resistant to penicillin and ampicillin. The Salmonella spp were sensitive only to norfloxacin and gentamicin. Conclusion: A spatial variation with the occurrence of bacterial isolates has been observed. High concentrations and many different species were found in areas of human activities and in areas receiving direct pollutants from the city. This study revealed that multidrug resistant (MDR) pathogenic bacteria are found in Lake Hawassa. There is a possibility of outbreak of diseases associated with the isolated antibiotic-resistant pathogens for which the antibiotic resistance genes are transportable within aquatic bacterial communities. We recommend that the city administration take care of the municipal wastewater or effluents from healthcare facilities that enter the lake. It is also recommended that the government take steps to control anthropogenic activities near the water body.
Influence of the Northern Irish factor on BREXIT processes
Authors:   Mariupol State University, Balabanov Kostyantyn , Kussa Rehina ,   Mariupol State University
Published: October 2021

The article considers the influence of the Northern Irish factor on Brexit processes. The authors analyze alternants of the UK-Ireland border regime that were initially offered at Brexit: the «electronic» border, the «hard» border, the «mixed» border, the maintaining United Kingdom’s membership of the EU Customs Union. The importance of maintaining the 1998 Belfast Agreement, which provides for a «soft» border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, in the context of maintaining peace in the region, is substantiated. The course of the negotiations between Britain and the European Union on the conditions of the country’s exit from the organization is considered. This process was most complicated by the Northern Irish factor and led to a political crisis in the United Kingdom. The Brexit agreement was only ratified on the fifth attempt after the snap parliamentary elections. The article considers the pros and cons of the final decision to establish a «mixed» border between states, that is conducting border checks not between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, but between Northern Ireland and other territories of the United Kingdom. The authors conclude that this solution, on the one hand, is conducive to further maintaining peace in the region, but on the other hand, reduces Northern Ireland’s ties with the United Kingdom and increases it with the Republic of Ireland. In the long run, this may lead to the exercise of the right to hold a referendum on the union of Northern Ireland with the Republic of Ireland, as provided for in the Belfast Agreement.
European Union public diplomacy agenda
Authors:   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Ivasechko Olga , Mazur Kateryna ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University
Published: October 2021

The article considers the specifics of the agenda of public diplomacy of the European Union, and it is in this dimension that the emphasis is on building a coordinated policy. The documents of both the internal and external dimensions of the Commission, the Parliament, as well as the European External Action Service were also analyzed, namely, Plan D, The Global strategy for the foreign and security policy of the European Union, White Paper, Annual Activity Reports. It was emphasized that the actions carried out in the field of public diplomacy during 2018 were aimed at promoting joint responses to problems, raising awareness-raising measures, as well as building new strategies for the regions. At the same time, strategic communications remained a priority for the EEAS. It is concluded that EU public diplomacy, in line with the Union’s Global Strategy, should aim to improve strategic communications, investment and integration in various fields in order to better integrate foreign policy with citizens and better communicate it to partners. However, today the European Union also faces certain risks, such as changes in the priorities of member states, the economic crisis, the difficulty of assessing the effectiveness of public diplomacy, as well as low interest in new European Union initiatives.
Сrimes against humanity as a challenge to international stability and security: institutional and legal mechanisms of struggle and counteraction
Authors:   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Ilnytska Uliana , Koval Diana ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University
Published: October 2021

The challenge to the modern system of international security and stability is crimes against humanity, which threaten democratic processes, violate international principles and make peaceful coexistence in a globalized society impossible. The conceptual foundations and theoretical and methodological approaches to the definition of crimes against humanity have been studied. The most optimal definition is presented in the Rome Statute, where crimes against humanity are interpreted as crimes against peace, stability and security, as inhuman acts committed against the civilian population. Considerable attention in the study is paid to the analysis of approaches to the classification of crimes against humanity. In particular, such types as: murder; extermination; enslavement; deportation; persecution; the crime of apartheid; imprisonment; torture; rape; sexual slavery, forms of sexual violence; forced disappearance of persons, etc. have been described. The intensification of crimes against humanity and their intensive growth force the international community to consolidate its efforts to combat them. In the article, the institutional and legal mechanisms of counteraction to crimes against humanity have been studied; international political, socio-economic sanctions and preventive security measures have been identified. It has been emphasized that the international community developed new principles of international cooperation in combating crimes against humanity; flexible conditions for the implementation of humanitarian missions and actions have been created; effective and efficient methods and forms of counteraction to crimes against humanity have been developed. In the article, the activities of international governmental and non-governmental organizations in combating illegal actions have been studied; their decisive role in preventing and countering crimes against humanity has been substantiated. It is worth noting the activities of the League of Nations, the UN, OSCE, NATO, EU, and regional organizations: the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). International non-governmental organizations also play an important role in combating crimes against humanity. In particular, there are the International Committee of the Red Cross and influential human rights non-governmental organizations such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the International Commission of Jurists, the International Federation for Human Rights, TRIAL International, Reporters without Borders, Interpol, Europol, etc. An important element in the effectiveness of combating crimes against humanity is a stable international cooperation, active consolidated cooperation between states and their desire for a constructive dialogue.
Excavations of the burial mound near the Yalta village in 2019
Authors:   Mariupol State University, Zabavin Viacheslav , Nebrat Serhij ,   Mariupol State University
Published: October 2021

The article presents the results of new research of the archeological expedition conducted by Mariupol State University in the North-East Azov Area. Archaeological research was carried out in the South of Donetsk region near the village of Yalta in 2016. In the mound 9 graves of the Bronze Age and 1 burial of the early Iron Age were investigated. The primary embankment was built during the Early Bronze Age by the tribes of the Pit Grave culture. The oldest burials in the mound are 4, 5 and 7. The most interesting was the children's burial 7. The buried child was accompanied by four ceramic vessels. Subsequently, another grave of the Pit Grave culture was built in the mound – burial 8. During the Late Bronze Age the population of the Zrubna / Timber-grave culture continues to use the necropolis. Researched at least three burials of the Zrubna / Timber-grave culture – 1, 2 and 10. Based on the typological analysis of the ritual-inventory complex, they can be attributed to the second (developed) horizon of the Zrubna / Timber-grave culture burial grounds of the North Azov Sea Area. As regards burial 3, presented by the authors, date back to the early Iron Age and precede the sites of the Scythian time. The burial 3 from Yalta are determined as complex of Chernohorivka type / Chernohorivka group of Cimmerian Culture or as late Chernohorivka complex. The authors consider peculiarities of the rite and inventory complex as well as some aspects of cultural and chronological character, spiritual and material culture of the tribes which, in the researchers’ view, are conflated with the historical Cimmerians. The burial in the mound placed near the villag of Yalta demonstrate some certain features of ingenuity. The man buried in the mound was most likely to have something to do with the religious or the hieratic sphere of life. The materials of the investigated burial mound enrich our knowledge about the ancient past of the population of the Azov steppes.
Russian propaganda during the First World War: technologies and forms
Authors:   National Academy of Security Service of Ukraine, Liaskovska Svіtlana
Published: October 2021

The purpose of the article is to analyse the use of political propaganda methods employed by the Russian Empire before and during the First World War, in particular, on the Ukrainian lands, which became a direct theatre of military operations and a field of confrontation between intelligence and counterintelligence services of belligerent powers, which exercised manipulative influence upon great masses of population and implemented special technologies for the formation of public opinion. The research methodology is based on the principles of objectivity, systematicity, dialectics, historicism and interdisciplinarity. The study is grounded on problem-chronological, institutional and historical methods, as well as social psychology methods, used in propaganda practices. Scientific novelty: on the basis of printed materials: brochures, First World War periodicals, published posters and woodcuts (lubki prints), as well as memoirs of people, involved in the organization of propaganda campaigns, certain objects, technologies and forms of propaganda, in particular, the involvement of intelligence officers of the Russian Imperial Army in manipulative technologies, were defined. Conclusions. The widespread use of propaganda and counter-propaganda by the states that were the main players of the First World War, became a kind of hallmark of that war. In Russia, unlike other states, there were no special bodies and no such bodies were created later to influence public opinion in their own, hostile or neutral states. The peculiarity of the propaganda of the Russian Empire was the use of mainly constructive (positive) propaganda aimed at neutralizing social conflicts within the state, uniting the population and the authorities and their joint struggle against the enemy. The ideas of Pan-Slavism and Neo-Slavism were actively applied in the international realm. They were aimed at the unity of the Slavic world under the auspices of Russia as the defender of the Slavic peoples and the Orthodox Christian faith. The use of destructive propaganda technologies was aimed at creating the image of the “enemy” and uniting patriotic forces against it. At the same time, Russia failed to offer Slavic peoples of the empire, in particular Ukrainians, to realize their political aspirations in resolving the national issue; it did not feel a change of mood and did not restructure the content of propaganda rhetoric, which eventually led to its defeat in the information and psychological space.
Academic Stress and Adolescents Mental Health: A Multilevel Structural Equation Modeling (MSEM) Study in Northwest of Iran
Authors: Hosseinkhani Zahra , Hassanabadi Hamid-Reza , Parsaeian Mahboubeh , Karimi Mehrdad , Nedjat Saharnaz
Published: October 2021

Background: We aimed to determine the relation of different sources of academic stress and adolescents´ mental health through mediator variables on the student and school levels. Study design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: Overall, 1724 students aged 12-19 yr were selected from 53 high schools in Qazvin City, northwest instead of central Iran through stratified cluster sampling. The sources of academic stress include family conditions, education system, future concerns, academic competitions, interaction with teachers, school disciplines, peer pressure, parental involvement, and financial problems. Academic self-efficacy and self-concept were the mediator constructs. The students and schools´ information were considered on levels 1 and 2, respectively. A Multilevel Structural Equation Modeling (MSEM) analysis was done. Results: High value of academic stress was associated with reduction of mental health. On the student level, the academic stress caused by the families 0.31 (95% CI: 0.28, 0.34), peers 0.29 (95% CI: 0.27, 0.32), and the education system 0.21 (95% CI: 0.18, 0.24) had the highest impact on the adolescentsˊ mental health, respectively. There was a direct and indirect relation between academic stress and mental health through the self-concept. On the school level, only family conditions stress had a relation with mental health (P=0.015, b=1.08). Academic self-efficacy showed no significant relation in the model. Conclusion: The stress from the family is the most important source of stress associated with adolescent mental health. Self-concept unlike academic self-efficacy had an important mediating role in the relation between different sources of academic stress and adolescents' mental health.
Diet Therapeutics Interventions for Obesity: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Morsali Mina , Poorolajal Jalal , Shahbazi Fatemeh , Vahidinia Aliasghar , Doosti-Irani Amin
Published: October 2021

Background: Up to now, different diet therapeutics interventions have been introduced for the treatment of obesity. The present study aimed to compare the diet therapeutics interventions for obesity simultaneously. Study design: Systematic review and network meta-analysis Methods: The major international databases, including Medline (via PubMed), Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Embase, were searched using a predesigned search strategy. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that had compared the diet therapy interventions were included. The mean difference with a 95% confidence interval was used to summarize the effect size in the network meta-analysis. The frequentist approach was used for data analysis. Results: In total, 36 RCTs out of 9335 retrieved references met the inclusion criteria in this review. The included RCTs formed nine independent networks. Based on the results, Hypocaloricdiet+Monoselect Camellia (MonCam, P=0.99), energy restriction, behavior modification+exercise (LED) (P=0.99), sweetener at 20% of total calories (HFCS20)+Ex (P=0.67), catechin-richgreentea(650)+inulin (P=0.68), very low calorie diet (VLCD) (P=1.00), normal protein diet+resistance exercise (NPD+RT) (P=0.80), low-calorie diets+exercise (Hyc+Ex) (P=0.85), high-soy-protein low-fat diet (SD) (P=0.75), calorie restriction+behavioral weight loss (Hyc+BWL) (P=0.99) were the better treatments for weight loss in the networks one to nine, respectively. Conclusion: Based on the results of network meta-analysis, it seems that Hypocaloricdiet+MonCam, LED, HFCS20+Ex, catechin-rich green tea +inulin, VLCD, NPD+RT, Hyc+Ex, SD, Hyc+BWL, are the better treatments for weight loss in patients with overweight and obesity.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Pyomyositis inducing Guillain-Barré Syndrome - A rare and unexpected clinical presentation
Authors: Sharma Manoj , Kaur-Dhillon Gurpreet , Sasidharan Shibu , Singh-Dhillon Harpreet , Shibu Babitha
Published: October 2021

Tropical pyomyositis is characterized by deep suppurative skeletal muscle infection most commonly by Staphylococcal Aureus (S. aureus) with increasing incidence of infection by community acquired methicillin resistant S. aureus(CA-MRSA). The initial clinical presentation is generally non-specific and requires a high index of suspicion. We report the clinical course of a child from subtropical area of North India who developed multiple deep pyogenous collections, complicated with CA-MRSA septicaemia and followed by unusual complications consistent with Guillain-Barré Syndrome.
Increasing MSME's Competitiveness in East Java: E-IEM Alternative Applications Based on E-Commerce to Increase Productivity, Output Growth and Market Share
Authors: Yuli S Mufid ,M. Lutfi, Dahlan
Published: October 2021

MSME’s (Micro Small Medium Enterprises) plays an important sector to drive the economic productivity of acountry. In Indonesia 99% of businesses come from MSME’S, 97% of workers depend on the MSME’s sector,and 57% contribute to Indonesia's GDP. However, the problems faced by MSME's today are related to thecapacity and quality of human resources, as well as access to productive resources and markets. MSME's alsoneeds to increase its resilience in its business in conditions of increasing business competition and changes inmarket demand caused by technological developments.Referring to this problem, a trading platform in the form of an internet platform is needed to reduce theseproblems. E-Commerce is a trading platform that utilizes the advancement of internet Technology to facilitate theoccurrence of buying and selling transactions. E- Commerce is very profitable for producers and consumers,because it can reduce costs and time efficiency for both parties.E-Commerce that will be made by researchers is E-IEM (E-Integrated Education Marketing). This applicationprovides access to superior product information from MSME’s in an area and sells it to the general public. Inaddition, this application also provides guidance on MSME's starting from the beginning of opening a businessuntil it is steady. E-IEM will be a forum for MSME's to sell products easily domestically and abroad. So theproblems faced by MSME's can be overcome. Writing this scientific paper uses secondary data and primary withqualitative descriptive writing method. To be able to create the validity of information about the E-IEM applicationresearchers plan to work with the East Java Provincial Government Communication Committee to get the data.So E-IEM is expected to be able to increase sales, productivity and market share effectively and efficiently
Evaluation of Naïve Bayes and Chi-Square performance for Classification of Occupancy House
Authors: Wijaya Nurhadi
Published: October 2021

Occupancy status is one indicator of the rehabilitation and reconstruction program to support eruption victims in Indonesia. It needs to establish the rehabilitation and reconstruction in digital system with structured database. In this paper, we provide dataset 2,146 occupied and 370 unoccupied houses. We utilize a naive Bayes classifier to classify the objects and implement a chi-square algorithm to measure comparison data to actual observed data. This research uses a combination of Naive Bayes and Chi-Square by applying weighting to the dataset attributes. Our study conclude that the combination of the algorithms can achieve a promosing result in classifying the occupancy houses status. The combination of the proposed technique gain 89.59% accuracy and ROC-AUC value 0.839. Therefore, our approach is better than the standard Naive Bayes without combination with the Chi-Square approach
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMSTOCK METHOD FOR ANDROID BASED PATIENT LEFTOVERS FOOD MANAGEMENT
Authors: Sundarina Lu'luil Maknun
Published: October 2021

Nowadays, nutritionists should count manually to know how much nutrition that patients get as the development of technology,  human work easier likewise in counting the patient's food waste so it will be more efficient and not waste a lot of time. This research aims to build an application that can facilitate nutritionists in the calculating amount of food waste by using the Comstock method. The system is designed to use Unified Modeling Language (UML) and     programming language Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP) and Hyper Markup Language (HTML). The result of this research is in the form of application which could be used by nutritionists at hospital calculate the amount of food waste of patients using the android-based Comstock method at the hospital using the Comstock method.