bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spectrum of Echocardiographic Findings in Coronavirus Disease-2019 Patients
Authors: Dutta Soumya Kanti , Roy Bidyut , Das Rakesh , Mandal Sankar Chandra , Sahu Sulagna , Bandopadhyay Manimoy , Paul Kaushik , Ghosh Sandipan
Published: August 2021

Background:

Although coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is predominantly a respiratory disease, cardiac involvement occurs commonly, especially in those with more severe illness. Echocardiography is the preferred imaging modality for diagnosing cardiac involvement in COVID-19. However, there are currently no data to describe echocardiographic abnormalities in Indian patients with COVID-19.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional observational analysis was performed among adult patients admitted to a tertiary care center between May 2020 and August 2020. Patients were included if they underwent transthoracic echocardiography during the hospitalization after a positive reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction diagnosis for COVID-19 pneumonia. Demographic and clinical data were obtained and analyzed along with echocardiographic data.

Results:

During the study period, consecutive 245 patients were evaluated with echocardiography, of whom 11 were excluded due to nondiagnostic images. The remaining 234 (mean age 57 ± 16 years, 71.7% of men) were included in this analysis. All patients were admitted to intensive care unit or high-dependency unit. Right ventricular (RV) dilatation and/or dysfunction (37%) was the most common finding, followed by left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic dysfunction (27.7% and 23.1%, respectively). Pericardial effusion was present in 12% of cases. A total of 49 (20.9%) patients had preexisting LV systolic dysfunction (LVSD). After excluding them, the LVSD and LV diastolic dysfunction were observed in 8.6% and 2.7% of patients, respectively.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates that RV dilatation/dysfunction is the most common echocardiographic abnormality in hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19. Further, larger, multicentric studies with systematic data collection and comparison with non-COVID patients are needed to determine the true incidence of echocardiographic abnormalities in COVID-19.
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding Oral and Dental Hygiene among Dental Outpatients in Central India
Authors: Mahore Rakesh Kumar , Gupta Vikas , Panika Ram Kumar
Published: August 2021

Background:

Orodental diseases present a major public health problem. About 90% of schoolchildren worldwide and most adults have experienced caries, with the disease. Little is known about oral and dental health attitudes and behaviors and practices among people from developing countries and especially, in this part of our country.

Aims:

The present study was carried out with an aim to assess the knowledge attitude and practices in oral and dental hygiene in patients attending the dentistry outpatient department.

Materials and Methods:

This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted during 2019 among 426 patients visiting the outpatient department of dentistry. A pretested, predesigned, standardized questionnaire was used to collect data. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Ethical Committee prior to the conduct of the study. Collected data were entered into the MS Excel spreadsheet and analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows at a 5% level of significance.

Results:

Only 18.3% of participants were aware that a minimum of two times per day brushing of teeth is essential and nearly one-third of subjects (32.4%) disagreed with the fact that dental problems can lead to other health problems/systemic illness. More than half of subjects (52.1%) were using self-medication (pain killer/clove/clove oil/) as a primary approach to dental problems and was significantly associated with age and gender education (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

In the present study, more than half of the study subjects visited dentist only when they had dental problems. Public awareness programs should be run involving health workers, nurses, medical, and paramedical students.
Assessment of Personal Hygiene and Morbidity Pattern among Primary Schoolchildren in a Rural Coal-Field Area of West Bengal, India
Authors: Maji Baisakhi , Samanta Sumana
Published: August 2021

Background:

Foundations of lifelong responsibility for maintenance of good health are laid down in childhood. School is the best place where information regarding hygiene, environment, and sanitation, as well as social customs, should be conveyed.

Materials and Methods:

Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in August–September 2017 at the rural coal-field area of Raniganj in Paschim Burdwan district of West Bengal, India. One government undertaken Bengali medium primary school was selected by SRS among 45 primary schools in Raniganj block area. After complete enumeration, the sample size became 106. Data were collected by interview of parents and children as well as observation of personal hygiene among children. A predesigned, pretested, and structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used. The questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic information, illness during last 15 days, assessment of nutritional status according to the WHO grades of malnutrition based on BMI, and different indicators of personal hygiene. Data were entered into Microsoft (MS) Excel spread-sheet and analysis was done with the help of statistical software SPSS 20.0 version.

Results:

About 29% of students suffered from common health morbidities in preceding 15 days. Children who suffered from morbidity had less hygiene score than who had no morbidity and this difference was statistically significant. Hygiene score was significantly associated with WHO grade of malnutrition. Binary logistic regression showed that mother's education, hygiene score, and class were significantly related to the presence of morbidity.

Conclusion:

Majority of the childhood illnesses are preventable by promotion of hygienic practices among schoolchildren through proper health education of their parents and teachers.
Using Script Concordance Tests for Assessing Clinical Reasoning Skills of Medical Students
Authors: Shrivastava Saurabh RamBihariLal , Shrivastava Prateek Saurabh
Published: August 2021

The clinical reasoning competency has been identified as one of the core competencies, which is expected to be attained by an undergraduate medical student. It is difficult to assess the clinical reasoning skills in a standardized manner using the available existing tests. To address these gaps and to ensure standardization of the assessments, a script concordance test (SCT) has been designed and implemented in the field of medical education to assess different domains. The test is designed in such a way that it indicates the manner in which a doctor in authentic settings organizes their knowledge and attempts to solve the problem using clinical reasoning skills. In conclusion, the SCT in the field of medical education can be employed to assess clinical reasoning skills and the ability of the student to interpret the given findings under the clouds of uncertainty. Moreover, owing to the relative ease to create, administer, and score and because of better psychometric indices, each of the medical colleges should explore its possibility and implement it within their settings as a tool for teaching and assessment.
Ensuring Successful Implementation of Portfolios in Medical Institutions
Authors: Shrivastava Saurabh RamBihariLal , Shrivastava Prateek Saurabh
Published: August 2021

The portfolio refers to a collection of documents supporting learning over a period of time and essentially includes reflection on learning. The present review was carried out to explore the practices required for the successful implementation of portfolios in a medical college set-up. An extensive search of all materials related to the topic was carried out in the PubMed search engine, and a total of nine articles were selected based upon the suitability with the current review objectives and analyzed. To ensure that the tool of portfolio facilitates learning, it is essential that the intended objectives should be made clear to both the medical student and the assessor. The successful introduction and implementation of a portfolio in a medical college are determined by a number of factors, and any medical institution planning to introduce portfolio within their settings should give due consideration to them. In conclusion, portfolio is an effective tool for documentation of learning in the period of medical training. However, to ensure that portfolios are successfully implemented, it is a must that the administrators remain dedicated toward it and encourage both teachers and students to actively participate in the same.
Building A Living Memorial for Veterans
Authors: Alderman Chris
Published: August 2021

Veterans have served their nations and their people, and though some might argue that monuments and ceremonials may serve the glorification of war, it is important to separate political philosophies from the actions of those whose work allows national security decisions to be enacted. What is indisputable is that, along with respect, recognition, and acknowledgement of the service of Veterans, we owe a debt of gratitude that must translate into action.
Adrenal Insufficiency Caused by Chronic Corticosteroid Use, Identified through Medication Therapy Management
Authors: Susan Chen Tsuhua , David Li Shilun
Published: August 2021

Objective:To report a case of adrenal insufficiency caused by chronic corticosteroid treatment.Summary:This case study describes a 71-year-old Caucasian woman diagnosed with secondary adrenal insufficiency (SAI). She had a long history of multiple medical problems that affected her quality of life. The pharmacist reviewed 18 years (2001-2018) of medical records, including her corticosteroid usage history. The patient had been receiving chronic medium-high dose inhaled corticosteroids for asthma, with intermittent oral prednisone for exacerbations. The pharmacist suspected a possible SAI or tertiary adrenal insufficiency (TAI) caused by hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis suppression induced by chronic corticosteroid use. After discussions with the patient’s primary care physician and a screening adrenal function test, the patient was referred to an endocrinologist, and the diagnosis was confirmed. Low-dose hydrocortisone (<30 mg daily) was prescribed; the patient had improvements in mood, skin hyperpigmentation, and asthma symptoms, which eliminated the routine visits to the emergency room/ clinic during the winter season.Conclusion:The case illustrated the benefits of utilizing a pharmacist’s expertise. A consultant pharmacist can identify an underdiagnosed and rare condition, corticosteroid-induced adrenal insufficiency, through comprehensive medication review in a community medication therapy management service setting.
Prescriber Acceptance of Pharmacist-Written Recommendations in a Home-Based Primary Care Setting at a Veterans Affairs Healthcare System
Authors: Leblanc Micaela M. , Daley Kim , Pickel Karen , Zaets Lauren
Published: August 2021

Objective:To assess prescriber acceptance of pharmacist-written recommendations and to identify areas of improvement for implementing and tracking pharmacist-written reviews.Design:Phase one was a retrospective study to evaluate prescriber acceptance of pharmacist-written recommendations. Phase two consisted of the distribution of a brief anonymous survey for prescribers to provide input on preferences for pharmacist-written recommendations.Setting:Patients receiving Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC) services at VA Connecticut Healthcare System.Participants:Fifty veterans admitted to the HBPC program from January 2019 to April 2019 with at least 3 months of follow-up per patient.Main Outcome Measure:The primary outcome was the prescriber acceptance rate of HBPC pharmacist-written recommendations.Results:Out of 194 total pharmacist-written recommendations documented, 40.2% were accepted by providers. Specialty providers accepted a higher percentage of recommendations than primary care providers. Recommendations had a higher acceptance rate when both an attending provider and trainee were alerted (63.0%) versus an attending alone (36.1%). The anonymous survey concluded the majority of providers appreciate short, direct, clinically relevant summary recommendations.Conclusion:Overall, approximately 40% of the pharmacist-written recommendations were accepted and 66.7% were appropriately tracked, demonstrating there are opportunities for improvement. Formulating short, focused, and direct recommendations as well as ensuring to alert both attendings and trainees when indicated may optimize acceptance rates. Further research with a larger sample size is still needed to assess the barriers to prescriber acceptance of pharmacist-written recommendations. 56
America Loves and Cares for Veterans
Authors: Baldwin Paul
Published: August 2021

The author discusses benefits available to US Veterans starting with the Department of Veterans Affairs and going into state funding and long-term care benefits.
Singular $p$-Homogenization for Highly Conductive Fractal Layers
Authors: Creo Simone
Published: August 2021

We consider a quasi-linear homogenization problem in a two-dimensional pre-fractal domain

\Omega_n

, for

n\in\mathbb{N}

, surrounded by thick fibers of amplitude

\varepsilon

. We introduce a sequence of “pre-homogenized” energy functionals, and we prove that this sequence converges in a suitable sense to a quasi-linear fractal energy functional involving a

p

-energy on the fractal boundary. We prove existence and uniqueness results for (quasi-linear) pre-homogenized and homogenized fractal problems. The convergence of the solutions is also investigated.
Socio-economic Status and Attention Ability as Predictors of Early Geometry Skills of 60-72-Month-Old Children
Authors: Uyanık Aktulun Ozgun , Keser Merve
Published: August 2021

The aims of this study are investigating the attention ability and geometry skills of 60-72-month-old children according to the socio-economic status and determining whether the attention ability significantly predicts the geometry skill when the socio-economic status is controlled. The accessible population of the research in the relational screening model consisted of 60-72-month-old children studying in Afyonkarahisar kindergartens and nursery classes in the 2018-2019 academic year. The sample of the study was randomly selected 310 children among 60-72-month-old children attending high, medium and low socio-economic status schools, volunteering to participate in the study. The "General Information Form" was used to collect data on children and their families in the study while the " Attention Gathering Skills Test for Five-year Old Children FTF-K" developed by Raatz and Möhling in 1971 and adapted by Gözüm (2017) to determine the attention status of children, and the "Early Geometry Skill Test” developed by Sezer (2015) to measure children's geometry skills were used. Chi-Square, One-Way ANOVA and Hierarchical Regression tests were used to analyze the data obtained from the research. In the light of the findings, it was found out that children's attention skills and early geometry skills differed according to socio-economic status and when the socio-economic status was controlled, attention ability was a positive and significant predictor of early geometry skills of 60-72-month-old children.
A Study of the Learning Outcomes on Marine Education
Authors: Lai Ching-San
Published: August 2021

The major purpose of this study was to explore the learning outcomes on marine education for 3rd graders in Taipei. A quasi-experimental design with a single group was used in this study. Students in the experimental group (N=56) were given eight weeks of marine education activities and a one-day field trip at Tamsui River Estuary Park in New Taipei city. Two research instruments were used in this study, including a Marine Education Achievement Test and an Attitude towards Marine Education Scale. The results were obtained by t-test analysis. The results of this study were (1) the Marine Education Achievement Test showed students in the post-test achieved higher scores than in the pre-test (t = 14.21, p .001); and (2) the Attitude towards Marine Education Scale showed students in the post-test had higher scores than in the pre-test (t = 4.28, p .001). Therefore, it can be concluded the marine education activities and field trip were effective for 3rd graders’ learning on marine education in this study.
An Investigation of Pre-Service Music Teachers’ Self-Regulatory Skills
Authors: Kaleli Yavuz Selim
Published: August 2021

Self-regulatory skill is one of the important factors affecting academic orientation and performance of learners at all levels in learning-teaching processes. The aim of this study is to compare the self-regulatory skills of pre-service teachers studying in music education departments based on the variables of gender, class, overall achievement and performance in individual instruments lessons. The study was conducted with 198 Pre-service Music Teachers studying at Necmettin Erbakan University and Gazi University. Data were collected by using Academic Self-regulatory Skills Scale. Research findings showed that pre-service music teachers’ self-regulatory skills differed based on the variables of year of study, achievement levels in individual instrument lessons and overall academic achievement. It was found that students with high academic achievement levels had effective self-regulatory skills. However, no significant difference was found between the self-regulatory skills of male and female pre-service music teachers.
An Investigation of Visual Arts Teachers’ Attitudes towards Distance Education in the Time of COVID-19
Authors: Kara Sema
Published: August 2021

In the fight against the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, countries have replaced traditional face-to-face education with distance education as a defense tool. Distance education is not only education and training but also is related to individuals. In today's world, where we are faced with a new development, the conveniences provided by distance education technologies have been used in all areas of education. Therefore, technological developments cause changes in all areas of education systems. These changes affect the quality and functions of art education directly and indirectly. In this study, visual arts teachers’ attitudes towards distance teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic were investigated. For this purpose, the attitudes towards distance education were examined by gender, age and school type variables. The study, which was carried out in the survey model, was carried out with 165 visual arts teachers working in public and private secondary and high schools in Konya, Aksaray, Karaman and Niğde provinces. Distance education attitude scale was used to collect the research data. Findings revealed that visual arts teachers’ attitudes towards distance education were generally negative. In addition, the participating teachers’ attitudes towards distance education differed based on the school type, gender and age variables.
The Mediating Effect of Vocational Self-Efficacy Beliefs in the Relationship between Big Five and Professional Attitude
Authors: Yıldırım İsa
Published: August 2021

In this study, the mediator role of self-efficacy in the relationship between personality traits and attitude towards teaching profession was examined for prospective teachers. The sample of the study consisted of 487 3rd and 4th grade students (356 females and 131 male) studying at Atatürk University Kazım Karabekir Education Faculty in the Spring Semester of 2018-2019 Academic Year and these students were determined by simple random cluster sampling method. This study was designed as a relational study and quantitative methods were used. Three different measurement tools were used in order to determine the personality traits, professional attitude, and self-efficacy beliefs of prospective teachers. The data were analyzed with different statistical package programs. As a result of tested SEM models and Bootstrap analyses, it was found that self-efficacy had a partial mediator effect on the relationship between agreeableness and neuroticism and attitudes towards teaching profession, and a full mediator effect on the relationship between conscientiousness, extraversion and openness to experience and attitude towards teaching profession. The results were discussed in the light of related studies and certain conclusions and recommendations were presented.
The Effectiveness of Innovative Learning on Mathematical Problem-Solving Ability: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ridwan M. Rais , Retnawati Heri , Hadi Samsul , Jailani Jailani
Published: August 2021

Learning problem-solving skills emphasizes reasoning abilities to determine conclusions based on-premises, determining alternative solutions in decision making, thinking creatively in building alternatives to get keys, and critical thinking to evaluate the best solutions in answering problems. This study aims to identify biased publications using the trim and fill method in determining the effectiveness of learning on the problem-solving abilities of junior high school students. This research is a quantitative study with a meta-analysis approach. Data collection based on quantifiable variable numerical information analysis results from mathematical problem-solving abilities in two different learning groups. The data analysis technique uses bias publication analysis with the trim and fills method with the analysis procedure of calculating the effect size, heterogeneity test, calculating the summary effect using the random-effect model, and forest-plot analysis and biased publication analysis. The results showed no publication bias. The validity of differences in innovative and conventional learning effectiveness was valid on junior high school students' mathematics problem-solving skills. This shows that innovative learning effectively improves the mathematical problem-solving ability of junior high school students.
The Role of Educational Communication in Promoting a Student-Centered Learning Style in Multicultural Classrooms: A Reflective Essay on Learning and Teaching in Higher Education
Authors: AlAhmad Hussein
Published: August 2021

This is a reflective essay on my own experience while learning and teaching in multicultural classroom in higher education in the UK. It emphasizes the indispensable relationship between the two fields of teaching–learning and communication processes in such heterogeneous environment. The essay focuses on how, in such context, teachers are key players, focused on excellent critical learning and teaching skills; these involve more than content expertise, or traditional methods, but becoming a student-centred, flexible and innovative teacher, going beyond the evaluation of feedback, to constantly exploring gaps in the learning and teaching process, and adjusting their teaching methods accordingly. Key emphasize is on how two-way, open communication endorses teachers’ awareness of discrepancies within their student groups and offers alternative individualized learning styles. Reflecting on my own experience, outcomes form focus groups, and qualitative interviews, the paper concludes with that, by meeting essential physiological, pedagogical as well as belonging needs and esteem, educational communication leads our efforts in optimizing teaching technique in class management, students engagement, also guide our efforts to attain a motivational climate for interactive learning. Best practices in educational communication can boost teachers’ efforts in employing the educational goals of HE, and recognize their societal impact.
An Investigation of Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) Competencies of Pre-Service Visual Arts Teachers
Authors: Kara Sema
Published: August 2021

This study aimed to examine TPACK (Technology, Pedagogy and Content Knowledge) competencies of pre-service visual arts teachers. Based on the descriptive and comparative survey model, TPACK competencies of pre-service visual arts teachers were compared on variables of gender, year of study and academic achievement. The participants of the study were 253 pre-service teachers studying in department of visual arts in Education Faculties of Atatürk, Karadeniz Teknik, Mersin and Necmettin Erbakan Universities. TPACK Competencies Scale was used to collect research data. The findings showed that TPACK competencies of pre-service visual arts teachers were low in terms of technology knowledge, but high in content knowledge. In addition, their TPACK competencies vary based on gender, year of study and academic achievement.
Metaphoric Perceptions of Preservice Teachers Regarding Technological Change
Authors: Aydin Fatih , Somuncu Demir Naciye , Aksüt Pelin
Published: August 2021

The purposes of this study were to determine metaphoric perception of preservice teachers from different fields regarding technological change and to examine the differences and similarities between perceptions of preservice teachers (1st and 4th grades). This study employed single case (holistic) study as a qualitative approach. Participants consisted of 445 preservice teachers who have continued their education in different programs in 2019-2020 academic year in Faculty of Education. After informing participants about metaphor technique and its applications, each participant was asked to fill out a structured form. The structured form included a prompt: “Technological change is like ......, because......”. Content analysis technique was employed to analyze the data. Content analysis included developing conceptual categorization and themes based on the reasoning of metaphors. Results showed that most of the participants had similar metaphoric perception regarding technological change, considering “metaphoric categories” and “conceptual categories.” However, “metaphoric categories” and “metaphoric concepts” had similarities and differences by year. And, “technological change as societal/cultural interaction” theme emerged from the analysis. This theme consisted of two categories (influencer and influenced) and these two categories were grouped in three sub-categories. Overall, the results indicate that preservice teachers’ perceptions of “technological change” concept had some variations.
Development of 5 Cs Educational Value Scale for eSport Games
Authors: Ye Jhen-Ni , Ye Jian-Hong , Wang Chih-Mei , Hong Jon-Chao
Published: August 2021

With the growing popularity of eSport games, eSport-related issues have gradually gained attention and discussion in academic research. However, the positive benefits (values) brought by playing eSport have not received too much attention in current research. Therefore, after reviewing related research in the past, this study proposed that eSport has the 5 Cs educational Value of cultivating the cooperative attitude, communication skills, critical thinking, self-confidence and continuous improvement attitude based on the three-domain model (TDM) of cognitive, affective and psychomotor, and developed an eSport educational values scale. In this study, a conceptual sampling method was adopted and players with eSport experience were invited to fill out the questionnaire. A total of 316 participants filled out the questionnaire, 51 invalid samples were deleted, the number of effective participants was 265, and the effective recovery rate was 83.9%. Then SPSS 23.0 and AMOS 20.0 were used to analyze the reliability and validity of the scale, and the verification results show the scale developed by this study has good reliability and validity. In addition, in this study, it was also found that the participants had a positive view (M 3.9) on the 5 Cs educational value of the MOBA type eSport, which shows that eSport is not only a casual game, moderate playing this game can also bring educational significance to players.
Dermatopathy associated to superficial mycoses and scabies in two margay cats (Leopardus wiedii) in the National Zoo of Nicaragua
Authors: Navarro Reyes Omar , Sacasa Urcuyo Eduardo , Hidalgo Friciello Teixeira Rodrigo
Published: August 2021

The margay cat inhabits preserved tropical forests. Its geographical distribution extents from the north of Mexico, Central America, Peru, Paraguay, Ecuador and Brazil. We report the therapeutic management and resolution of clinical signs in two margay cats (Leopardus wiedii), who presented skin lesions characterized by areas of alopecia predominantly located on the back, ears, neck and front legs. Microscopic evaluation of skin scrapings revealed the presence of mites identified as Notoedres sp and Sarcoptes sp, as well as the presence of artrospores. Treatment consisted of administration of itraconazole (5 mg/kg PO, 24 h) and ivermectin (300 mcg SC). The animals were transferred to a new enclosure previously treated with iodine and chlorine. After 11 weeks of treatment there was complete remission of lesions, and no recurrence was observed.
Laboratory exams used as markers of small animals – a review
Authors: Kelliton Fabretti Andrei , Simões Siqueira Raquel Carolina , Oliveira Chaves Rafael , de Alencar Camacho Carolina , Mendes Pereira Patrícia
Published: August 2021

Malnutrition is common in small animals, but underdiagnosed in veterinary medicine. It is associated to biochemical and physical changes, and frequently has clinical complications and poor prognosis. Its early recognition allows a correct nutritional management, which increases survival. Currently, many studies focus on the efficacy of laboratory markers of nutritional status (NS) and prognosis. We reviewed the literature with focus on the following markers: erythrogram, leukogram, cholesterol, albumin, total protein, serum transferrin, and C-reactive protein. Hypocholesteronemia, hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia and normochromic normocytic anemia are indicators of chronic malnutrition and poor prognosis. The interpretation of NS should occur along with inflammatory markers to differentiate malnutrition from inflammation.
A Highly Efficient Dual-Band Transmitarray Antenna Using Cross and Square Rings Elements
Authors: Zhang Yongliang , Lv Xiuzhu , Han Jiaxuan , Bao Shuai , Cai Yao , Wu Zhao
Published: August 2021

In this paper, a highly efficient dual-band transmitarray antenna using cross and square rings elements is presented for X and Ku bands. The dual-band transmitarray is designed for downlink/uplink frequencies of Ku band satellite communications. The transmitarray
element consists of four metal patches and two dielectric substrates. The metal patch is printed on both sides of the substrate. By optimizing the parameters, the transmitarray
element can achieve a transmission phase coverage greater than 360° and work independently in both frequency bands. Then, a method to select the size of the element is proposed, so that all the elements in the array can realize the transmission phase of the two frequencies as much as possible. A 201-elements transmitarray antenna is fabricated and measured and the band ratio of the antenna is 1.13. The measured maximum gain at 11.5 GHz is 22.4 dB, corresponding to the aperture efficiency is 52.7%. The measured maximum gain at 13 GHz is 24.2 dB, corresponding to the aperture efficiency is 62.4%. The 1-dB gain bandwidths are 9.7% (10.8-11.9 GHz) at X band and 9% (12.6-13.8 GHz) at Ku band.
Dual-polarized Fixed-frequency Beam Scanning Leaky-wave Antenna for 5G Communication
Authors: Li Hao , Zhou Yong
Published: August 2021

A low profile and dual-polarized fixed-frequency beam scanning leaky wave antenna for 5G
communication is presented, which is based on a corrugated microstrip line (CML) called spoof surface plasmons transmission line. The antenna radiates horizontally polarized electromagnetic wave and vertically polarized electromagnetic wave using two different periodic antennas elements. The fabricated antenna is measured and the results show that the operating frequency of the antenna is 3.4-3.7 GHz. The measured main beam angle scans from -9° to -30°. The measured gain is from 8.3 dB to 9.7 dB over the working band.
Single-Chip Two Antennas for MM-Wave Self-Powering and Implantable Biomedical Devices
Authors: Elsheakh Dalia , Kayed Somaya , Shawkey Heba
Published: August 2021

Implantable biomedical applications arise the need for multi-band sensors with a wideband frequency channel for RF energy harvesting operation. Using a separate antenna for energy harvesting can simplify device circuit complexity and reduces operation frequency bands interference. This paper demonstrates the design of single chip with two separate integrated antennas for implantable biomedical applications. The
two antennas have different structures with orthogonal polarization to achieve low mutual coupling and negligible interaction between them. The first antenna is a multi-band meander line (MBML) designed for multiple channels data communication, with quad operating bands in the MM-wave range from 22-64 GHz with area 1150 × 200μm2. The second antenna is a wideband dipole antenna (WBDA) for RF energy harvesting, operates in the frequency range extend from 28 GHz to 36 GHz with area 1300×250μm2. The proposed antennas are designed by using high frequency structure simulator (HFSS) and fabricated by using UMC180nm CMOS technology with total area 0.55 mm2. The MBML frequency bands operating bandwidths can reach 2 GHz at impedance bandwidth ≤ -10 dB. While, the WBDA antenna has gain -2 dB over the operating band extend from 28 GHz up to 36 GHz. The antenna performance is simulated separately and using the human-body phantom model that describes layers of fats inside body, and shows their compatibility for in body operation. Die measurements is performed using on wafer-probing RF PICOBROBES and shows the matching between simulation and measurement values.
A Compact High Gain Multiband Bowtie Slot Antenna with Miniaturized Triangular Shaped Metallic Ground Plane
Authors: Dayo Zaheer , Cao Qunsheng , Wang Yi , Soothar Permanand , Khoso Imran , Shah Gulab , Aamir Muhammad
Published: August 2021

This paper presents a new compact, high gain and multiband planar bowtie slot antenna. The antenna structure comprises of dielectric substrate, copper conducting sheet, fillet triangular-shaped slots, and a chamfered metallic ground plane. The proposed antenna model is fed with the 50 Ω standard grounded coplanar waveguide (GCPW) feedline. The designed antenna is low profile with compact dimensions of 0.379λ×0.186λ×0.012λ at 2.39 GHz frequency. Stable multi-resonant behavior of frequencies is obtained with the material selection, slots dimensions and position. Moreover, the parametric study has been carried out in order to validate the frequency tuning mechanism and impedance matching control. The novelty of designed antenna lies in high performance features which have been achieved with ultra-compact (0.039λ×0.022λ) modified triangular shaped metallic ground plane. The proposed antenna is fabricated and experimentally verified. The antenna key features in terms of return loss, surface current distribution, peak gain, radiation efficiency and radiation patterns have been analyzed and discussed. The designed radiator exhibits the excellent performance including strong current density, peak realized gain of 6.3 dBi, 95%
radiation efficiency, wide fractional bandwidth of 39.5% and good radiation characteristics at in-band frequencies. The simulation and measured results are in good
agreement and hence make the proposed antenna a favorable candidate for the advanced heterogeneous wireless communication applications.
PHYTOSOCIOLOGICAL STUDIES ON CALCAREOUS SCREES FROM MERIDIONAL CARPATHIANS (ROMANIA)
Authors: Neblea Monica Angela , Marian Mădălina Cristina
Published: August 2021

The calcareous screes are very well represented in Meridional Carpathians, especially in Piatra Craiului Mountains. The paper analyzes the vegetation of these natural habitats from phytosociological point of view. There are 11 plant associations characteristic for calcareous screes in this region, as follows: Cerastio lerchenfeldiani-Papaveretum Boşcaiu, Täuber et Coldea 1977, Cardaminopsio neglectae-Papaveretum Coldea et Pânzaru 1986, Acino-Galietum anisophylli Beldie 1967, Doronico columnae-Rumicetum scutati Boşcaiu et al. 1977, Saxifragetum moschatae-aizoidis Boşcaiu 1971, Cerastio transsilvanici-Galietum lucidi M. Boșcaiu et al. 1998, Achnatheretum calamagrostis Br.- Bl. 1918, Gymnocarpietum robertianae (Kaiser 1926) Tx. 1937, Sedo fabariae-Geranietum macrorrhizi Boşcaiu et Täuber 1977, Thymetum comosi Pop et Hodişan 1963, Parietarietum officinalis Csűrös 1958. The plant associations were characterized and the Relative Euclidean distance was calculated on the basis of the Ward method. The hierarchical analysis revealed the distribution of the plant associations in two clusters corresponding to the Papavero-Thymion pulcherrimi I. Pop 1968 and Stipion calamagrostis Jenny-Lips ex Br.-Bl. 1950 alliances.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE STRUCTURE AND ECOLOGICAL INDICES OF COLEOPTERS POPULATIONS IN THE WALNUT ORCHARDS
Authors: Perju Ionel , Tălmaciu Mihai , Tălmaciu Nela , Herea Monica
Published: August 2021

The observations were made during 2019 and 2020 in a walnut orchard from Sârca farm, in Iasi County. The material was collected using Barber-type soil traps during the two years of research, at a time interval between 10 and 14 days from May to August inclusive, thus integrating a number of 10 or 8 harvests in 2019 and 2020. The biological material collected was cleaned of plant debris and then prepared for identification, at the level of order, and for the specimens of beetles we made the determination up to the species level. From the analysis of the collected material it results that the collected specimens belong to the Hexapoda Class, the Coleoptera order. The species of coleopters insects collected belong to the species: Anysodactilus binotatus, Harpalus pubescens, Otiorrhynchus pinastri, Dermestes laniarius, Harpalus tenebrosus, Amara crenata, Paramalus paralelipipedus, Colodera aethiops, Phyllotreta attra, Harpalus calceatus
OBSERVATIONS REGARDING ON EXISTING ENTOMOFAUNA FROM WALNUT ORCHARDS
Authors: Perju Ionel , Tălmaciu Mihai , Tălmaciu Nela , Herea Monica
Published: August 2021

The observations were made during the two years, 2019 and 2020 in a plantation belonging walnut fruit from Iasi County in the chemical treated stationary, in both years. The material collection was done with traps type Barber from May until August at intervals between 10 and 20 days. Collection of 2019 was made on the following dates: 20.05, 30.05, 15.06, 5.07, 25.07, 10.08 and 23.08. In total 2019 were collected 265 samples belonging to 22 species (taxa). Species (taxa) with the largest number of samples collected were Dermestes laniarius L. 42 samples Heteroptera (bedbugs) with 38 samples, and Polydrosus sericeus Schall. 26 samples. In 2020 collection of the biological material was made on the following dates: 10.05, 22.05,18.06, 06.07, 29.07, 15.08, 05.09. In total in 2020 were collected 744 samples belonging to 41 species (taxa) with the highest number of samples were colected: Hymenoptera (bees) with 92 saples, Orthoptera (locusts) with 87 samples, Lepidoptera (larvae) with 37samplres, Araneida (spiders) with 33 samples and Homoptera (cycads) with 31samples.
PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF HIGH TEMPERATURE STRESS IN SOME CUCURBIT PLANTS
Authors: Ergin Sergun , Aydogan Cigdem , Turhan Ece
Published: August 2021

Some cucurbit plants (Cucumis sativus L., Cucurbita pepo L., Cucumis melo L. and Citrillus lanatus L.) were used for investigating some physiological changes and protein patterns under heat stress in plants. Leaf samples were exposed tohigh temperatures as follows 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60°C. Percentage of ion leakage, chlorophyll content, leaf relative water content (RWC) and loss of turgidity, total soluble protein (TSP) content and protein profiles were determined in leaf samples kept at each temperature stage for 30 minutes. Ion leakage was increased especially 55 and 60°C in all cucurbits parallel to the temperature increasement. Total chlorophyll content was decreased slightly in both cucumber cultivars, zucchini, in both melon cultivars and watermelon due to high temperatures. The RWC of cucurbits was decreased on the contrary of the loss of turgidity, which was parallel to the increment of temperatures. While the TSP content in cucumber was decreased with temperature increasement, it was not changed in zucchini and watermelon. In melon cultivars TSP was not noticeably changed until 55°C, but significantly decreased at 60°C. When the SDS-PAGE profiles of cucurbits were examined, many protein bands were observed with sizes ranging from 6.5 kDa to 211 kDa.
DETERMINATION OF SUITABLE WINTER CHICKPEA (CICER ARIETINUM L.) CULTIVARS UNDER KAHRAMANMARAŞ CONDITIONS
Authors: Yururdurmaz Cengiz , Çağatay Çerikçi Mehmet , Kara Rukiye , Turan Ali
Published: August 2021

This study was conducted with the chickpea cultivars of Işık-05, Azkan, Sarı 98, Hisar, Çakır, Aydın 92, Yaşa-05, Menemen 92, Cevdetbey, Çağatay, Aksu and two local cultivars over the experimental fields of Kahramanmaraş Eastern Mediterranean Transitional Zone Agricultural Research of Institute in 2014-2015 cropping years. Experiments were conducted in randomized blocks design with 3 replications. Quality traits of plant height, the first pod height, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, number of kernels per plant, kernel weight per plant, kernel yield, 100-kernel weights were investigated. The differences in plant height, the first pod height, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, number of kernels per plant, kernel weight per plant, kernel yield and 100-kernel weight of the genotypes were found to be significant. Kernel yields of the genotypes varied between 425.40 - 267.93 kg da-1 with the greatest value from Çakır cultivar and the lowest value from Hisar cultivar.
Physical activity level and musculoskeletal pain in physician mothers after childbirth
Authors: Demir Benli Merve
Published: August 2021

Objective: Musculoskeletal pain is a common health problem in women, especially during pregnancy and the postpartum period, a possible reason for which is the lack of adequate physical activity. Nonetheless, very few studies have determined the relationship between physical activity level and musculoskeletal pain. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between physical activity level and musculoskeletal pain in physician mothers within two years after childbirth.

Material and Methods: This study was an online cross-sectional self-report survey. An online questionnaire was administered to physician mothers via the online "Physician Mothers" social group in Facebook, with 3,787 members. A total of 127 participants responded to the questionnaire, which consisted of three parts, namely, sociodemographic information, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form, and the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire.

Results: The average age of the participants was 32.5±3.5 years. The physical activity level turned out to be inactive in 91 participants (71%), moderate in 30 (24%), and vigorous in six (5%). The most frequent musculoskeletal complaint after childbirth was back pain (n=112, 88.2%), followed by lower back pain (n=109, 85.8%), neck pain (n=70, 55.1%), and hip pain (n=52, 40.9%). There was no significant relationship between physical activity level and musculoskeletal pain in physician mothers (p=0.441).

Conclusion: In this study, physician mothers were found to be mostly physically inactive, and their activity level was not observed to be related to their musculoskeletal pain.
The Weak-sided Urban Fringe and the Flexible Planning Approaches
Authors:   Urban Planner, Chen Zhao ,   China, Huang Chunxiao ,   Associated Professor; China
Published: August 2021

Although urban fringe is regarded as a unified academic concept, the actual development results present a strong divergence into two categories: the strongsided urban fringe and the weak-sided urban fringe. This paper starts from basic concept of the weak-sided urban fringe based on existing theory and summarizes the features of the weak-sided urban fringe according to empirical cases, including the low-quality, collage-style land use mode, the structural shortage of both core resources and fundamental facilities, and the fragmented spatial governance. Secondly, differing from the development of strong-sided urban fringe with high investment, urban sprawl and self-replication dominated by growth machines during the rapid urbanization period, this paper proposes the weak-sided urban fringe should adopt a flexible planning approach characterized by precise input, structural optimization and organic growth. Finally, taking the example of Strategic Plan of Yuhuatai District，this paper initially discusses the methodology of flexible planning, including repair of embedded structures, action-oriented organic regeneration and the organizational optimization of multi-governance systems guided by planning.
Economic recovery and inflation risk: what is the “price” to manage debt?
Authors:   CIIA® Independent Investment & Risk Analyst, Macchia Gianluca
Published: August 2021

It is clear the action of policy makers aimed at supporting the economic recovery, holding up consumption in the short term as well as public investments in the long terms. Furthermore, policy makers exploit a favorable monetary policy as long as inflation allows it. This effect can be surely considered a current and future issue that impacts on the levels of government debt, the sustainability and the new Fed overshooting strategy for inflation (AIT) which makes flexible the optimal 2% target. In terms of portfolio management, these effects are very negative considering both the exposure to government debt and the impact on the credit and equity assets. High levels of inflation are certainly useful in order to manage the debt in real terms, but it could turn to be a risk for portfolio management. This study aims to show how these risks linked with inflation can impact on the value of the different types of investment portfolios characterized by different levels of volatility, different asset classes and equity/corporate factor exposures. Through the application of a composite scenario on several variables, ad-hoc stress tests and scenarios, the article shows the key-role of an ex-ante risk management participation for a proper asset-allocation.