First report of Eimeria sp. from Eurasian wild boar (Sus scrofa) in Iran

In Iran, wild boar is distributed throughout the country, except the Central Desert. One of the important habitats of this animal is the northern mountainous area. They may pass infected faeces in these areas, which can lead to zoonotic disease, though information about parasitic infections in wild boar is rare in Iran and further study is necessary. In February 2019, a wild boar carcass was submitted to the Veterinary Parasitology Department of the Science and Research University of Tehran by the Department of Environment of Mazandaran province in order to study its parasitic infections. Faeces and the gastrointestinal tract were separated and their contents were tested using two flotation methods (Willis and Clayton-Lane), and the samples were referred to the Parasitology Laboratory of Urmia University for further study. The sample was infected with Eimeria protozoa; Eimeria porci and Eimeria neodebliecki were diagnosed based on the size and morphology factors of the isolated oocysts. This is the first report of wild boar infection by Eimeria sp. protozoa in Iran.

The Legal Status Of Electronic Theft In The Light Of The Quran And Hadith, A Research Study

Moral values are considered an integral part of every aspect of life, but when they reach the extremes of social degradation and deprivation, they encompass all aspects of life that lead to the emergence of morality and civilization. This kind of dilapidation affects pure scientific tendencies and activities. The tragedy is that when moral and scientific values and traditions are destroyed in the specialized institutions and schools and universities for knowledge, wisdom, and cognition, it’s astonishing. It is a state of moral and mental inferiority beyond which and the concept of decline is not possible. Presenting the intellectual ideas and results of a leading researcher as one's own is called plagiarism in the field of science and research. Electronic theft refers to the theft of information that is available online in which the computer is used as a tool. Stealing data by using information technology devices or forcibly stealing something secure is called electronic theft. Using someone's property without his permission is an undesirable act in Islamic law and seizing someone's property from head to toe is an unforgivable crime. It is illegal in Islamic law to get acquainted with a person's secrets and to spy on his secrets. In this regard, the relevant Shariah point has been clarified in the article.

Recent Trends in Fascinating Applications of Nanotechnology in Allied Health Sciences

The increased advancement in nanosciences in recent times has led to fascinating innovations. It has potential applications for altering the structural, surface, and physicochemical properties of nano-ranged metamaterials. The adaptable optical, structural, and surface characteristics of the nanoscopic regimes enhance the quality of integrated nanodevices and sensors. These are further used in optoelectronics, biomedicines, and catalysis. The use of nanomaterials for constructing nano-biosensors and various other organic and inorganic functional nanomaterials is quite promising. They have excellent electronic and surface-to-volume reactivity. Their various applications include metal and metal-oxides-based nanoparticles, clusters, wires, and 2D nanosheets as carbon nanotubes. More recently, hybrid nanomaterials are being developed to regulate sensing functionalities in the field of nanomedicine and the pharmaceutical industry. They are used as nano-markers, templates, and targeted agents. Moreover, the mechanical strength, chemical stability, durability, and flexibility of the hybrid nanomaterials make them appropriate for developing a healthy life for humans. This consists of a variety of applications, such as drug delivery, antimicrobial impacts, nutrition, orthopedics, dentistry, and fluorescence fabrics. This review article caters to the essential importance of nanoscience for biomedical applications and information for health science and research. The fundamental characteristics and functionalities of nanomaterials for particular biomedical uses are specifically addressed here.

Implication of Buteyko Breathing Technique in Asthmatic Population: A Literature Review

Background: Complementary and experimental medicine is gaining interest in the treatment of asthma around the world. This study summarizes the literature on complementary and alternative medicine approaches that use breathing retraining, i.e Buteyko breathing technique (BBT) as a primary component. Aim: The aim of this research is to provide background for BBT, analyse the available evidence for its efficacy and evaluate the physiological framework behind it. Methods: The analysis of literature is carried out by studying papers from electronic databases such as Cochrane, Medline, Embase, AMED, PEDro, Google Scholar, Elsevier, APTA, Campbell, Web of Science, and Research Gate. Conclusion: Individual studies using BBT consistently showed a reduction in asthma medication use. In either of the BBT experiments, no significant difference in lung ability was found. BBT detractors argue that drug reduction can be due to the physicians' influence, which is difficult to determine. Longer follow-up is needed to show that the improvement in asthma treatment as measured by drug usage is sustained over a clinically appropriate time span.

Short Science Comics for a Broad Audience - An Interview with Jessica Burton and Serge Haan from LUX:plorations

The University of Luxembourg launched a series of science comics called “LUX:plorations”. This collection of eight stories about science and research in Luxembourg is available in four different languages. Produced in collaboration between local scientists and artists, this science communication project serves as a proof of concept for multi-lingual and collaborative comic productions. The comic is available for free in the form of hard copies as well as in several digital formats online under a Creative Commons licence. This article introduces the concept behind LUX:plorations via an interview with two members of the organization team, namely Serge Haan and Jessica Burton. It gives insights into the production and translation process as well as the distribution of the comic.

THE CRISIS IN THE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM OF CONTEMPORARY UKRAINE IN THE CONTEXT OF NATIONAL SECURITY CHALLENGES

The article analyzes the state of the art in the Ukrainian higher education system and education reform during the post-Maidan period. Political, economic factors of university reform are examined in detail for an insight into the transformations over the last years. Special attention is paid to the close correlation between the institutional dynamics of higher education and political factors – the ideology of reform and the government policy in higher education, the political line-up in the parliament and MPs’ views on education and research. The author finds that modernization in higher education during this period was largely correlated with the dynamics of the political transformation of the government. Two periods in university policy are singled out: the reform period (from mid-2014 to mid-2016) and the stabilization period (2016–2019). The author elicits that the current crisis in the Ukrainian higher education system is caused by the attempt to implement neoliberal approaches toward university policy, while failing to address and even exacerbating unresolved post-Soviet problems. The decline in the quality of higher education has a negative impact on Ukraine's economic competitiveness, the reproduction of the nation's intellectual resources and human capital, as well as social cohesion. It may also trigger new humanitarian security challenges. In the second part of the article, the author focuses on the macroeconomic conditions for the development of higher education in 2014–2019, the dynamics of public funding and the structure of education expenditures. The analysis finds that during this period, the share of higher education expenditures in the structure of total public expenditures also decreased, and the rationale of the government was motivated by neoliberal approaches. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of science and research funding in Ukraine. Currently, academic research is in deep crisis, and the system of public funding of Research and Development is inefficient. University research remains underfunded, which results in the further deterioration of the already low research and innovation capacity of national universities. The level of public funding for science in 2014–2019 was the lowest in twenty years and amounted to 0.2–0.25 % of GDP, which did not cover even the minimum needs of the industry. The critical state of affairs in science and research is potentially a national security challenge, as it undermines opportunities for the technological modernization of the national economy, the development of innovative industries, and contributes to the leaking of intellectual resources from Ukraine.

Effects of Heartfulness Meditation Practices on Control of Alz-heimer’s Disease: A Comprehensive Review

Background: Progressive stress levels, aging and less care on mental health among adults lead to a decline in neurophysiological functioning and diminish the performance of working memory. Regular practice of meditation through Heartfulness will enhance mental health and thereby considerably reduce the risks of Alzheimer’s disease. Methods: This review article was carried out from the literature available on databases such as PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science and Research Gate until May 2020. A qualitative analysis of the impact of Heartfulness meditation on people with chronic insomnia, students of different age groups, Heartfulness meditation practitioners and caregivers were summarized. Results: From the survey results of selected 10 articles, it has been observed that the people who were practicing meditation through Heartfulness gain emotional wellness, joy, sound sleep pattern and reduction of stress, tension and anger. Moreover, the level of brain waves of the practitioners, especially alpha and delta activities in the brain were increased and there was a tremendous change in neuroplasticity among the practitioners. Conclusion: Regular practice of meditation through Heartfulness improves the cognitive ability of the practitioners, with improved neurophysiological functions and suppresses the risks of Alzheimer’s diseases.

The integrative potential of science and research cooperation for suturing the Baltic Sea region in the 21st century

The aim of the article is to demonstrate how science and researchcooperation may help to reintegrate the Baltic region in the 21st century withthe participation of Russia. This is done through the analysis of documentsand strategies of Baltic Sea regionalism in the context of the regional knowledgeregime. Attention is paid to different positionalities of the regional actorsand their narratives. The theoretical framework is secured by an analysis ofcritical junctures drawing on case studies from the years 1989-91 and 2014 andthe subsequent reconfiguration of the power / knowledge nexus. The analysisshows that this reconfiguration actively contributes to creating and changingthe content and context of the Baltic Sea regionalism as based on new symbolic,economic, and political capitals. The conclusion points to the potentialof Russia’s involvement in the co-creation of the regional knowledge regimeand defines the conditions and methods of possible cooperation.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Number of Research and Publications-A Review

COVID-19 is having a major effect not only on healthcare delivery systems but also on the science and research sector. The pandemic of COVID-19 immediately closed universities as well as colleges all over the world, amid government orders to adopt social distance, which could help to flatten the transmission curve and decrease the total mortality from the pandemic. Fundamental scientific studies have been especially difficult hit as a result of statewide lockdown restrictions, whilst clinical researchers have encountered similar difficulties as a result of the cessation of medical care and a sudden return to full-time clinical tasks. The number of publications on COVID-19 has rapidly and dramatically increased. This emphasizes the importance of collaborating with other medical research facilities in addition to intra-institute cooperation and collaboration. One method to modify the picture of clinical research is to incorporate additional innovation into the study's design.

Preliminary Assessment of COVID-19 Implications for the Water and Sanitation Sector in Latin America and the Caribbean

COVID-19 has had a severe impact on human health, as well as in social and economic terms, with implications for the management and governance of the water and sanitation sector. These implications are evident in Latin America and the Caribbean due to existing challenges the region faces in accessing water and sanitation services. In spite of significant advances, around 65 million people in the LAC region currently lack appropriate access to water and soap to wash their hands—one of the most basic measures to prevent the spread of disease. Furthermore, social and economic vulnerabilities have exacerbated the effects of the pandemic in the region, particularly among those living in poverty. The COVID-19 pandemic thus requires the mobilization of frameworks such as the human rights to water and sanitation, specifically considering the region’s realities. This paper provides a review of some of the challenges currently faced in the region and advances a series of recommendations for enhancing access to water, sanitation and hygiene. The importance of effective governance, management and communication strategies in the water provisioning sector is highlighted in the context of the pandemic, and the role of science and research for adequate decision making is emphasized.