One-loop effective multi-gluon Lagrangian in arbitrary dimensions

We exhibit the one-loop multi-gluon effective Lagrangian in any dimension for a field theory with a quasilocal background, using the background-field formalism. Specific results, including counter terms (up to 12 spacetime dimensions), have been derived, applied to the Yang-Mills theory and found to be in agreement with other string-inspired approaches.Comment: 16 pages, LaTe

Correlation Between Computer Self-Efficacy Belief and Computer Value Belief during the New Normal

In the light of the New Normal, the students' attention has moved to computer technology. Thus, this research study investigated the VSU-Isabel students' computer self-efficacy and computer value during the New Normal. The study employed quantitative-descriptive research utilizing the mean and standard deviation of the students' responses in the survey items. It also employed a correlational approach in establishing the relationship between students' computer self-efficacy and computer value. A convenience sampling technique was used to arrive at a sample of 687 student-respondents from 1st year to 5th year. The research study revealed that the students are undecided if they can use computers compared to the other students. Also, it was found out that students agreed about the value of computers. Additionally, the study revealed that there is a significant and low positive correlation, r (685) = .387, p = .01, between the students' computer self-efficacy belief and computer value belief during the New Normal. These findings recommend the expanded use of technology during the new normal such as using different available digital platforms to develop the computer self-efficacy of the students.&nbsp

Multiplicity and Diversity of Plasmodium vivax Infections in a Highly Endemic Region in Papua New Guinea

Plasmodium vivax is highly endemic in the lowlands of Papua New Guinea and accounts for a large proportion of the malaria cases in children less than 5 years of age. We collected 2117 blood samples at 2-monthly intervals from a cohort of 268 children aged 1 to 4.5 years and estimated the diversity and multiplicity of P. vivax infection. All P. vivax clones were genotyped using the merozoite surface protein 1 F3 fragment (msp1F3) and the microsatellite MS16 as molecular markers. High diversity was observed with msp1F3 (HE = 88.1%) and MS16 (HE = 97.8%). Of the 1162 P. vivax positive samples, 74% harbored multi-clone infections with a mean multiplicity of 2.7 (IQR = 1–3). The multiplicity of P. vivax infection increased slightly with age (P = 0.02), with the strongest increase in very young children. Intensified efforts to control malaria can benefit from knowledge of the diversity and MOI both for assessing the endemic situation and monitoring the effects of interventions

Culture and utilization of freshwater algae as protein source

A discussion is presented on the commercial production of algae in mass culture conditions as a source of single-cell protein. Particular reference is made to the food situation in the Philippines, and research conducted by the Institute of Science and Technology regarding protein-rich algal strains suitable for commercial culture

Comparison of the diagnosis of malaria by microscopy, immunochromatography and PCR in endemic areas of Venezuela

Whole blood samples (N = 295) were obtained from different locations in Amazonas and Sucre States, in Venezuela. Malaria was diagnosed by microscopy, OptiMAL™ and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), with Plasmodium vivax, P. falciparum, and P. malariae being detected when possible. We identified 93 infections, 66 of which were caused by P. vivax, 26 by P. falciparum, and 1 was a mixed infection. No infection caused by P. malariae was detected. The sensitivity and specificity of each diagnostic method were high: 95.7 and 97.9% for microscopy, 87.0 and 97.9% for OptiMAL, and 98.0 and 100% for PCR, respectively. Most samples (72.2%) showed more than 5000 parasites/µL blood. The sensitivity of the diagnosis by microscopy and OptiMAL decreased with lower parasitemia. All samples showing disagreement among the methods were reevaluated, but the first result was used for the calculations. Parasites were detected in the 6 false-negative samples by microscopy after the second examination. The mixed infection was only detected by PCR, while the other methods diagnosed it as P. falciparum (microscopy) or P. vivax (OptiMAL) infection. Most of the false results obtained with the OptiMAL strip were related to the P. falciparum-specific band, including 3 species misdiagnoses, which could be related to the test itself or to genetic variation of the Venezuelan strains. The use of the microscopic method for malaria detection is recommended for its low cost but is very difficult to implement in large scale, population-based studies; thus, we report here more efficient methods suitable for this purpose