bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innovative Pedagogy of Froebel through the Online Platform “Prezi” in Ukraine
Authors:   Public Institution of Higher Education “Lutsk Pedagogical College” of the Volyn Regional Council, Boichuk Petro , Ivanova Nataliia ,   Public Institution of Higher Education “Lutsk Pedagogical College” of the Volyn Regional Council, Denysenko Nataliia ,   Public Institution of Higher Education “Lutsk Pedagogical College” of the Volyn Regional Council, Bliashevska Alla ,   Public Institution of Higher Education “Lutsk Pedagogical College” of the Volyn Regional Council, Marchuk Sergiy ,   Public Institution of Higher Education “Lutsk Pedagogical College” of the Volyn Regional Council, Knight Nadiia ,   Public Institution of Higher Education “Lutsk Pedagogical College” of the Volyn Regional Council
Published: February 2022

The article studies the use of principles of Friedrich Froebel’s pedagogy in the context of digital technologies implemented in the post-Soviet countries, in particular, in Ukraine. It also presents student opinions on the effectiveness of Frobel’s didactic materials aimed at developing children’s ability to participate in productive activity, which is of particular importance today. Besides, the article provides recommendations on the use of the author’s word-based games in Ukrainian and English. These games were prepared by a team of teachers from Lutsk Pedagogical College (Ukraine) in a mini textbook, titled “Froebel’s Ideas in Action: Theory and Practice of the Present”. The article shows how the cloud-based online service ‘Prezi’ can be used to master ways of using the Froebel gifts when working with children of preschool and younger school age. Finally, the article proves that information technologies can help one to create educational materials to improve the use of the Froebel gifts in preschools, as well as in the New Ukrainian school.
Developing Intending Teachers’ Creativity in the Process of Their Professional Training in the Context of Educational Transformations
Authors:   Oleksandr Dovzhenko Hlukhiv National Pedagogical University, Hlukhiv, Ukraine, Kurok Vira , Tkachenko Nataliia ,   Oleksandr Dovzhenko Hlukhiv National Pedagogical University, Burchak Stanislav ,   Oleksandr Dovzhenko Hlukhiv National Pedagogical University, Hlukhiv, Ukraine, Kurok Roman ,   National Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine, Burchak Liana ,   Oleksandr Dovzhenko Hlukhiv National Pedagogical University, Hlukhiv, Ukraine
Published: February 2022

The article considers the problem of developing creativity of intending teachers in pedagogical universities of Ukraine. In the context of the research the state of intending Mathematics teachers’ creativity development in educational theory and practice was found out. The essence of the concept «creativity of intending teacher» was clarified. The pedagogical system of developing creativity of intending teachers in the course of their professional training in higher education institution was substantiated. In order to be experimentally checked theoretical results of the research have been implemented into educational practice of higher educational institutions of Ukraine by means of the pedagogical experiment. The results of the experimental study of the level of creativity of intending Mathematics teachers at the stating and forming stages are presented. The dynamics of the process of developing creativity of intending teachers is highlighted. Statistical analysis of the experimental data confirmed the validity and objectivity of the obtained results and proved the effectiveness of the author's pedagogical system of developing creativity of intending teachers.
Development of Communication Competence in Foreign Medical Students at English for Careers Classes
Authors:   Donetsk National Medical University, Dudina Oksana , Strelchenko Larysa ,   Donetsk National Medical University, Kropyvnytskiy, Ukraine, Dudin Andrii ,   Specialist in Ecology and Environment preservation, entrepreneur Kropyvnytskiy, Ukraine
Published: February 2022

The article reviews the results of the investigation of the development of communication competence of foreign medical students of Donetsk National Medical University, located in Ukraine. The research objective is to show the importance of the designed system of practical classes of English for careers on evidence-based medicine in Ukrainian medical universities. The article submits the data, received in the process of the experimental work, aimed at developing foreign students’ communication competence at English for careers classes. The survey is aimed at determination of the primary level of speaking skills of the 3rd year students in their communication with peers, lecturers, colleagues, patients, relatives and friends to define the students’ readiness for development of communication competence at English for careers classes at the university. The questionnaire, as the first diagnostic part of the experiment, was carried out to check out the students’ level of communication skills at the initial stage in control and experimental groups. Formative stage of the research included gradual elaboration and implementation of the system of English classes that included various speaking activities such as interviewing, discussions, giving feedback, making descriptions, presentations, research papers and essays, written online debates and monographs for developing communication competence. The diagnostic results of the experiment presented at its final part proved the importance of the work, done for the development of communication competence of future doctors at English for careers classes. According to the Mann-Whitney U test, the entire work confirmed the hypothesis.
Evaluation of the Jumping Training Program for the Development of Explosive Force in Handball Players
Authors:   Associate professor, PhD., Ovidius University of Constanta, Constanta, Romania, Popescu Răducu , Georgescu Andreea Alexandra ,   Doctoral student, National Faculty of Physical Education and Sport from Bucharest, Constanta, Romania, Georgescu Adrian Dorin ,   Lecturer, PhD., Ovidius University of Constanta, Constanta, Romania
Published: February 2022

The complex approach represented by the physical training and especially by the explosive force, in the case of a handball team must be approached with professionalism, especially during the training period by customizing the training program for each athlete. During the study we found that this concept of muscle training in explosive force is not fully understood, the forms of response showed that it does not appear in training programs insofar as it can have a significant influence, implicitly neither coaches considers it a priority to increase the share of these software packages. Correlated with the low share of explosive force training is the players' perception of future confrontations, the forms of response to these requests do not include strategies for solving field tasks by using procedures or technical elements that require explosive force, so their tasks have been partially or inefficiently fulfilled. The research showed that jumping on soft surfaces (sand, mattresses) in training lessons for the development of explosive force of the lower limbs are included for 27,29% of subjects and more often included for 0%, this result being only one of the eight sets. The need to work and introduce the training program in the favorable periods of the explosive force training programs for handball players is part of the complex process of achieving sportsmanship and obtaining the desired results in future confrontations.
Nature-Based Placemaking: A Natural Asset Focused Community Vibrancy Roadmap
Authors: Greedy Ross , Perry Elizabeth , Goralnik Lissy , Fitzpatrick Julie
Published: February 2022

This paper explores opportunities for outdoor recreation and education programs to support communities working to sustain or increase community vibrancy. Vibrancy is necessarily linked to our natural environment and the quality of and access to natural environments can impact community vibrancy outcomes. Outdoor recreation access and experiences support relationships with place via natural assets. A community’s natural assets and associated recreation, ecosystem services, economic, and broader wellbeing benefits collectively serve to elevate community vibrancy. Nature-based Placemaking (NBP) is an emerging community development framework that builds on a community’s natural assets to bolster community vibrancy. NBP could serve as a roadmap for nature-based community vibrancy efforts, providing direction and considerations for navigating vibrancy related challenges and opportunities. This work provides an NBP overview, outlines embedded concepts that informed development of the framework, explores its initial application, and poses questions and pathways for expanding and refining the NBP framework for broader applicability.
Determinant Factors of Stunting in West Pasaman District, West Sumatera Indonesia
Authors: Arlinda Sari , Riviwanto Muchsin , Muslim Burhan , Gusti Awalia , Yanti Defriani Dwi
Published: February 2022

Introduction: The age group that is susceptible to disease and must get balanced nutrition to avoid stunting is the age group of infants under five years old (toddlers). Toddlers with stunting are caused by many factors, including parenting patterns, health services that can be reached by toddlers, environmental conditions where toddlers live, food consumption as food security for toddlers. The purpose of this research was to know the determinants of stunting in The West Pasaman Regency. Methods: The design of this study was a cross-sectional survey by interviewing 1,156 respondents in West Pasaman Regency which were selected using a simple randomized method. A structured questionnaire that has passed validity and reliability tests was used to collect data. Generalized Structural Equation Modeling was used to determine these determinants. Results and Discussion: The study showed that 30.8% of children under five years old in West Pasaman were stunted with the disease being diarrhea, which was 18.8%. Most of the children under five live in families with a low socioeconomic level, namely 53.9%, with a low education of 58.2%. The results of the re-specification of the model show that the variable that has the greatest indirect influence on the incidence of stunting is the diet variable (path coefficient = 0.90) compared to parenting and environment. Conclusion: Infectious diseases are a direct cause of stunting in toddlers. Parenting behavior factors, eating behavior factors, and environmental factors are indirect causes, but these factors play a very important role in causing stunting in toddlers. Preventive activities are needed, such as counseling for child growth and development, formation of caring for neighbors, a social gathering for nutritious food and pre-marital counseling which discusses parenting, eating patterns, and a sanitary environment
Pengembangan RUTF (Ready to Use Therapeutic Food) Berbahan Serealia dan Kedelai bagi Balita Malnutrisi Akut Berat
 Produk Development of RUTF (Ready to Use Therapeutic Food) Using Cereals and Soybean for Children with Severe Acute Malnutrition

Authors: Mentari Anisa Dewi , Setiawan Budi , Palupi Eny
Published: February 2022

Malnutrisi akut pada kelompok usia balita masih menjadi masalah gizi serius di Indonesia. Sebanyak 10,4% balita di Indonesia mengalami malnutrisi akut dengan 3,5% diantaranya tergolong malnutrisi akut berat. RUTF (Ready to Use Theurapetic Food) merupakan makanan pemulihan yang sudah terbukti efektif menanggulangi masalah malnutrisi akut berat. Pemberian RUTF di Indonesia belum menyeluruh dan masih diperoleh secara import, sehingga perlu adanya inovasi dalam mengembangkan RUTF dengan memanfaatkan pangan lokal. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah mengembangkan dan menganalisis zat gizi produk pasta RUTF berbasis pangan lokal yang terdiri dari beras, jagung, kedelai dan tempe untuk menanggulangi masalah status gizi balita yang mengalami malnutrisi akut berat. Desain dari penelitian ini adalah eksperimental menggunakan Rancangan Acak Lengkap Faktorial dengan dua kali ulangan. Terdapat dua faktor perlakuan, yaitu jenis serealia dan jenis kacang. Masing-masing faktor terdiri dari dua taraf, yaitu beras dan jagung (Faktor A) serta kedelai dan tempe (Faktor B).  Penelitian ini terdiri dari empat formula, yaitu A1B1 (beras-kedelai), A2B1 (jagung-kedelai), A1B2 (beras-tempe), A2B2 (jagung-tempe). Formula dengan perpaduan beras dan kedelai (A1B1) dipilih sebagai formula terbaik berdasarkan hasil organoleptik, kandungan protein dan daya cerna protein in vitro. Hasil analisis kimia pasta RUTF terpilih mengandung kadar air 1,87%, abu 2,80%, protein 14,35%, lemak 32,50%, karbohidrat 45,29%, energi 531 kkal, serat pangan 3,19%, Fe 13,99 mg/100 g, Ca 395,73 mg/100 g dan daya cerna protein in vitro 95,47%. Secara keseluruhan, nilai zat gizi formula terpilih telah memenuhi persyaratan yang direkomendasikan oleh WHO, sehingga produk ini dapat menjadi alternatif untuk mengatasi masalah manutrisi akut berat pada balita.
Evaluation of some heavy metal residues content in hen’s table eggs marketed in Egypt
Authors: El-Ansary Maria Ahmed
Published: February 2022

In the present study, 120 fresh hen’s egg samples (Balady and farm) were randomly collected from supermarkets of Alexandria and El-Behera Governorates, Egypt and analyzed for lead and Cadmium residues expressed in (µg kg-1) in egg content using atomic absorption Spectrophotometer device. Results revealed that the total mean concentrations of Cd was 0.23± 0.0122 (µg kg-1) and the total mean concentration of lead was 123.45 ± 14.597(µg kg-1). Results also revealed that the residues of Cadmium in all examined samples were within the permissible limit (0.05mg kg-1) and lead (Pb) concentrations exceeded the MRL value of (0.1 mg kg-1) in 7/120 (5.83%) of the total examined eggs. Lead contamination of hen’s eggs represents a potential public health hazard, especially to children repeatedly consuming eggs from contaminated hen’s eggs. The public health hazard and adverse outcomes of the examined toxic heavy metals on human consumers were discussed. Appropriate precautions are warranted to minimize the heavy metal consumption contamination especially of lead.
Verification and Validation in Computational Mechanics
Authors: De Shuvodeep
Published: February 2022

Decades ago, when computational was expensive and limited, the structural design was mostly performed by hand calculations using simple mathematical models. For example, it was a common practice to design a structure as complex as the wing of an aircraft by simple beam analysis. However, ever since the classic paper by Turner et al., due to a rapid increase in computational, more complex mathematical models are being used to simulate the physical behavior of complex structural components. To solve intractable problems unsolvable by hand calculations, numerical techniques like Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Finite Difference Method etc. are being employed. In fact, the availability of these methods has led to the development of an entirely new area of research known as Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) where various disciplines are considered in an optimization problem. The most important question while using a mathematical model to represent practical industrial problems is to what extent these models represent the real-life situation. Computational models are always built on upon assumptions. Simply at looking at the simulation outcomes i.e. the graphical and numerical results, it is often very difficult to ensure if the underlying assumption holds and that the results are reliable. This has led to the development of another field of research known as Verification and Validation (called V&V in short).
PHYTOCHEMISTRY OF AERIAL PARTS OF ARAUCARIA COLUMNARIS
Authors:   Bashir A. Choudhary, Shahzad Aslam Muhammad
Published: February 2022

The current article is designed for the extraction of chemical compound. Dichloromethane and methanol were applied to extract the chemical compound so that maximal number of compounds can be drawn out. Thin layer chromatography is applied as Analytical technique for the isolation and identification of the various compounds.
GASTRORETENTIVE SYSTEM OF FLUVASTATIN SODIUM BY USING NATURAL MUCILAGE AND SYNTHETIC POLYMER
Authors:   Arun Kumar. E, Rao G. Umamaheswara
Published: February 2022

Fluvastatin sodium is a novel compound used as cholesterol lowering agent which acts through the inhibition of 3- hydroxyl-3- methyl glutaryl- coenzyme A (HMG-Co A) reductase. It has short biological half life (1-3h) in humans required a dosing frequency of 20 to 40mg twice a day. Due to its short variable biological half life it has been developed to a sustained gastroretentive system with a natural and synthetic polymer and to study how far the natural mucilage improves the sustained activity.
SIMPLE AND RAPID LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHIC METHOD FOR REAL-TIME QUANTIFICATION OF NAPROXEN / ESOMEPRAZOLE MAGNESIUM COMBINATION TABLETS
Authors:   Sandya S, Rao A Venkateswara
Published: February 2022

In this present investigation a simple, rapid and accurate reverse phase- liquid chromatographic method for the real- time quantification of naproxen and esomeprazole magnesium in tablet dosage form has been developed and validated.
Acenocoumarol induced anticoagulant-related nephropathy with newly diagnosed IgA nephropathy: A repeat biopsy case report
Authors: CHALKIA AGLAIA , Dimitrios Kourniotis , George Aggelis , Harikleia Gakiopoulou , Dimitrios Petras
Published: February 2022

Anticoagulant-related nephropathy (ARN) is an underestimated cause of acute kidney injury (AKI) with poor renal and overall prognosis. Pathogenesis is not fully elucidated yet, although AKI is probably resulting from glomerular hemorrhage and most commonly has been described in patients with glomerular lesions, that alter the glomerular permeability, and conditions with glomerular hyperfiltration. Herein, we describe a case with a 58-year-old man who presented with macroscopic hematuria and AKI, and recently taking acenocoumarol for aortic valve replacement. The first renal biopsy showed red cell casts in the renal tubules, one glomerular crescent formation in the glomeruli with mild immunoglobulin A deposition, and severe interstitial inflammation. Based on these findings, the patient was diagnosed with acenocoumarol induced ARN with newly diagnosed IgA nephropathy and switched to tinzaparin with a short course of corticosteroids. Renal improvement in ARN is usually partial and is delayed, as confirmed by a second biopsy in our patient after six months.
An efficient 110 x 8 GHz WDM RoF System design for 5G & advance wireless networks
Authors: Nain Abhimanyu , Garg Deepak
Published: February 2022

High speed networks over long distance with superior transmission efficiency is the need & demand of current and next generation networks. For which, millimetre wave (mm-wave) based many Radio over Fiber (RoF) networks are proposed earlier with several modulation and multiplexing techniques. This paper presents an efficient RoF network comprising of cascaded combination of an Mach

Zehnder Modulator (MZM) & a Li-Nb MZM in transmitter alongwith Optical Phase Conjugator (OPC) in the link to improve the extensive bandwidth quality transmission over longer distances. The proposed model reports successful transmission of 8 channel WDM signal with RF signal of 110 GHz over a range of 100 km at 12 Gbps data rate. The model provides an average Bit Error Rate (BER) of 10^(−58) and an average Q-factor of 15.64 when channel spacing is kept at 0.5 nm.
Factors Influencing Successful Coping among Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Personnel: Recruiting for Resilience - A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Craven Helen , Hallmark Michelle , Holland Fiona , Maratos Frances
Published: February 2022

Successful coping is important for staff wellbeing, retention and reducing absenteeism, especially for those employed in high emotional labour jobs such as crime scene investigation (CSI). Antecedents of successful coping can include self-efficacy, locus of control, optimism, resilience, and self-esteem. However, a dearth of literature exists attaining to the importance of emotion-regulation and mindfulness for successful coping in these roles, despite evidence revealing both are conducive to better wellbeing. Additionally, few studies with CSI personnel have employed a mixed-methods approach, which enables exploration of lived experiences. Here, we recruited 84 CSI employees and 88 students undertaking a degree enabling employment within CSI, to comprehensively explore factors predicting successful coping. 75 CSI employees and 88 students took part in the quantitative aspect, where questionnaire data pertaining to the above wellbeing factors, as well as depression, anxiety and stress, were collected. Nine CSI employees took part in the qualitative aspect. This included deeper exploration of resilience and coping, including how CSI personnel manage their occupation. Quantitative analyses revealed that, for CSI personnel, the greatest predictors of successful coping were resilience and emotional regulation. Compared to students, CSI personnel further reported greater self-esteem, optimism, coping self-efficacy, mindfulness and resilience; and fewer difficulties in emotion regulation, depression, anxiety and stress. Qualitative analyses also revealed resilience/emotion-regulation to be key coping factors; but additionally, that finding meaning in work/collegiate support enabled successful coping. Potential implications of findings are discussed and include pre-employment screening for emotion regulation and resilience, and inclusion of such in CSI training/CPD curricula.
Significance of Predicted Future Liver Remnant Volume on Liver Failure Risk after Major Hepatectomy: A Case Matched Comparative Study
Authors: Piccus R , Joshi K , Hodson J , Bartlett D , Chatzizacharias N , Dasari B , Isaac J , Marudanayagam R , Mirza DF , Roberts JK , Sutcliffe RP
Published: February 2022

IntroductionFuture liver remnant volume (FLRV), a risk factor for liver failure (PHLF) after major hepatectomy (MH), is not routinely measured. This study aimed to evaluate the association between FLRV and PHLF.Patients and methodsAll patients undergoing MH (4+ segments) between 2011-2018 were identified from a prospectively maintained single-centre database. Perioperative data were collected for patients with PHLF, who were matched (1:2) with non-PHLF controls. FLRV and FLRV% (i.e. % of total liver volume) were calculated retrospectively from preoperative CT scans using Synapse-3D software, and compared between the PHLF and matched control groups.Results Of 711 patients undergoing MH, PHLF occurred in 27 (3.8%), of whom 24 had preoperative CT scans available. These patients were matched to 48 non-PHLF controls, 98% of whom were classified as being at high risk of PHLF on preoperative risk scoring. FLRV% was significantly lower in the PHLF group, compared to matched controls (median: 28.7 vs. 35.2%, p=0.010), with FLRV% < 30% in 58% and 29% of patients, respectively. Assessment of the ability of FLRV% to differentiate between PHLF and matched controls returned an area under the ROC curve of 0.69, and an optimal cut-off value of FLRV% < 31.5%, which yielded 79% sensitivity and 67% specificity. ConclusionsFLRV% is significantly predictive of PHLF after MH, with over half of patients with PHLF having FLRV% < 30%. In light of this, we propose that all patients should undergo risk stratification prior to MH, with the high risk patients additionally being assessed with CT volumetry.
A smart-device based secondary prevention program for cerebrovascular disease patients: a randomized trial
Authors: Motolese Francesco , Capone Fioravante , Magliozzi Alessandro , Vico Carlo , Iaccarino Gianmarco , Falato Emma , Pilato Fabio , Lazzaro Vincenzo Di
Published: February 2022

Background: Commercially available health devices are always more common and represent a unique chance to monitor patients for prolonged periods. This study aimed to test the feasibility of a smart device-based secondary prevention program in a cohort of patients with undetermined aetiology cerebrovascular disease.Methods: Patients with non-disabling ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack in the subacute phase were provided with a smartwatch and smart-devices to monitor various vital parameters for a 4-week period (watch group). This group was compared with a standard-of-care group. This clinical trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT04282993.Results: In total, 161 patients were recruited, 87 in the Watch group and 74 in the control group. In the watch group, more than 90% of patients recorded the ECG at least once a day. In total, 5335 ECGs were recorded during the study. The median value of blood pressure measurements was 132 over 78 mmHg. The median oxygen saturation value was 97 %. From a clinical standpoint, nine AF episodes (10,3%) in the Watch group – vs 3 (4%) in the control group - were detected.Conclusion: Our study suggests that prevention programs for cerebrovascular disease may benefit from the implementation of new technologies.
Assessment of microcystins in surface water and irrigated vegetables in Kwaru stream, Hayin Danmani, Kaduna-Nigeria
Authors: Abdullahi Halima , Tanimu Yahuza , Akinyemi Suwebat Ayanronke , Bittencourt-Oliveira Maria do Carmo , Chia Mathias Ahii
Published: February 2022

Microcystins (MCs) are hepatotoxic secondary metabolites produced by several genera of cyanobacteria. Human exposure routes include drinking contaminated water and consuming contaminated fish, vegetables, crops, and even food supplements that contain cyanotoxin. This study investigated the presence of MCs in a stream with a long history of use as a source of water for irrigation farming. To establish the risk of lack of monitoring programs, we studied MCs contamination of irrigated vegetables. Toxin levels in the water were generally <0.05 µg L-1 in all the investigated stations. Total microcystin concentrations in spinach (0.306 µg Kg-1 upstream and 0.217 µg Kg-1 downstream), lettuce (0.085 µg Kg-1 upstream and 0.462 µg Kg-1 downstream), carrot (0.050 µg Kg-1 downstream and 0.116 µg Kg-1 downstream), cabbage (0.014 µg Kg-1 upstream and 0.031 µg Kg-1 downstream), tomatoes (0.233 µg Kg-1 upstream) and bitter leaf (0.460 µg Kg-1 upstream and 0.050 µg Kg-1 downstream) collected in March were higher than the levels detected in samples of the same vegetables collected in April. These results highlight Nigeria's severe public health problem, especially in regions with long dry season spells. The level of MCs contamination of irrigated vegetables implies a potential for chronic exposure and associated health challenges.
Unveiling microscopic carrier loss mechanisms in 12% efficient Cu2ZnSnSe4 solar cells
Authors: Li Jianjun , Huang Jialiang , Ma Fa-jun , Sun Heng , Cong Jialin , Privat Karen , Yao Yin , Chin Robert , He Mingrui , Sun Kaiwen , Li Hui , Mai Yaohua , Hameiri Ziv , Ekins-Daukes Ned , Tilley Richard , Unold Thomas , Green Martin , Hao Xiaojing
Published: February 2022

Carrier loss mechanisms at microscopic regions is imperative for high-performance polycrystalline inorganic thin-film solar cells. Despite the progress on Kesterite, a promising environmental-benign and earth-abundant thin-film photovoltaic material, the microscopic carrier loss mechanisms and their impact on device performance remain unknown. Herein, we unveil these mechanisms in state-of-the-art Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe) solar cells using a framework that links microscopic-structural and optoelectronic characterizations with three-dimensional device simulations. The results indicate the CZTSe films have an encouraging intragrain minority carrier lifetime of >10 ns, a marginal radiative recombination loss through sub-band recombination and electrostatic potential fluctuation, whilst a large effective grain boundary recombination velocity of around 104 cm s-1 and a low net carrier density of ~1×1015 cm-3. We identify that severe grain boundary recombination and low net carrier density are the current limiting factors of device performance. The established framework can greatly advance the research of kesterite and other emerging photovoltaic materials.
Synthesis and assessment of novel self-doped poly (5-nitro-orthanilic acid) as a multifunctional scaling inhibitor on controlling the precipitation and crystal growth of CaCO3 and CaSO4 in solution
Authors: Hassan Hammed H. A. M. , Abd-El-Khalek Dalia E. , Fattah Marwa Abdel
Published: February 2022

Self-doped-and nitro-polyanilines have become a widely used strategy to optimize the electronic and vibratory spectra of polymeric building blocks in various applications. We report the synthesis of poly (5-nitro-orthanilic acid) by an aniline-initiated oxidative polymerization reaction. The polymer is characterized by spectroscopic techniques, elemental shapes, cyclic voltammetry, electrical conductivity, microscopic and thermal measurements. The hydrophilic and hydrophobic nature of the supports provided the formation of amphiphilicity as judged by SEM. Thermo-gravimetric measurements reveal thermal stability up to 500 °C and glass temperature (Tg) observed at 240 °C. Electrical conductivity decreases as the temperature rises at the different frequencies used, reflecting the semiconducting nature in the extrinsic range, which is characterized by high carriers and low mobility. The presence of these electron residues causes a decrease in efficiency and increases the thermal conductivity. Dielectric measurements have shown that permittivity decreases gradually at lower levels, mainly due to the transport of charging carriers, resulting in higher performance. The testing of the copolymer as a new scale blocker has resulted in moderate to fairly high performance. This effect is attributed to the change in polymer geometry using intramolecular H-bonding group-SO3H and a chain polymer in an aqueous medium.
Prevalence of Wasting and Associated Factors Among Children Aged 6-23 Months in Garowe, Puntland, Somalia
Authors: Abdiwali Abdulahi , Gebremichael Berhe , Gebretsadik Solomon , Roba kedir Teji
Published: February 2022

Background: Child wasting is one of the most serious public health problems in developing countries, including Somalia. It affects child growth and development. If not treat early it causes chronic malnutrition than will affects brain development and can cause premature death of the children. However, there is limited evidences regarding child wasting in Somalia and no study in Puntland in particular. Therefore, this study was designed assess the prevalence of wasting and associated factors among children aged 6-23 months in Garowe Town, Puntland, Somalia. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted using pre-tested questionnaire among 409 children aged 6-23 months, from June 05-15, 2021. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select study participants. The collected data were entered and cleaned using EpiData version 3.1 and then exported into statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 20 for analysis. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models were employed to identify factors associated with wasting. Variables having p-value <0.05 were considered to be significantly associated with the dependent variable. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to show the presence, strength and direction of associations. Results: The prevalence of wasting among children aged 6-23 months was 34.2%, (95%CI 28.7 CI, 40.3); of which, 12% were severely wasted. Being from daily laborer father (AOR=3.1, 95% CI: (1.1, 8.7)), initiating complementary feeding before six months (AOR=8, 95% CI: (4.5, 14)) , breastfeeding initiation after some hour of birth (AOR=3.9, 95% CI: (1.8, 8.4)), being unvaccinated (AOR=2.9, 95% CI:(1.7, 5.2)), mother with no formal education (AOR=3.4, 95% CI: (1.6, 7.0)) and mothers who didn’t attend ANC follow-up during last pregnancy (AOR=5.3, 95% CI: (2.9, 9.5) were significantly associated with occurrence of wasting among children aged 6-23 months.Conclusions: The prevalence of wasting among children aged 6-23 months in the study area is serious public health problem. Therefore, to reduce the incidence of malnutrition, ministry of health should work closely with all health facilities in the country, as well as improve the quality of health workers and strengthen maternal and child health care.
Latent, early or late HHV-6B expression in adult mesial temporal lobe epilepsy: Association of virus life cycle with inflammatory cytokinesin brain tissue and cerebral spinal fluid
Authors: Wang Jiaqi , Yang Hong-Yu , Shao Xue , Jiang Xin-Yue , Li Jinmei
Published: February 2022

Background: Human herpes virus-6B (HHV-6B) was suggested as an important etiologic factor of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy, while the mechanism is still unknown. Here, we aimed to analyze antigens representing latent, early and late HHV-6B infection and the association with inflammatory cytokines in brain tissue and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) from MTLE patients with HHV-6B-positivity.Results: Nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) in brain tissue revealed HHV-6B DNA in 19 of 49 MTLE patients (39%) and 1 of 19 controls (5%) (P<0.001), but not in CSF. ICH showed HHV-6B early antigen (P41) positivity in 3 patients (6%), late antigen (gp116/54/64) positivity in 5 patients (10%), latent antigen (U94) positivity in 8 patients (16%), and multiple antigen (early and late or/and latent) positivity in 9 patients (18%). None of these HHV-6B related proteins were found positive in control brain tissue. PCR revealed significant up-regulation of IL-1a, IL-2 and IL-7 mRNA levels in brain tissue from MTLE patients with different virus state. Suspension bead array in CSF confirmed significant up-regulation of IL-1a and IL-7 protein expression.Conclusions: Our finding suggests HHV-6B is a common etiologic agent of MTLE. Different virus life cycle may play an important modifying role in inflammatory biology that warrants further investigation. Though virus DNA is difficult detected in CSF, up-regulation of IL-1a and IL-7 in CSF indicates the two cytokines may be taken as indirect biomarker of HHV-6B infection.
Rethinking Statistical Learning as a Dynamic Stochastic Process, from The Motor Systems Perspective
Authors: Torres Elizabeth , Vaskevich Anna
Published: February 2022

The brain integrates streams of sensory input and builds accurate predictions, while arriving at stable percepts under disparate time scales. This stochastic process bears different dynamics for different people, yet statistical learning (SL) currently averages out, as noise, individual fluctuations in data streams registered from the brain as the person learns. We here adopt the motor systems perspective to reframe SL. Specifically, we rethink this problem using the demands that the person’s brain faces to predict, and control variations in biorhythmic activity akin to those present in bodily motions. This new approach harnesses gross data as the important signals, to reassess how individuals learn predictive information in stable and unstable environments. We find two types of learners: narrow-variance learners, who retain explicit knowledge of the regularity embedded in the stimuli -the goal. They seem to use an error-correction strategy steadily present in both stable and unstable cases. In contrast, broad-variance learners emerge only in the unstable environment. They undergo an initial period of memoryless learning characterized by a gamma process that starts out exponentially distributed but converges to Gaussian. We coin this mode exploratory, preceding the more general error-correction mode characterized by skewed-to-symmetric distributions and higher signal content from the start. Our work demonstrates that statistical learning is a highly dynamic and stochastic process, unfolding at different time scales, and evolving distinct learning strategies on demand.
Specific Antibody Titer Decay in Neonates Prenatally Exposed to Toxoplasma Gondii and Their Mothers.
Authors: Salomè Serena , Grieco Claudia , Barra Pasquale Fabio , Capone Eleonora , Grasso Fiorentino , Carraturo Francesca , Dolce Pasquale , Salvatore Paola , Capasso Letizia , Raimondi Francesco
Published: February 2022

Backgrounds: For infants exposed in utero to Toxoplasma gondii, current guidelines recommend monitoring the specific antibody titer until 12 months of age. In this study, we investigated the antibody titer decay in the mother-infant dyad.Methods: This is a single center, population-based cohort study of neonates referred for prenatal exposure to Toxoplasma gondii from January 2014 to December 2020. All infants underwent clinical, laboratory and instrumental investigation for at least 12 months. Results: A total of 670 eligible neonates were referred to the Perinatal Infection Unit of the University Federico II of Naples. Six hundred thirty-six (95%) completed the serological follow up until 12 months. Specific IgG antibodies negativization occurred in 628 (98.7%) within 5 months. At 9 and 12 months, all patients had negative IgG. An initial neonatal IgG antibody titer ≥200 IU/ml was associated with a longer time to negativization (184 [177.5;256] days when above threshold vs. 139.5 [101;179] days when below it; p<0.001). Maternal IgG antibody titer ≥200 IU/ml at childbirth was also associated to delayed time to negativization in the infant (179 [163;184] days above the cut off vs 125 [96.8;178] days below it; p<0.001). Specific antibody negativization was irreversible in all patients. Conclusions: Lower anti-Toxoplasma antibody titers detected at birth in the mother-infant-dyad lead to an earlier and irreversible negativization. This information allows to customize the infant follow up program and avoids invasive and expensive tests.
SINDy-SA: Enhancing Nonlinear System Identification with Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Naozuka Gustavo T. , Rocha Heber L. , Silva Renato S. , Almeida Regina C.
Published: February 2022

Machine learning methods have revolutionized studies in several areas of knowledge, helping to understand and extract information from experimental data. Recently, these data-driven methods have also been used to discover structures of mathematical models. The sparse identification of nonlinear dynamics (SINDy) method has been proposed with the aim of identifying nonlinear dynamical systems, assuming that the equations have only a few important terms that govern the dynamics. By defining a library of possible terms, the SINDy approach solves a sparse regression problem by eliminating terms whose coefficients are smaller than a threshold. However, the choice of this threshold is decisive for the correct identification of the model structure. In this work, we build on the SINDy method by integrating it with a global sensitivity analysis (SA) technique that allows to classify terms according to their importance in relation to the desired quantity of interest. The proposed SINDy-SA approach thus eliminates the need to define the SINDy threshold. We compare our method with the original SINDy approach employing them in a variety of applications whose simulated data have different behaviors. For each application, we formulate different experimental settings and select the best model for both methods using model selection techniques based on information criteria. The results demonstrate that the SINDy-SA framework is a promising methodology to accurately identify interpretable data-driven models.
Socio-economic Status of Rickshaw Pullers in Lucknow City, Uttar Pradesh (India)
Authors: Sen Milind
Published: February 2022

This paper is based on the empirical study done in 2019 on 75 rickshaw pullers. The data was collected randomly from different places in Lucknow city such as Railway stations, Bus stands, CBD, and residential areas. However, the study is based on interview scheduled, semi-structured questions, an open-ended question such as religions, castes, age, marital status, literacy level, previous occupation, living conditions, family members dependents, local or migrated, and health issues of the respondents. The rickshaw pullers are low-income group people and marginalized. The study has found the socio-economic conditions of the Rickshaw pullers poor. The study has highlighted the RP's socio-economic status, health, wellbeing, and living conditions are not good both origin place and destination.
A Closer Look At Sex Pheromone Autodetection In The Oriental Fruit Moth
Authors: Pérez-Aparicio Alicia , Ammagarahalli Byrappa , Gemeno César
Published: February 2022

Female moths emit sex pheromone to attracts males, and although they are not attracted to their own sex pheromone, they appear to detect it because it affects their behavior. In order to elucidate the mechanism of pheromone "autodetection" we compared responses of olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) of male and female Grapholita molesta, a species with reported pheromone autodetection. Two concentrations of the major (Z8-12:Ac) and minor (E8-12:Ac) sex pheromone components, a plant-volatile blend containing methyl salicylate, terpinyl acetate and (E)-β-farnesene, and the male-produced hair-pencil (i.e., courtship) pheromone (ethyl trans-cinnamate) were tested in 45 male and 305 female ORNs. Hierarchical cluster analysis showed radically different peripheral olfactory systems between sexes that could be linked to their specific ecological roles. In males 63% of the ORNs were tuned specifically to the major and minor female sex pheromone components, and 4% to the plant volatile blend, while the remaining 33% showed unspecific responses. In females 3% of the ORNs were specifically tuned to the male hair-pencil pheromone, 6% to the plant volatile blend, 91% were unspecific, and no ORN was tuned their own sex pheromone components. The lack of sex pheromone-specific ORNs in females suggests that they are not able to discriminate pheromone blends, and thus pheromone autodetection is unlikely in this species.
Mental Health and Health-related Quality of Life in German Adolescents After the Third Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hussong Justine , Möhler Eva , Kühn Anna , Wenning Markus , Gehrke Thomas , Burckhart Holger , Richter Ulf , Nonnenmacher Alexandra , Zemlin Michael , Lücke Thomas , Brinkmann Folke , Rothoeft Tobias , Lehr Thorsten
Published: February 2022

Background: From March – June 2021, the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic occurred in Germany. First and second wave evaluations showed an increase in mental health problems and a reduction of quality of life in adolescents. In August 2021, two vaccines against COVID-19 were approved for adolescents aged 12-17 years in Germany. Aim of the study was to assess mental health and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after 1.5 years of COVID-19 pandemic in adolescents who decided to receive a vaccination. Methods: In the German region of Siegen-Wittgenstein, all students from 12-17 years from secondary level schools, vocational schools and universities were offered a prioritized vaccination against COVID-19. Mental health and HRQoL were assessed at the first vaccination appointment by self- and parental report. Adolescents and their parents completed the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and the KIDSCREEN-10. Results: Data from 1412 adolescents (49.2% female, 47.7% male; mean age 14.3 years, SD=1.64) and 908 parents were collected. Mean self-reported HRQoL was T=53.7 (SD=11.2), in boys significantly higher than in girls (56.0 vs. 51.3), and significantly higher in younger (12-14 years) than in older (15-17 years) adolescents (56.2 vs. 51.5). Parental-reported HRQoL was T=51.8 (SD=12.8). In total, 18.5% of adolescents reported clinically relevant psychological symptoms, especially peer problems (23.7%), emotional problems (16.7%) and hyperactivity (17.2%). Girls reported significantly higher scores on emotional, peer and total problems than boys, whereas younger adolescents reported more hyperactivity and less emotional and peer problems than older ones. Comparing the present data to evaluations after the first and second wave of COVID-19 in Germany, adolescents facing vaccination after the third wave rated a higher HRQoL and reported less mental health problems. The data from the present study are comparable to those from pre-COVID evaluations. Conclusion: After 1.5 years of living with the pandemic, adolescents may have adapted to the changes in everyday life which has lowered the anticipated stress. Further, the relaxation of restrictions, better school organization and the prospect of the vaccination may have increased optimism, wellbeing and contentment, leading to declining but still alarming rates of psychological symptoms.
Microplastic Pollution In Estuarine Ecosystem At Sungai Laloh, Pasir Putih
Authors: Amin Nurul Atikah Mohd , Azman Shamila
Published: February 2022

This paper presents the characteristics and trends of microplastic pollution in the estuarine ecosystem at Sungai Laloh, Pasir Putih. The sample collected were green mussels and sediment located at two different sampling point. A comparison of similar total weight was made for wild mussel and cultured mussel. The method involved the pre-treatment of green mussels and sediment sample, followed by digestion and analysis. In pre-treatment, the aquatic specimen and sediment undergo non-toxic density separation with the used of 1.2 kg/L sodium chloride (NaCl). The digestion was made by adding 35% (v/v) hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and incubated for 24 to 48 hours by using incubator shaker at of 50℃ and 80 rpm. Analysis was conducted by using stereomicroscope and Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR FT-IR). In addition, SPSS statistical software was used to determine the significant difference between wild mussel and cultured mussel. Results show that microplastic fragment found abundant in mussel while microplastic fibers were found in sediment. The types of polymer microplastic found were polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and nylon (all polyamides). In comparison based on percentage of abundance, cultured mussel was the most polluted with microplastic.
Effects of Capsiate Supplementation on Body Weight and Bone Mineral Density in Slightly Overweight Women: A Randomized, Doble-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Salvio Gianmaria , Petrelli Massimiliano , Paolini Silvia , Baldini Veronica , Sbaffi Claudia , Basili Stefania , Giordano Antonio , Balercia Giancarlo , Cinti Saverio
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity are highly prevalent conditions associated with premature morbidity and mortality worldwide. Capsiate, a nonpungent analogue of capsaicin, binds to capsaicin binds to TRP vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) receptor, which is involved in adipogenesis, and could be effective as a weight-lowering agent. METHODS AND RESULTS: Eighteen slightly overweight women were enrolled in this randomized, doble-blind, placebo-controlled study. Nine patients were included in the capsiate intervention group and received 9 mg/day of capsinoids whereas other 9 patients received placebo for 8 weeks. All patients underwent weight and waist circumference assessment before and after treatment. Body composition and bone mineral density were also detected by Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Fourteen patients completed the study. The treatment with capsiate or placebo for 8 weeks was not associated to significant changes in weight or waist circumference. After treatment, there was a significant improvement of Bone Mineral density (BMD values measured at the spine in the capsiate group (1.158 vs 1.106 g/cm2, +4.7%; p = 0.04), but not in the group treated with placebo. Similarly, the capsiate group showed a 9.1% increase (p = 0.05) in the adipose tissue and an 8.5% decrease in lean mass measured at the supraclavicular level, whereas these changes were not statistically significant in the placebo group.CONCLUSION: Treatment with capsiate for 8 weeks led to negligible changes in body weight in a small sample of slightly overweight women, but our findings suggest a potential effect of capsaicin on bone metabolism in humans.