bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lemon Extract Reduces Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Expression and Activity and Increases Insulin Sensitivity and Lipolysis in Mouse Adipocytes
Authors: Tejpal Shilpa , Wemyss Alan M. , Bastie Claire C. , Klein-Seetharaman Judith
Published: August 2020

Obesity is associated with insulin resistance and cardiovascular complications. In this paper, we examine the possible beneficial role of lemon juice in dieting. Lemon extract (LE) has been proposed to improve serum insulin levels and decrease angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity in mouse models. ACE is also a biomarker for sustained weight loss and ACE inhibitors improve insulin sensitivity in humans. Here, we show that LE impacts adipose tissue metabolism directly. In 3T3-L1 differentiated adipocyte cells, LE improved insulin sensitivity as evidenced by a 3.74 ± 0.54-fold increase in both pAKT and GLUT4 levels. LE also induced lipolysis as demonstrated by a 16.6 ± 1.2 fold-change in pHSL protein expression levels. ACE gene expression increased 12.0 ± 0.1 fold during differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells in the absence of LE, and treatment with LE decreased ACE gene expression by 80.1 ± 0.5% and protein expression by 55 ± 0.37%. We conclude that LE’s reduction of ACE expression causes increased insulin sensitivity and breakdown of lipids in adipocytes.
The Effects of Intermittent Fasting Combined with Resistance Training on Lean Body Mass: A Systematic Review of Human Studies
Authors: Keenan Stephen , Cooke Matthew B. , Belski Regina
Published: August 2020

Diets utilising intermittent fasting (IF) as a strategic method to manipulate body composition have recently grown in popularity, however, dietary practices involving fasting have also been followed for centuries for religious reasons (i.e., Ramadan). Regardless of the reasons for engaging in IF, the impacts on lean body mass (LBM) may be detrimental. Previous research has demonstrated that resistance training promotes LBM accrual, however, whether this still occurs during IF is unclear. Therefore, the objective of this review is to systematically analyse human studies investigating the effects of variations of IF combined with resistance training on changes in LBM in previously sedentary or trained (non-elite) individuals. Changes in body weight and fat mass, and protocol adherence were assessed as a secondary objective. This review followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed and SportDiscus databases were searched for articles investigating IF, combined with resistance training that reported measures of body composition. Eight studies met the eligibility criteria. LBM was generally maintained, while one study reported a significant increase in LBM. Body fat mass or percentage was significantly reduced in five of eight studies. Results suggest that IF paired with resistance training generally maintains LBM, and can also promote fat loss. Future research should examine longer-term effects of various forms of IF combined with resistance training compared to traditional forms of energy restriction. Prospero registration CRD42018103867.
Mycoplasma bovis Infections—Occurrence, Diagnosis and Control
Authors: Dudek Katarzyna , Nicholas Robin A. J. , Szacawa Ewelina , Bednarek Dariusz
Published: August 2020

Mycoplasma bovis is a cause of bronchopneumonia, mastitis and arthritis but may also affect other main organs in cattle such us the eye, ear or brain. Despite its non-zoonotic character, M. bovis infections are responsible for substantial economic health and welfare problems worldwide. M. bovis has spread worldwide, including to countries for a long time considered free of the pathogen. Control of M. bovis infections is hampered by a lack of effective vaccines and treatments due to increasing trends in antimicrobial resistance. This review summarizes the latest data on the epizootic situation of M. bovis infections and new sources/routes of transmission of the infection, and discusses the progress in diagnostics. The review includes various recommendations and suggestions which could be applied to infection control programs.
Preclinical Models of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Infection for Early Drug Discovery and Vaccine Research
Authors: Rampacci Elisa , Stefanetti Valentina , Passamonti Fabrizio , Henao-Tamayo Marcela
Published: August 2020

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) represent an increasingly prevalent etiology of soft tissue infections in animals and humans. NTM are widely distributed in the environment and while, for the most part, they behave as saprophytic organisms, in certain situations, they can be pathogenic, so much so that the incidence of NTM infections has surpassed that of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in developed countries. As a result, a growing body of the literature has focused attention on the critical role that drug susceptibility tests and infection models play in the design of appropriate therapeutic strategies against NTM diseases. This paper is an overview of the in vitro and in vivo models of NTM infection employed in the preclinical phase for early drug discovery and vaccine development. It summarizes alternative methods, not fully explored, for the characterization of anti-mycobacterial compounds.
Chamazulene-Rich Artemisia arborescens Essential Oils Affect the Cell Growth of Human Melanoma Cells
Authors: Russo Alessandra , Bruno Maurizio , Avola Rosanna , Cardile Venera , Rigano Daniela
Published: August 2020

Artemisia arborescens is an aromatic shrub whose essential oils are considered a potential source of molecules with industrial and pharmaceutical interest. The chemical profile of A. arborescens essential oils (EOs) was shown to be quite variable and various chemotypes have been identified. In this study, we compared the EOs composition of A. arborescens leaves and flowers collected from four different locations in Sicily. The EOs were assayed for their antiproliferative activity against A375 human malignant melanoma cells, also testing cell viability and cell membrane integrity. The evaluation of DNA fragmentation and caspase-3 activity assay was employed for the detection of apoptosis. The expression of Bcl-2, Bax, cleaved caspase-9, PTEN (Phosphatase and tensin homolog), Hsp70 (Heat Shock Protein 70 kilodaltons) and SOD (superoxide dismutase) proteins was evaluated by Western blot analysis. The levels of ROS and GSH were also analyzed. Results show that EOs presented significant differences in their composition, yield, and cytotoxic activity depending on the collection site. The chamazulene/camphor-rich EOs from plants collected in Acqua Calda (Lipari) resulted particularly active on melanoma cancer cells (IC50 values of 6.7 and 4.5 µg/mL), being able to trigger apoptotic death probably interfering with endogenous defense mechanisms. These oils may be considered as a natural resource of chamazulene, containing this compound up to 63%.
Quantitative Ethnobotanical Study of Indigenous Knowledge on Medicinal Plants Used by the Tribal Communities of Gokand Valley, District Buner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Authors: Sulaiman  , Shah Sikandar , Khan Sheharyar , Bussmann Rainer W. , Ali Maroof , Hussain Dildar , Hussain Wahid
Published: August 2020

The current study on the traditional use of medicinal plants was carried out from February 2018 to March 2020, in Gokand Valley, District Buner, Pakistan. The goal was to collect, interpret, and evaluate data on the application of medicinal plants. Along with comprehensive notes on individual plants species, we calculated Use Value (UV), Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Use Report (UR), Fidelity Level (FL), Informant Consensus Factor (FCI), as well as Family Importance Value (FIV). During the current study, a total of 109 species belonging to 64 families were reported to be used in the treatment of various ailments. It included three families (four species) of Pteridophytes, 58 families (99 species) of angiosperm, one family (three species) of Gymnosperms, and two families (three species) of fungi. The article highlights the significance of domestic consumption of plant resources to treat human ailments. The UV varied from 0.2 (Acorus calamus L.) to 0.89 (Acacia modesta Wall.). The RFC ranged from 0.059 (Acorus calamus L. and Convolvulus arvensis L.) to 0.285 (Acacia modesta Wall.). The species with 100% FL were Acacia modesta Wall. and the fungus Morchella esculenta Fr., while the FCI was documented from 0 to 0.45 for gastro-intestinal disorders. The conservation ranks of the medicinal plant species revealed that 28 plant species were vulnerable, followed by rare (25 spp.), infrequent (17 spp.), dominant (16 spp.), and 10 species endangered. The traditional use of plants needs conservation strategies and further investigation for better utilization of natural resources.
All Mixed up: Multi/Racial Liberation and Compassion-Based Activism
Authors: Yong Aizaiah
Published: August 2020

This paper seeks to identify pathways of liberation amidst contemporary challenges faced by those who identify as multiracial by re-imagining various approaches to confronting racial oppression through compassion-based activism. The primary question of this study focuses on how compassion (as broadly understood by and across the world’s spiritual traditions) might sustain, invigorate, or be adapted to aid the struggle for racial justice in the United States. This paper begins with reviewing theories from critical mixed race studies and brings them into dialogue with the eight themes of compassion-based activism. The results of this interdisciplinary study provide both the promises and challenges to a compassion-based approach when it comes to multi/racial liberation and proposes a reinterpretation that centers multi/racial experiences.
How Does Religion Affect Giving to Outgroups and Secular Organizations? A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Yasin Kidist Ibrie , Adams Anita Graeser , King David P.
Published: August 2020

Although religious giving represents the largest sector of charitable giving in the US, its overall impact on social welfare has been questioned, pointing to the possibility that the majority of funding might stay within the religious community, with little benefit to outgroups or secular charity. Despite multiple studies showing a positive relationship between religion and secular and outgroup giving, some empirical findings show a negative or non-significant relationship. By employing a systematic literature review, the current study explores theories and empirical evidence to provide an integrative framework that identifies the mechanisms and directions through which religion affects giving to outgroups and secular organizations. The study also compares the major five religious traditions and giving to outgroups and secular organizations. The study finds that religious teachings, norms, values, social network, and private rituals, determine the direction of the relationship between religion and giving to outgroups and secular organizations. The study concludes that, despite the dominant positive relationship between religion and giving to outgroup and secular organizations, there remains heterogeneity among the studies based on their location, operationalization of religion and secular giving, and methodology used. The study also poses some implication questions and points out future research directions.
Variance and Interest Rate Risk in Unit-Linked Insurance Policies
Authors: Baños David , Lagunas-Merino Marc , Ortiz-Latorre Salvador
Published: August 2020

One of the risks derived from selling long-term policies that any insurance company has arises from interest rates. In this paper, we consider a general class of stochastic volatility models written in forward variance form. We also deal with stochastic interest rates to obtain the risk-free price for unit-linked life insurance contracts, as well as providing a perfect hedging strategy by completing the market. We conclude with a simulation experiment, where we price unit-linked policies using Norwegian mortality rates. In addition, we compare prices for the classical Black-Scholes model against the Heston stochastic volatility model with a Vasicek interest rate model.
A Hybrid Approach to Reassemble Ancient Decorated Block Fragments through a 3D Puzzling Engine
Authors: de Lima-Hernandez Roberto , Vergauwen Maarten
Published: August 2020

The reassembling of severely damaged tangible heritage is a primordial task for archaeologists who not only aim to further study the past but also to preserve ruined ancient monuments. As a consequence, various researchers have proposed methods to automatically solve this problem by computing and matching geometric properties of counterpart fragments. Although their results are quite promising, experts still carry out this task manually by finding relationships between distinctive matching cues, such as type of decoration, remaining traces, inscriptions’ content, etc. The topic itself poses challenges to both automatic and manual approaches due to the high level of damage ancient broken fragments have undergone over the centuries. Therefore, this paper proposes a Puzzling Engine that combines crucial elements of automatic and manual methodologies to empower experts with registration tools for reassembling fragmented heritage. Unlike similar hybrid human-computer puzzling engines, our approach is capable of automatically proposing matches and rough alignments solely based on the geometry of fractured surfaces. Based on these initial solutions and a set of registration tools, experts can accurately solve the puzzle. The virtual environment has been used and verified to find pairwise puzzle-pieces of actual antique wall decorated fragments, resulting in new discoveries that experts could not have come up with by utilizing classic techniques. Concretely, the contributions are twofold, (i) a feature-based registration pipeline that is able to suggest both matches and alignments to the user and (ii) a virtual interface that integrates automatic and user-assisted techniques to accurately puzzle fragmented surfaces.
Fully Automated Segmentation of 2D and 3D Mobile Mapping Data for Reliable Modeling of Surface Structures Using Deep Learning
Authors: Reiterer Alexander , Wäschle Katharina , Störk Dominik , Leydecker Achim , Gitzen Niko
Published: August 2020

Maintenance and expansion of transport and communications infrastructure requires ongoing construction work on a large scale. To plan and execute these in the best possible way, up-to-date and highly detailed digital maps are needed. For example, until recently, telecommunication companies have performed documentation and mapping of as-built urban structures for construction work manually and with great time expense. Mobile mapping systems offer a solution for documenting urban environments fast and mostly automated. In consequence, large amounts of recorded data emerge in short time, creating the need for automated processing and modeling of these data to provide reliable foundations for digital planning in reasonable time. We present (a) a procedure for fully automated processing of mobile mapping data for digital construction planning in the context of nationwide broadband network expansion and (b) an in-depth study of the performance of this procedure on real-world data. Our multi-stage pipeline segments georeferenced images and fuses segmentations with 3D data, which allows exact localization of surfaces and objects, which can then be passed via interface, e.g., to a geographic information system (GIS). The final system is able to distinguish between similar looking surfaces, such as concrete and asphalt, with a precision between 80% and 95%, regardless of setting or season.
Determination of Hexabromocyclododecanes in Fish Using Modified QuEChERS Method with Efficient Extract Clean-Up Prior to Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Okšová Linda , Tölgyessy Peter
Published: August 2020

A modified QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) sample preparation method coupled with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) was proposed for the determination of α-, β-, and γ-hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) diastereomers in whole-fish homogenate samples. The main modification of the QuEChERS method concerned a clean-up step in which the combination of pH-tuned dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) with 18.4 M H2SO4 digestion allowed to successfully eliminate the matrix substances from the final extract. For the target HBCDs, good response linearity was obtained with coefficients of determination (R2) >0.998 for the concentration range corresponding to 0.1–50 ng of analyte per g of sample. Limits of quantifications (LOQs) were 0.15–0.25 ng g−1 ww (wet weight), and the recoveries from samples spiked at levels of 0.5 and 5 ng g−1 ranged from 89% to 102% with relative standard deviations <7.5%. The accuracy of the method was verified by analysis of the NIST standard reference material SRM 1947, and a good agreement (90%) was obtained with the certified value for the α-HBCD present in the sample. Finally, the method was applied to the analysis of 293 fish samples collected in water bodies from all over Slovakia, in which the highest concentrations were determined for α-HBCD with the maximum value of 31 ng g−1 ww.
THE PLACE OCCUPIED IN ALBANIAN BY SCIENTIFIC TERMS SOURCED FROM GREEK
Authors: Voulis Antela
Published: August 2020

Greek is a language that has given a considerable amount of words and terms to other languages. Lexicon enrichment is more pronounced in the terminologies of the various fields of science and technology, which operate in the general terminology lexicon as organized, connected and co-conditioned systems in accordance with the systems concepts of the fields of responsibility. From this point of view the terminological lexicon is distinguished for its more organized character than the non-terminological lexicon. Studying the terminology lexicon of different areas of knowledge has taken the form of a study method to discover the real nature of the terminology of the respective language, as well as to systematize and refine it further. For the purpose of this purpose, terminologyhas been developed for various languages, which are based on certain scientific criteria. But the rapid development of science and technology requires the repeated reassessment of the terms created. Based on current publications, dictionaries and studies on terminology as well as the close lexical links between neighboring languages, the desire and motivation for a specific work on Greek-sourced terminology in Albanian arose.
Bases para el tratamiento informativo de las drogas en los medios de comunicación
Authors: Ballesteros Herencia Carlos A.
Published: August 2020

La responsabilidad social de los medios de comunicación se extiende a todas las materias de que informa, siendo el consumo de drogas un extendido fenómeno social de habitual presencia en la prensa. Por lo que esta investigación se propuso, en primer lugar, describir la representación mediática de las drogas y, en segundo, exponer cómo deberían tratarse informativamente las drogas de un modo responsable desde el doble punto de vista deontológico y preventivo. Para tal fin se analizó la literatura científica y divulgativa sobre este tema hallándose que el tratamiento informativo de las drogas ha sido mayoritariamente criticado por cuantos lo han estudiando en las últimas cinco décadas. Los medios de comunicación ofrecerían una información en ocasiones sensacionalista y habitualmente no contrastada, ya que tiende a utilizarse una única fuente, mayoritariamente institucional, que resulta de fácil acceso para el periodista. Además se ha acusado a los medios de propagar estereotipos, difundir una imagen imprecisa, cuando no errónea, de este fenómeno y hasta de desempeñar un papel contrapreventivo. Pese a ello, se ha destacado la importancia para la prevención de contar con la colaboración de los periodistas y los medios de comunicación, en tanto éstos son la principal fuente de información sobre drogas para la población general. La aparición de Internet ha sumado un nuevo campo de investigación sobre comunicación y drogas de múltiples formatos, canales y contenidos, donde coexisten población general, jóvenes, instituciones y profesionales de los medios.
Análisis del contenido publicado en YouTube, Facebook e internet sobre vacunas y anti vacunas
Authors: Piqueiras Conlledo Paloma , De Marchis Picciol Giorgio , Cuesta Díaz Victoria
Published: August 2020

En este artículo se investiga la información sobre vacunas y anti vacunas que es compartida en blogs, Facebook y YouTube mediante la monitorización de publicaciones desde el año 2015 hasta la actualidad. En el análisis se ha tenido en cuenta el origen de la fuente emisora de la información, el contenido publicado, y el impacto generado. Los resultados, obtenidos del estudio de 48 vídeos de YouTube, 207 post de 5 blogs distintos y de 7 grupos de Facebook, muestran que: a) la información anti vacuna o pro vacuna encontrada en la red no suele provenir de organismo oficiales; b) el contenido compartido gira en torno a ciertos temas recurrentes y suele estar ligado a hechos puntuales (por ejemplo, un brote de sarampión o una denuncia particular por efectos secundarios de una vacuna); c) el contenido compartido carece, mayoritariamente, de carácter científico y; d) las interacciones generadas por parte de los usuarios varían mucho dependiendo de si la información es transmitida por YouTube, un blog, o Facebook. Generalmente, tanto los blogs como YouTube generan más seguidores, interacciones, y comentarios que los grupos de Facebook.
De la crisis del pepino a la crisis del huevo. Aciertos y errores en la gestión de comunicación de crisis alimentarias
Authors: Rodríguez González María del Mar , Marauri Castillo Iñigo , Armentia Vizuete José Ignacio , Marín Murillo Flora
Published: August 2020

Esta investigación nace con la voluntad de estudiar y comparar las distintas políticas de comunicación que se llevaron a cabo como parte de la gestión de dos crisis enmarcadas en el ámbito de la seguridad alimentaria: la crisis de los pepinos acontecida en 2011 como consecuencia de la bacteria E.coli y la crisis del huevo, originada en 2017 debido al uso del insecticida Fipronil. En ambos casos la estrategia comunicativa para informar de una crisis alimentaria diseñada por las diferentes instituciones, de acuerdo a los sistemas europeos y nacionales de control, fue determinante para su control, un proceso en el que los medios de comunicación tienen un papel protagonista. Se pondrán de manifiesto los errores y debilidades de las instituciones públicas, así como la efectividad de las diferentes acciones comunicativas, enmarcadas en estrategias de comunicación globales para informar sobre crisis, escándalos y alertas alimentarias.  A través de un análisis de contenido, en el que prima lo cualitativo frente a lo cuantitativo, se concluye que la crisis del pepino marcó un antes y un después en la manera de gestionar la comunicación ante una crisis alimentaria, ya que se reforzaron los controles y el sistema de alertas. La gestión comunicativa de la crisis del huevo muestra las bondades de una política de comunicación proactiva, aunque revela que la falta de comunicación entre Estados sigue siendo un hecho con graves consecuencias para la salud y para la economía de los países afectados.
Effect of a COVID-19 on Social, Psychological, Economic and Health Conditions in Libya
Authors: Elgimati Yousef , Alrasheed Ahmed , Mohamed Bashir Abdalla
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this paper was to measure the effect of a COVID-19 on social, psychological, economic, and health conditions in Libyan society. This study was undertaken through a questionnaire survey using the Google Form survey questionnaires in order to collect the data. A random sampling method was used from 1st June to 15th July 2020by obtaining greater insight into the issue. A result of this study revealed that the COVID-19 had a different effect on four dimensions (social, psychological economic, and health conditions). The findings of the study indicate that there is a small positive effect on social, middle, and above middle positive effects on psychological and economic respectively and high positive effect on health conditions with various percentages in Libyan society. This has been one of the first academic studies on the COVID-19 on social, psychological, economic, and health conditions addressed the Libyan society. Arguably, many of the areas covered in this study warrant more specific and in-depth investigation. The researchers hope that this paper will be beneficial to both Libyan people and the government in improving and developing the social aspects to avoid spreading COVID-19 in the future.
Dynamic Load Balancer for Traffic Management in Cloud Environment
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Chennai, India., S Prithi , Samuel Roxanna ,   Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Chennai, India., S Ponmani ,   Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Chennai, India., Sophia J.Jinu ,   Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Chennai, India.
Published: August 2020

The Cloud traffic is the major issue faced by users’ every day. Users are not able to access the files at the desired time due to the delay, caused by traffic. Traffic is induced when many users access the same network at a given point of time. This paper aims to reduce the cloud traffic by allowing the user to enter the datacenter for quick access of files with maximum capacity left instead of entering the datacenter in sequential order as in existing systems. The foremost key and challenging problem for handling big data centers in clouds are to balance the Load while flow scheduling since a huge amount of data are transferred at regular intervals throughout a thousand of customers and clients. With a rapid growth in applications, capability of utilizing the data centers has become a challenging task to cloud service, particularly during the peak time usage of data centers and when the requests of user’s are unbalanced and when there are amount of demands need to be handled. In this project, Software Defined Network (SDN) controller is applied to improvise the utilization of bandwidth of Dynamic Circuit Network (DCN) as well as reduce the delay that occurs for end users. This project presents the Genetic load balancing algorithm to provide the provider with a high utilization of bandwidth and to low the end-users dealy.
Performance Measures of Different Gate Oxide Materials in Gate All Around Fet
Authors:   Asst.Prof, ECE,K L University, Vijayawada, India., Saidulu S.Ahmad , Vineeth R.Sai ,   ECE,K L University, Vijayawada, India., Tanmayee Y. ,   ECE,K L University, Vijayawada, India., Meenakshi B. ,   ECE,K L University, Vijayawada, India.
Published: August 2020

The classical planar Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors (MOSFET) is fabricated by oxidation of a semiconductor namely Silicon. In this generation, an advanced technique called 3D system architecture FETs, are introduced for high performance and low power quality of devices. Based on the limitations of Short Channel Effect (SCE), Silicon (Si) FET cannot be scaled under 10nm. Hence various performing measures like methods, principles, and geometrics are done to upscale the semiconductor. CMOS using alternate channel materials like GE and III-Vs on substrates is a highly anticipated technique for developing nanowire structures. By considering these issues, in this paper, we developed a simulation model that provides accurate results basing on Gate layout and multi-gate NW FET’s so that the scaling can be increased few nanometers long and performance limits gradually increases. The model developed is SILVACO that tests the action of FET with different gate oxide materials.
Prediction and Analysis of Pollutant using Supervised Machine Learning
Authors:   Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India., R Akiladevi , Devi B Nandhini ,   Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India., V Nivesh Karthick ,   Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India., P Nivetha ,   Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Published: August 2020

Air is the most essential natural resource for the survival of humans, animals, and plants on the planet. Air is polluted due to the burning of fuels, exhaust gases from factories and industries, and mining operations. Now, air pollution becomes the most dangerous pollution that humanity ever faced. This causes many health effects on humans like respiratory, lung, and skin diseases, which also causes effects on plants, and animals to survive. Hence, air quality prediction and evaluation as becoming an important research area. In this paper, a machine learning-based prediction model is constructed for air quality forecasting. This model will help us to find the major pollutant present in the location along with the causes and sources of that particular pollutant. Air Quality Index value for India is used to predict air quality. The data is collected from various places throughout India so that the collected data is preprocessed to recover from null values, missing values, and duplicate values. The dataset is trained and tested with various machine learning algorithms like Logistic Regression, Naïve Bayes Classification, Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, K Nearest Neighbor, and Decision Tree algorithm in order to find the performance measurement of the above-mentioned algorithms. From this, the prediction model is constructed using the Decision Tree algorithm to predict the air quality, because it provides the best and highest accuracy of 100%. The machine learning-based air quality prediction model helps India meteorological department in predicting the future of air quality, and its status and depends on that they can take action.
Prevalencia de hipertrofia ventricular izquierda en pacientes hipertensos
Authors: Manrique-Abril Fred Gustavo , Ospina-Díaz Juan Manuel , Herrera-Amaya Giomar Maritza
Published: August 2020

Antecedentes: se ha documentado a la hipertrofia ventricular izquierda como una de las manifestaciones tempranas de afectación cardiaca en la enfermedad hipertensiva. Objetivo: evaluar la prevalencia de hipertrofia ventricular izquierda en los pacientes hipertensos que asisten a los programas de control en instituciones de salud de Boyacá. Material y métodos: mediante muestreo secuencial aleatorio se ensambló una muestra de 1275 pacientes a quienes se realizó valoración de la presión arterial y electrocardiograma. Se evaluaron criterios de Cornell, Romhilt-Estest y Rodríguez-Padial para determinar la presencia de hipertrofia ventricular izquierda. Resultados: se encontró prevalencia global de 17.9% de HVI en los pacientes analizados, con marcadas diferencias por municipio. La HVI se encontró asociada con edad mayor de 65 años, sexo femenino, índice de masa corporal aumentado y cifras elevadas de presión sistólica y diastólica. Conclusión: estos resultados sugieren la necesidad de incrementar los programas de tamizaje y control de la presión arterial, así como de incluir capacitación a los agentes de salud en la valoración de evidencia sugestiva de HVI como alteraciones electrocardiográficas y diferencias en las presionesentre las dos extremidades superiores
Delegation of Responsibilities: A Leadership Tool for Subordinates’ Competence Development in Selected Organisations in Ibadan Metropolis
Authors: Omolawal Samuel Ayodeji
Published: August 2020

Delegation of responsibilities constitutes a very important ingredient of good leadership in organisations and is critical to competence development of workers. However, experience shows that many leaders are unwilling to delegate responsibilities to their subordinates for a number of reasons. This study was therefore designed to investigate delegation of responsibilities as a tool for competence development of subordinates in selected organisations in Ibadan metropolis. The study, anchored on Elkem’s model, was descriptive and adopted survey research design with a combination of both quantitative and qualitative approaches. It was conducted on 206 respondents randomly selected from 20 public and private organisations in Ibadan. Questionnaire and IDI were instruments of data collection, while the data collected were analysed using both quantitative and qualitative techniques. The study showed that respondents perceived delegation of responsibilities as a vital tool for developing, equipping and motivating subordinates; and that it had positive effects on subordinates’ performance (X2 = 11.14, p-value = 0.001). The study also revealed that lack of confidence in subordinates (79%), level of skill and competence (66%), organisational climate (68%) and bureaucracy (58%) were barriers to delegation of responsibilities. Delegation of responsibilities is a cost-free way of enhancing competence development of subordinates in organisations, and should therefore, be encouraged among leaders irrespective of their levels.
Gender notions and Leadership Effectiveness in the Civil Service of Oyo State Nigeria
Authors: Adenugba Adebimpe A. , Ademuson Adefolake O.
Published: August 2020

Given that in many parts of the world, stereotyped gender roles are associated with prejudiced gender differential roles and authority for leadership. However, with the increasing transition of women into productive economic due to cultural shifts and social re-examination of gender relations, there seemed to be some evidence of reduced female gender prejudices and equal perception of leadership role and effectiveness. This paper describes the realities of female gender experiences in leadership position of the Oyo state civil service. The study reveals that patriarchal dispositions were precluded as a significant constraint to roles and approval of leadership effectiveness. Grade-level appraisal outcome performance and vacancy for career advancement and/or leadership roles and effectiveness was largely gender neutral. Vacancy to fill, with consideration for indigenous and ethnic identity quotas soften appraisal performance and/or reduce female gender bias for leadership roles. Effective leadership demands are based on a contextual expectation for performance. The paper concludes that with the contradiction and changing of patriarchal structures, the experienced realities of the women of their roles and leadership experiences reflect the deterioration in such structures and equal career advancement without regard for gender.
Yield and fruit quality of introduced cultivars of raspberries {Rubus idaeus L.) in the Crimea
Authors: Arifova Z. I. , Gorb N.N. N. N.
Published: August 2020

The aim of the research was to study introduced cultivars of raspberries on economic and biological characteristics and selection of adapted to the conditions of the Crimea, high-yielding, winter-hardy, disease- resistant cultivars with high taste and commercial qualities of berries. The article presents the results of a study of seven raspberry cultivars (Glen Ample, Cowichan, Laszka, Marianuska, Perseya, Polka, Phenomen) for agronomic characteristics: yield, disease resistance, average weight, quality and biochemical composition of berries. Control - Balsam cultivar, recognized in the Crimea. The data obtained allowed to distinguish the following cultivars: on the basis of large fruit size (3.0-4.0 g) Phenomen, Laszka, Glen Ample, Marianuska, Cowichan; high yield (0.322 - 0.393 kg/shoot) Laszka, Marianuska, Perseya; good taste of fruits (4.5 - 4.9 points) Cowichan, Marianuska, Perseya, Polka; high content of ascorbic acid (47.6 - 61.7 mg/100g) Glen Ample, Marianuska, Perseya; the high content of soluble solids (15.3 - 17.7%) Laszka, Marianuska, Polka, Phenomen, Cowichan. Over the years of research, all raspberry plants had a healthy appearance; chemical treatments on the experimental site were not used. The introduction of promising cultivars of raspberries will significantly improve the assortment of culture in the Crimea, increase the production of berry products. The best cultivars chosen for valuable characters can be used in breeding.
Cardiovascular Complications of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy: The Cytokine Release Syndrome and Associated Arrhythmias
Authors: Simbaqueba Cesar Clavijo , Aponte Maria Patarroyo , Kim Peter , Deswal Anita , Palaskas Nicolas L. , Iliescu Cezar , Jahangir Eiman , Yang Eric H. , Steiner Raphael E. , Lopez-Mattei Juan
Published: August 2020

In recent years, cancer treatment has evolved, and new therapies have been introduced with significant improvement in prognosis. The immunotherapies stand out owing to their efficacy and remission rate. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a part of this new era of therapies. Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy is a form of adoptive cellular therapy that uses a genetically encoded CAR in modified human T cells to target specific tumor antigens in a nonconventional, non-major histocompatibility complex (MHC) protein presentation. Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy successfully identifies tumor antigens and through activation of T cells destroys tumoral cells. It has been found to efficiently induce remission in patients who have been previously treated for B-cell malignancies and have persistent disease. As the use of this novel therapy increases, its potential side effects also have become more evident, including major complications like cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). Cytokine release syndrome is a major systemic inflammatory process as a result of massive cytokine production by the proliferating and activated CAR T cells in which multiple interleukins and immune cells contribute to the inflammatory response. Cytokine release syndrome has been associated with cardiovascular life-threatening complications including hypotension, shock, tachycardia, arrhythmias, left ventricular dysfunction, heart failure, and cardiovascular death. Arrhythmias, among its major complications, vary from asymptomatic prolonged corrected QT interval (QTc) to supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, flutter, and ventricular arrhythmias like Torsade de pointes. This article focuses on the cardiovascular complications and arrhythmias associated with CRS and CAR T-cell therapy.
RS3PE Following Treatment With Combination of Hormonal Therapies Plus Ipilimumab in a Patient With Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Authors: Kim Sang T. , Murphy William A. , Aparicio Ana , Subudhi Sumit K.
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are often associated with inflammatory toxicities known as immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema (RS3PE) is an atypical inflammatory arthritis. Herein, we report a case of RS3PE in a patient with metastatic prostate cancer who was receiving a combination of second-generation hormonal therapies plus ipilimumab.

Case Presentation

A 59-year-old man with metastatic prostate cancer developed sudden onset of pain and swelling of the right hand after 15 weeks of treatment with second-generation hormonal therapies plus three cycles of ipilimumab. Symptoms alternated to the left hand. Physical examination showed tender, pitting edema of the left hand with tenderness on the right second through fifth metacarpal phalangeal joints, leading to the diagnosis of RS3PE. Ipilimumab was withheld, and the RS3PE self-resolved; however, 1 month later, the patient had another flare of RS3PE. A bone scan showed active inflammation on bilateral wrists and hands. Methotrexate was initiated, and his symptoms resolved over a few days. Methotrexate was discontinued 2 months later, and RS3PE has been in complete remission. His prostate cancer progressed, and radium-223 treatment was initiated.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of RS3PE after the combined second-generation hormonal therapy plus ipilimumab. Both rheumatologists and oncologists should be aware that RS3PE can develop as an irAE. Understanding the mechanism of ICI therapy–associated RS3PE is critical to identify predictive biomarkers and develop optimal therapeutic strategies that do not sacrifice antitumor immunity.
Case Report: Sustained Complete Response to PI3K Inhibition in a Patient with Metastatic Breast Cancer Harboring PIK3CA, NF1, and CDH1 Mutations
Authors: Chandran Elias A. , Kennedy Ian
Published: August 2020

PIK3CA mutations resulting in disinhibition of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway are present in approximately a third of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer. Recent clinical trials of PI3K inhibition in PIK3CA-mutated metastatic breast cancer have shown improvement in progression-free survival of up to 11 months. We report a 68-year-old woman with metastatic ER-positive breast cancer with PIK3CA mutation who despite having disease progression after four lines of endocrine therapy (ET) attained a complete response (CR) after subsequent addition of a PI3K inhibitor. Remarkably, her CR is still maintained at 5 years. We believe this may be due to the co-occurrence of an NF1 mutation, which increases sensitivity to PI3K inhibition. Our case demonstrates restoration of sensitivity to ET by additional inhibition of PI3K, which resulted in exceptional disease response, far exceeding the expected duration. Hence, we believe that PI3K inhibition in addition to ET should be considered in patients with simultaneous PIK3CA and NF1 mutations.
Health Economic Publications From the Middle East and North Africa Region: A Scoping Review of the Volume and Methods of Research
Authors: Zrubka Zsombor , Rashdan Omar , Gulácsi László
Published: August 2020

Introduction

We reviewed the scope of countries, diseases, technologies, and methods involved in the health economic evaluations published in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Methods

PRISMA guidelines were followed. A PubMed search was conducted up to December 15, 2019. English language full-text articles were included if they reported original research on humans; involved the local population from Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, or Yemen; reported costs; and involved a full or partial health economic analysis comparing alternative health technologies. Data on publication year, country of origin, disease area according to ICD-10, type of health technology, and applied methods were extracted.

Results

From 105 eligible articles, 57.1% were published between 2015 and 2019. Egypt (30.5%) and Saudi Arabia (27.6%) were the most frequently involved countries. Infectious diseases were most often studied (27.6%). The assessed technology was a system (eg, infection control, screening, coverage/access, hospital management, or healthcare delivery program) in 41.9% of studies. Cost-utility analysis (CUA) was the most frequent method (29.5%) and was growing rapidly. Health system perspective was adopted in 52.4% of studies, whereas societal perspective was scarce (8.6%). The majority of studies (46.7%) were published in Scimago Q1 journals. Over half of the studies (54.2%) did not report or did not have a funding source.

Conclusions

From 2015, health economic analysis became more frequent in the MENA region, providing input to value-based health policy and financing. For further growth, in addition to the development of the institutional background, valid and more standardized local cost and outcome data should be available.
Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee Preparedness Plan for COVID-19
Authors: Abu Esba Laila Carolina , Al-Abdulkarim Hana Abdullah , Alrushidan Ahmed , Al Harbi Mohammed
Published: August 2020

As the Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) committee acts as an advisory committee on therapeutic options, it is important during pandemics, such as the current Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, to quickly search the evidence, be able to select the most appropriate therapies despite the limited evidence, and make appropriate decisions related to which drugs to procure and stock. Potential therapies and recommendations to the P&T committee at a large healthcare institution as means of a preparedness plan are reviewed here.
دراسة مقارنة للنشاط الكهربائي للعضلة الصدرية العظيمة المتناظرة في تمرين الضغط على المسطبة المستوية باستعمال جهاز سميث والأثقال الحرة
Authors: Hamdan Abdullah Ghazi , Altay Usama
Published: August 2020

هدفت الدراسة إلى قياس النشاط الكهربائي (المعدل والقمة) للعضلة الصدرية العظيمة لجهتي اليمين واليسار في تمرين الضغط على المسطبة المستوية باستعمال الأثقال الحرة وجهاز سميث، والتعرف على الفروق في النشاط الكهربائي للعضلة الصدرية العظيمة اليمين واليسار في تمرين الضغط على المسطبة المستوية باستعمال الأثقال الحرة وجهاز سميث وفي الشدد (50% و 75% و100%). واستعمل الباحث المنهج التجريبي بأسلوب المقارنة. وتم اختيار عينة البحث بالطريقة العمدية والمتمثلة باربعة طلاب من الممارسين لرياضة رفع الاثقال في كلية التربية البدنية وعلوم الرياضة/جامعة بغداد بوزن (69.38  ± 5.56) كغم، وبطول (171.52 ± 1.15) سم، وبعمر (20.25 ± 2.25) سنة. وتم اجراء اختبار الضغط على المسطبة المستوية (Bench Press) ثم يتم تنفيذ نفس الاختبار السابق ولكن باستعمال جهاز سميث وبالشدد (50% و 75%  و 100% من الشدة القصوى) لكلا الاختبارين. واستعمل الباحث الحقيبة الإحصائية الجاهزة (SPSS) للحصول على نتائج البحث من خلال: الوسط الحسابي، والانحراف المعياري، والوسيط، ومعامل الالتواء، اختبار (t-test) للعينات المستقلة. اما نتائج البحث فلم تُظهر فروقاً معنوية بين العضلة الصدرية العظيمة اليمين واليسار في متغيري النشاط الكهربائي (المعدل والقمة) عند استعمال الاثقال الحرة وجهاز سميث. وحدوث زيادة مطردة في متغيري النشاط الكهربائي (المعدل والقمة)، بزيادة الشدة ولكلا طريقتي اداء التمرين بالاثقال الحرة وجهاز سميث ولكلا العضلتين الصدريتين العظيمتين اليمين واليسار، كما ظهرت الفروق كلها في العضلة الصدرية العظيمة اليمنى لصالح استعمال الاثقال الحرة. في حين ظهرت الفروق كلها في العضلة الصدرية العظيمة اليسرى لصالح استعمال جهاز سميث. وأوصى الباحث باستعمال جهاز سميث او الاثقال الحرة لتطوير قوة العضلات الصدرية، واجراء دراسات للتأكد من سبب ظهور الفروق لمصلحة احدى الطريقتين دون الاخرى وذلك عن طريق اشراك لاعبين تكون الذراع المسيطرة عندهم هي الذراع اليسرى.
Modern Specialists’ Readiness
to Professional Communication and the Ways
of Developing Professional COmmunication Skills
Authors: Богомолова Е.В. , Ананьева О.И.
Published: August 2020

В статье описано, каким образом можно решить проблему сущности профессионального общения и путей его эффективного формирования. На основе проведенного анализа определены методологические основы исследования, даны авторские определения понятий «парадигма образования», «профессиональное общение», «готовность к профессиональному общению». Обосновано и доказано, что формирование готовности современного специалиста к профессиональному общению на базе комплексного использования личностно ориентированного и синергетического подходов, персонолизированного обучения, синергии форм, методов и средств обучения обеспечивает целостность и системность подготовки, достижение высокого уровня компетентности в сфере профессионального общения.

The article focuses on the essence of professional communication and on efficient ways of developing professional communication skills. The investigation enables the authors to define methodological foundations for research. The authors provide their definitions of the following concepts: “educational paradigm”, “professional communication”, “readiness to professional communication”. The article maintains that to ensure modern specialists’ readiness to professional communication, to secure systematic and comprehensive training, to guarantee the quality formation of professional communication, it is essential to integrate personality-oriented and synergistic approaches and to ensure personalized education and synergistic relationship between forms, methods and means of education.