bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RESEARCH LIBRARY IN THE SYSTEM OF KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT (BASED ON PUBLICATIONS)
Authors: Vikhreva G. M. , Fedotova O. P.
Published: January 2021

System of knowledge management stability under the conditions of dynamic changes of social medium objectively depends on the so-called “code of values” or “culture”. Goals of the system functioning, priorities of development, criteria of quality and effectiveness of activities in achieving these objectives depend on the prevailing paradigm in realizing tasks facing the object. The ever-growing stream of information makes the process of taking decisions more and more complicated. Modern research library is a very important structural element of the knowledge society because, on the one hand, it provides free access to information, achievements of science and arts, on the other hand – actively takes part in developing informational and communicational infrastructure as well as science and education. However, to be a direct productive force information has to transform into knowledge. This problem becomes more urgent in the context of the global paradigm – the economy based on knowledge. In this connection on the new stage of social evolution significance of social institutions, including libraries, engaged in producing, storing, processing and disseminating knowledge for their subsequent practical application is growing. The aim of this article is to give a brief review of publications, devoted to building up the system of knowledge management and the place of library in it. Methods, used in the research are: content analyses and generalization of native and foreign publications on the above mentioned problem.
PARTICIPATION OF ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN PREPARATION FOR CELEBRATING THE 220th ANNIVERSARY OF THE RUSSIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES IN 1945
Authors: Levner M. V. , Vinogradova N. A.
Published: January 2021

Here the authors present another article from the series devoted to the work of libraries of academic institutions and their staff during the Great Patriotic War. The article bases on the documents found in the archive of the Library for Natural Sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow and St. Petersburg Archives of the Academy of Sciences. The authors used the general scientific methodology, applying source study, archaeographic and analytical-synthetic methods of work with archival documents. This work is devoted to the grandiose event, preparation to which took place in in the last war months – the 220th anniversary of the USSR Academy of Sciences celebration. Preparation for this jubilee celebration was complex one, engaging various specialists and reflecting different directions of scientific development in the country. Large-scale book and rare archive documents exhibitions in which the best library specialists of the USSR Academy of Sciences took part displayed successes of the Russian science. These jubilee arrangements were to demonstrate the history of the development of science in Russia and the Soviet state power having won the severe war. When arranging jubilee celebrations the USSR Academy of Science librarians used the experience acquired while organizing famous scientists books’ exhibitions in the most difficult period of the Great Patriotic War. There were exhibited book treasures from the collections of academic libraries and archives as well as the results of studies of soviet scientists, foreign scientific publications that included native scientists’ articles. These exhibitions took place in Moscow and Leningrad – the cradle of the Russian Academy of Sciences. During this hard war period, the State allotted considerable resources for the jubilee arrangements, attaching great importance to international contacts of native scientists, showing their impact into the global science. The jubilee exhibitions revealed the big potential of the USSR Academy of Science libraries in spite of the enormous stuff and resources loss during the war. The experience of holding events on celebrating the anniversary of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR in 1945 may be useful in organizing work on the upcoming 300-th anniversary of the Russian Academy of Sciences in 2024.
AI-Driven Cybersecurity: An Overview, Security Intelligence Modeling and Research Directions
Authors: Sarker Iqbal H.
Published: January 2021

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the key technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0), which can be used for the protection of Internet-connected systems from cyber-threats, attacks, damage, or unauthorized access. To intelligently solve today's various cybersecurity issues, popular AI techniques involving Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) methods, the concept of Natural Language Processing (NLP), Knowledge Representation and Reasoning (KRR), as well as the concept of knowledge or rule-based Expert Systems (ES) modeling can be used. Based on these AI methods, in this paper, we present a comprehensive view on "AI-driven Cybersecurity" that can play an important role for intelligent cybersecurity services and management. The security intelligence modeling based on such AI methods can make the cybersecurity computing process automated and intelligent than the conventional security systems. We also highlight several research directions within the scope of our study, which can help researchers do future research in the area. Overall, this paper's ultimate objective is to serve as a reference point and guidelines for cybersecurity researchers as well as industry professionals in the area, especially from an AI-based technical point of view.
The Effect of Print Speed on Surface Roughness and Density Uniformity of Parts Produced Using Binder Jet 3D Printing
Authors: Myers K. , Paterson A. , Iizuka T. , Klein A.
Published: January 2021

One of the main benefits of binder jetting is the ability to print quickly compared to other metal additive manufacturing methods. Demand for higher throughput continues to increase, but the effects of faster print speeds on part outcomes are not yet clearly understood. MIM powders are used to achieve optimal density and surface finish. Printing at slower speeds results in densities near 98% and average surface roughness values as low as 4 μm (Ra), in the as-sintered condition. In this study, spread speeds were varied in order to understand the effect of print speed on surface roughness. 316L D90 -22 μm powder was used to print with 3 different spread speeds, 2 different layer thicknesses, and 2 different printhead droplet sizes. The surface finish and density were quantified for the sintered parts that were oriented at 0, 22.5, and 45 degrees with respect to the Z- direction.
Variation of Patulin Levels in Citrus Fruits From Central Cities of Punjab and Northern Cities of Pakistan, and Estimation of Dietary Intake
Authors: Aslam Kinza , Iqbal Shahzad Zafar , Razis Ahmad Faizal Abdull , Usman Sunusi , Ali Nada Basheir
Published: January 2021

The research aims to discover the natural occurrence of patulin (PAT) in selected citrus fruits from the central cities of Punjab and Pakistan's Northern cities. Total 2970 samples of twelve citrus fruits; kinnow, orange, grapefruits, bitter orange, mausami, red blood, pineapple, sweet orange, rough lime, sweet lime, kagzi lime and lemon were examined using liquid chromatography fitted with UV detector. The limit of detection (LOD) and quantification limit was 0.04 and 0.12 µg/kg, respectively. The results have shown that 56% of samples of citrus fruits from Punjab's central cities, Pakistan, were discovered to be infected from PAT. The elevated amounts of PAT ranging from 0.04 to 1150 µg/kg were found in citrus fruit samples from Multan cities. Furthermore, 31.7% of samples of citrus fruits from Northern cities of Pakistan were discovered to be infected with PAT, and the elevated amounts were found ranging from 0.04-320 µg/kg from Swat city. About 22.1% of samples of citrus fruits have levels of PAT greater than the suggested limits established by the European Union (EU). PAT's dietary intake levels ranged from 0.10-1.11 µg/kg bw/day from the central cities of Punjab, Pakistan, and 0.13-1.93 µg/kg bw/day were documented from Northern cities of Pakistan.
The Characteristic Equation of the Exceptional Jordan Algebra: Its Eigenvalues, and Their Possible Connection with the Mass Ratios of Quarks and Leptons
Authors: Singh Tejinder Pal
Published: January 2021

The exceptional Jordan algebra [also known as the Albert algebra] is the finite dimensional algebra of 3x3 Hermitean matrices with octonionic entries. Its automorphism group is the exceptional Lie group $F_4$. These matrices admit a cubic characteristic equation whose eigenvalues are real and depend on the invariant trace, determinant, and an inner product made from the Jordan matrix. Also, there is some evidence in the literature that the group $F_4$ could play a role in the unification of the standard model symmetries, including the Lorentz symmetry. The octonion algebra is known to correctly yield the electric charge values (0, 1/3, 2/3, 1) for standard model fermions, via the eigenvalues of a $U(1)$ number operator, identified with $U(1)_{em}$. In the present article, we use the same octonionic representation of the fermions to compute the eigenvalues of the characteristic equation of the Albert algebra, and compare the resulting eigenvalues with the known mass ratios for quarks and leptons. We find that the ratios of the eigenvalues correctly reproduce the [square root of the] known mass ratios for up, charm and top quark. We also propose a diagrammatic representation of the standard model bosons, Higgs and three fermion generations, in terms of the octonions, exhibiting an $F_4$ symmetry. We motivate from our Lagrangian as to why the eigenvalues computed in this work could bear a relation with mass ratios of quarks and leptons. In conjunction with the trace dynamics Lagrangian, the Jordan eigenvalues also provide a first principles theoretical derivation of the low energy value of the fine structure constant, yielding the value $1/137.04006$. The Karolyhazy correction to this value gives an exact match with the measured value of the constant, after assuming a specific value for the electro-weak symmetry breaking energy scale.
Influence of Drop Velocity and Droplet Spacing on the Equilibrium Saturation Level in Binder Jetting
Authors: Colton Trenton , Liechty Joseph , McLean Alden , Crane Nathan
Published: January 2021

Understanding the equilibrium saturation level is crucial to Binder Jetting (BJ). Saturation level influences dimensional accuracy, print time, green strength, and final material properties. Improved understanding of the saturation level can reduce development time for new materials and improve existing processes in BJ. Attempts have been made to predict saturation levels of parts with simple calculations from droplet primitives and capillary pressure. There is, however, limited experimental validation for these methods and they do not include the impact of drop velocity and droplet spacing. This study incorporates the influences of drop velocity and droplet spacing on the saturation level of the part. Drop primitives of varying droplet velocity and droplet spacing were compared. Results show that velocity impacts the feasible parameter space.
An Exact Solution to the Free Vibration Analysis of a Uniform Timoshenko Beam Using an Analytical Approach
Authors: Fogang Valentin
Published: January 2021

This study presents an analytical solution to the free vibration analysis of a uniform Timoshenko beam. The Timoshenko beam theory covers cases associated with small deflections based on shear deformation and rotary inertia considerations. A material law combining bending, shear, curvature, and natural frequency is presented. This complete study is based on this material law and closed-form solutions are found. The free vibration response of single-span systems, as well as that of spring-mass systems, is analyzed. Closed-form formulations of matrices expressing the boundary conditions are presented; the natural frequencies are determined by solving the eigenvalue problem. First-order dynamic stiffness matrices in local coordinates are determined. Finally, second-order analysis of beams resting on an elastic Winkler foundation is conducted.
Fewer and Farther between: Changes in the Timing of Longfin Smelt (Spirinchus thaleichthys) Movements in the San Francisco Estuary
Authors: Tobias Vanessa , Baxter Randall
Published: January 2021

Abundance of estuarine fish species has declined globally. In the San Francisco Estuary (SFE), long-term monitoring documented declines of many species including the anadromous species Longfin Smelt (Spirinchus thaleichthys). To improve management and recovery planning, we identified patterns in the timing, seasonal occupancy, and distribution of Longfin Smelt in a monitoring study (San Francisco Bay Study) for five regions of the SFE using a generalized additive model. We then investigated the year-to-year variability in the shape of the seasonal relationships using functional data analysis (FDA). FDA separated the variability due to population size from variability due to differences in occupancy timing. We found that Longfin Smelt have a consistent seasonal distribution pattern, that two trawl types were needed to accurately describe the pattern, and that the pattern is largely consistent with the hypothesized conceptual model. After accounting for variability in occupancy due to year-class strength, the timing of occupancy has shifted in three regions. The most variable period for the upstream regions Suisun Bay and Confluence was age-0 summer and for the downstream region Central Bay, was age-0 late fall. This manifested as a recent delay in the typical fall re-occupation of upstream regions, reducing Longfin Smelt abundance as calculated by another monitoring study (Fall Midwater Trawl); thus, a portion of recent reductions in Fall Midwater Trawl abundance of Longfin Smelt result from changes in behavior rather than a decline in abundance. The presence of multiple monitoring surveys allowed analysis of distribution from one data set to interpret patterns in abundance of another. Future investigations will examine environmental conditions as covariates during these periods and could improve our understanding of what conditions contribute to the shifting occupancy timing of Longfin Smelt, and possibly provide insight into the long-term quality of the San Francisco Estuary as habitat.
Efficacy of enterosorption in comprehensive treatment for lambliasis in children
Authors:   Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Novikova V.P. , Listopadova A.P. ,   Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Blinov A.E. ,   Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation
Published: January 2021

Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of Zosterin-Ultra enterosorbent in comprehensive treatment of children with lambliasis. Patients and methods. This study included 60 children with lambliasis aged between 3 and 17 years. Patients were divided into 3 groups depending on their therapy. Group 1 included 20 children who received Zosterin-Ultra-30% plus albendazole; Group 2 was composed of 20 children who received Zosterin-Ultra-60% plus albendazole; and Group 3 (control group) comprised 20 children who received albendazole alone. Results. All children who received Zosterin-Ultra had their pain syndrome completely eliminated and asthenic complaints subsided. The inclusion of enterosorbents into the treatment regimen also eliminated flatulence and normalized appetite. Conclusion. Our findings allow us to recommend Zosterin-Ultra as a part of comprehensive treatment for lambliasis in children. Key words: children, Zosterin-Ultra, lambliasis, fecal ELISA for lamblia, enterosorption
The Law Due to Authentic Degradation of Assets Against the Parties
Authors: Leonard Tommy
Published: January 2021

Degraded authentic deeds may cause losses to the parties. Notary as an official who is authorized by law has the responsibility for violations that cause the authentic deed to be degraded. In maintaining the professionalism of a notary, a notary who commits a violation can be given a sanction as a form of responsibility but also can file a lawsuit by the parties who suffer a loss. This thesis aims to determine the legal consequences of authentic deed degradation on the parties. The writing of this thesis uses a normative juridical research method or uses a statutory approach. Normative legal research is used to obtain rules, legal regulations and the application of the law. The notary's responsibility is given by imposing sanctions on the notary who commits the violation according to the level of the violation so that the notary can fulfill his responsibilities as a notary who has good morals and ethics in order to create justice for both the injured party and the notary itself.
Kajian Pengembangan Web HyLearn oleh Dosen Fakultas Ilmu Pendidikan Universitas Negeri Jakarta
Authors: QD Adjmal , Kustandi Cecep , Imbar Kunto
Published: January 2021

Adjmal. The studies of Hylearn web-based development by the lecturers of Faculty of Education Science Universitas Negeri Jakarta

This research aims to observe the development studies that has been implemented by the lecturers of faculty of education science Universitas Negeri Jakarta. This research uses the instrument in the form of questionare as a tools to gather the data which used TPACK approach. This research uses TPACK’s framework with the IDL version that consist of 4 aspects

(1) Technological aspect (2) Pedagogy technological aspect (3) Content technological aspect (4) Content of pedagogy technological aspect

The results are explained based on the used framwork as following (1) Tecnological aspect, a half of (50%) lecturers are able to use Hylear web based for teaching needs (2) Pedagogy technological aspect, more than a half of (54%) lecturers are able to improve the knowledge of teaching’s methods as well as the students (3) Content Technological aspect, more than a half of (60%) lecturers are able to implement instructional’s principle design for the content that’s made, choosen, or used (4) Content of pedagogy technological aspect, more than (60%) lecturers are able to create online learning course that’s effective and efficient with combining the content, technology, and appropriate instructional method.
Pengembangan Desain Model Pembelajaran Virtual Flipped Classroom
Authors: Mariyana Rita
Published: January 2021

This study aims to develop a virtual learning model design in the form of a flipped classroom virtual learning program application. This research and development is carried out to improve the quality of learning by developing a flipped classroom virtual learning design that is easy to understand, easy to use so that students can quickly understand the teaching material in the online lecture process. The research and development approach used in this research was purposive sampling technique for students who participated in the online system learning process. To describe the result of research from the improvement of learning design of flipped classroom based on virtual media, this research utilised a descriptive method, with a purposive sampling technique that studied active students in Early Childhood Teacher Education Program (henceforth-ECTE Program). Faculty of Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia. Data from students’ final examination scores, questionnaires, interviews were analyzed using quantitative and qualitative approach. The final products were a flipped classroom software along with its virtual based classroom design.
The Influence of Computer-Based Learning Media Tutorials on Students' Spatial Abilities In Mathematics
Authors: Kamid Kamid , Sofnidar Sofnidar , Syafmen Wardi , Mujahidawati Mujahidawati , Theis Roseli , Anwar Khairul
Published: January 2021

Abstract: In 21st century learning students is required to be more active in learning than teachers, therefore this study aims to determine whether there is an influence between computer-based learning media tutorials and students' spatial abilities in mathematics. Using quantitative descriptive. Where, the number of samples in this study were 240 students from SMP 11 Jambi City who used purposive sampling technique. Data were then analyzed with the help of the SPSS 21 application to find descriptive statistics in the form of mean, min, max, and category as well as inferential statistics using simple regression. The results obtained in this study are dominant in both the spatial abilities of students in mathematics. With this reinforced by the existence of a relationship and influence between computer-based learning media tutorials with students' spatial abilities in mathematics as seen from the sig value below 0.025, which is 0.016 and has a contribution of 72.6%.
MENGENAL PEMIKIRAN AL-MUBARRID DAN KONTRIBUSINYA TERHADAP PERKEMBANGAN ILMU BALĀGHAH
Authors: Ahyar Dasep Bayu
Published: January 2021

Ilmu Balaghah merupakan sebuah disiplin ilmu bahasa Arab yang terus mengalami perkembangan dan pembaharuan dikalangan para ulama, dengan lahirnya ilmu balāghah kita bisa memahami dan mengetahui bagaimana cara untuk mengomunikasikan sebuah makna kepada penerima pesan dengan bahasa yang indah, tepat sasaran, efektif, dan sesuai dengan situasi dan kondisi (al-Muqtadhol Hal). Kajian ilmu balaghah telah banyak dilakukan oleh para ulama dalam menghasilkan karya terbaiknya. Dalam Artikel ini penulis akan membahas tentang pemikiran-pemikiran al-Mubarrid dan kontribusinya terhadap perkembangan ilmu Balāghah.

Abu al-‘Abbas Muhammad ibn Yazid (lebih dikenal dengan Al Mubarrid). Dia telah memberikan kontribusi pemikirannya terhadap ulama generasi setelahnya hal ini terbukti dengan banyaknya ulama ahli Balaghah yang berguru secara langsung kepadanya, dan diantara ulama-ulama (Mutaakhkhirin) yang menonjol, dan mengambil langsung sanad keilmuan dari Al Mubarrid adalah Ibnu Mu'taz, Qudamah, Abdul Qahir Al-Jurjani, dan Al Khatib Al Qazwaini.

Abu al-‘Abbas Muhammad ibn Yazid telah menyumbangkan pemikiran-pemikirannya dalam khazanah kebahasaraban dan telah banyak karya-karya beliau, dan karya yang paling menumental dalam kajian kebahasaaraban khususnya pada kajian Balaghah adalah kitab al-Kâmil fi al-Lughah wa al-Adab. Dimana kitab ini memuat pembahasan tentang linguistik, kebudayaan Islam, sastra, sejarah,  dan gramatikal. Sastra Arab yang dimuat dalam buku ini tidak hanya berupa prosa dan puisi, melainkan juga pribahasa, kata-kata mutiara, syair-syair (puisi-puisi) dan khutbah-khutbah berbobot (bermutu).

Melalui artikel ini penulis memperkenalkan awal tentang pemikiran-pemikiran al-Balaghah al-Mubarrid dan kontribusinya bagi dunia sastra Arab.
Kata Kunci: Al-Mubarrid, Pemikiran, Al-Balāghah
Efficient CRISPR/Cas9 mediated Pooled - sgRNAs Assembly Accelerates Targeting Multiple Genes Related to Male Sterility in Cotton
Authors: Ramadan Mohamed , Alariqi Muna , Ma Yizan , Li Yanlong , Liu Zhenping , Zhang Rui , Jin Shuangxia , Min Ling , Zhang Xianlong
Published: January 2021

Background : Upland cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum ), harboring a complex allotetraploid genome, consists of A and D sub-genomes. Every gene has multiple copies with high sequence similarity that makes genetic, genomic and functional analysis extremely challenging. The recent accessibility of CRISPR/Cas9 tool provides the ability to modify targeted locus efficiently in various complicated plant genomes. However, current cotton transformation method targeting one gene requires a complicated, long and laborious regeneration process. Hence, optimizing strategy that targeting multiple genes is of great value in cotton functional genomics and genetic engineering. Results : To target multiple genes in a single experiment, 112 plant development-related genes were knocked out via optimized CRISPR/Cas9 system. We optimized the key steps of pooled sgRNAs assembly method by which 116 sgRNAs pooled together into 4 groups (each group consisted of 29 sgRNAs). Each group of sgRNAs was compiled in one PCR reaction which subsequently went through one round of vector construction, transformation, sgRNAs identification and also one round of genetic transformation. Through the genetic transformation mediated Agrobacterium , we successfully generated more than 800 plants. For mutants identification, Next Generation Sequencing technology has been used and results showed that all generated plants were positive and all targeted genes were covered. Interestingly, among all the transgenic plants, 85% harbored a single sgRNA insertion, 9% two insertions, 3% three different sgRNAs insertions, 2.5% mutated sgRNAs. These plants with different targeted sgRNAs exhibited numerous combinations of phenotypes in plant flowering tissues.Conclusion : All targeted genes were successfully edited with high specificity. Our pooled sgRNAs assembly offers a simple, fast and efficient method/strategy to target multiple genes in one time and surely accelerated the study of genes function in cotton.
The awareness and perceptions of dentists regarding medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw and its prevention: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Han A lum
Published: January 2021

Background: Accurate documentation of a patient’s prior medication use and awareness of side effects associated with anti-osteoporotic agents can assist dentists to prevent medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. I aimed to determine the awareness of Korean dentists regarding medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw and the duration of drug holidays they prescribe to patients who need to undergo various dental procedures.Methods: An online, questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 1000 dentists registered in an online community in Korea. The following were determined: general characteristics; type of practice; recordkeeping regarding patients’ use of bone-modifying agents; requirement of a doctor’s referral letter; advice given regarding drug holidays of bone-modifying agents before dental surgery procedures; and experience with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. Differences between dentists with and without experience in treating patients with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw were evaluated using the χ2 test.Results: Although a relatively high proportion (293/1000, 29.3%) of dentists had experienced cases of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw, only 650/1000 (65.0%) routinely documented the type of bone-modifying agent used by patients and the duration of its use. Moreover, only 591/1000 (59.1%) dentists routinely requested referral letters from doctors before performing dental surgery on patients. Although the recommended period for a drug holiday differs for each drug, 533/1000 (53.3%) dentists did not make such a distinction. There was a statistically significant difference in the level of detail documented in terms of anti-osteoporotic drug use between dentists who had no experience in medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (707/1000) and those who had such experience (P = 0.007). There was a statistically significant difference in the length of drug holidays prescribed between dentists with and without prior experience with the condition (P = 0.001).Conclusions: These results suggest that dentists do not respond consistently to patients' drug history prior to performing dental procedures. This implies the need for increased cooperation between dentists and physicians, as well as the development of targeted educational interventions for the dental profession, to reduce the risk of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw.Trial registration: Not applicable.
Beyond torture checklists. An exploratory study of the Reliability and Construct Validity of the Torturing Environment Scale (TES)
Authors: Pérez-Sales Pau , González-Rubio Raquel , Mellor-Marsá Blanca , Martínez-Alés Gonzalo
Published: January 2021

Background: Torture methods have traditionally been quantified using checklists. However, checklists fail to capture accurately both the almost infinite range of available methods of torture and the victims' subjective experience. The Torturing Environment Scale (TES) was designed as a multidimensional alternative that groups torture methods according to the specific human function under attack. This study aims to do an exploratory assessment of the internal consistency reliability and discriminatory validity of the TES as part of a construct validity assessment in a sample of Basque torture survivors. Methods: We applied the TES to a sample of 201 torture survivors from the Istanbul Protocol Project in the Basque Country Study (IPP-BC) to profile torturing environments in detention. To estimate the internal consistency reliability of the scale, categorical omega values were obtained for each subscale of the TES. To assess its discriminatory validity, the "known groups" method was used comparing mean scorings by gender, state security forces involved in the detention, and decade (the 1980s to the present) when the events took place. Results: Men reported more physical pain, while women reported more attacks on self-identity and sexual integrity. The TES also showed significant differences as regards the security forces involved in the detention: Civil Guard (a militarised police) used more manipulation of the environment, threats, fear, pain and extreme pain, as compared to national and regional corps. Finally, although patterns of torture remained mostly unchanged across decades, more recent detentions included more emphasis on psychological attacks: context manipulation, humiliation linked to sexual identity, and attacks to meaning and identity. For all subscales of the TES, categorical omega values ranged from 0.44 to 0.72. Conclusion: The TES may be a useful tool in profiling torturing environments. Its sensitivity to key contextual variables supports the discriminatory validity of the scale. While some of the subscales showed an acceptable degree of internal consistency, others require further analysis to improve reliability. The scale provides unique insights into the profile of contemporary torture. It will allow for future quantitative research on the relationship between different torturing environments and the medical and psychological consequences thereof.
Targeted Immune Epitope Prediction to HHLA2 and MAGEB5 Protein Variants as Therapeutic Approach to Related Viral Diseases.
Authors: Achinko Daniel , Dormer Anton , Narayanan Mahesh , Norman Elton
Published: January 2021

Background Targeted immunotherapy is mostly associated with cancer treatment wherein designed molecules engage signaling pathways and mutant proteins critical to the survival of the cell. One of several genetic approaches is the use of in silico methods to develop immune epitopes targeting specific antigenic regions on related mutant proteins. In a recent study we showed a functional association between the gamma retrovirus HERV-H Long Terminal Associating (HHLA1, HHLA2 and HHLA3) proteins and melanoma associated antigen of the B class proteins (MAGEB5), with a resultant decrease in expression of HLA class I and II immune variants. HLA-C and HLA-DRB5 were the main HLA class I and II Immune variants, respectively, that showed expression changes across viral samples of interest. Specific immune variants for HLA-C and HLA-DRB5 were filtered for the top ten based on their relative frequency of counts across the samples. Results Protein variants for HHLA1, HHLA2, HHLA3 and MAGEB5 were used to predict antigenic epitope peptides to immune peptide-MHC class I and II binding using artificial neural networks. For IC50 peptide scores (PS) ³ 0.5 with a transformed binding ability between 0 and 1, the top 5 epitopes identified for all targeted genes HHLA1,2 & 3 and MAGEB5 were qualified as strong or weak binders according to the threshold. Domain analysis using NCBI Conserved Domain Database (CDD) identified HHLA2 with immunoglobulin-like domains (Ig_C1-set) and MAGEB5 with the MAGE Homology Domain (MHD). Linear regression showed a statistical correlation (P < 0.001) for HHLA2 and MAGEB5 predicted epitope peptides to HLA-C but not HLA-DRB5. The prediction model identified HLA-C variant 9 (HLA-C9, BAA08825.1 HLA-B*1511) at 1.1% as the most valuable immune target for clinical considerations. Identification of the 9-mer epitope peptide within the domain showed for HHLA2: YANRTSLFY (PS=0.5837) and VLAYYLSSSQNTIIN (PS=0.77) for HLA-C and HLA-DRB5, respectively and for MAGEB5, peptides: FVRLTYLEY (PS=0.5293) and YPAHYQFLWGPRAYT (PS=0.62) for HLA-C and HLA-DRB5, respectively. Conclusion Specific immune responses to targeted epitope peptides and their prediction models, suggested co-expression and co-evolution for HHLA2 and MAGEB5 in viral related diseases. HHLA2 and MAGEB5 could be considered markers for virus related tumors and targeted therapy for oncogenic diseases.
Remote Online Exams Anxiety during the COVID-19 Crisis: A Cross-Sectional Study among Medical Students
Authors: Mastour Haniye , Ghalibaf AmirAli Moodi , Niroumand Shabnam
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Assessment and evaluation are major parts of the medical curriculum which motivate students to study, being a competent physician, and achieving the medical education eligible goals. Medical students, especially at undergraduate levels, experience a significant amount of anxiety due to frequent exams. Meanwhile, the coronavirus disease 2019 disaster forced higher educational institutes all over the world to adopt distance learning. So remote online exams were used as a kind of assessment that can lead to new paradigms.Methods: This cross-sectional study was planned to assess the remote online exams anxiety during COVID-19 Pandemic by analyzing test anxiety categories among basic science and pre-clinical medical students and its correlation between genders in the School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran, in 2020. Data collection tools were Demographic Questionnaire and Sarasons’s Test Anxiety Scale. Descriptive statistics (mean, percentages) and analytical statistics (t-test and one-way ANOVA) were used to analyze the data with SPSS version 11.5.Results: 290 medical students in basic science and pre-clinical courses were enrolled. 194 (66.4%) of participants were female and 177 (60.6%) were in basic sciences course. The prevalence of mild, moderate, and severe anxiety was 27.9%, 36.9%, and 35.2% respectively. The difference in the mean and SD of anxiety score in basic sciences students and pre-clinical students was not statistically significant (Pvalue=0.26), yet the results indicated that the level of anxiety in females (19.07+7.11) is significantly higher than males (14.44+7.15) (Pvalue<0.001).Conclusion: According to the current study, there is a critical need to take steps to recommend stress management techniques and bring reforms in E-learning and E-assessment systems to lower the anxiety in medical students while providing a stable and reliable electronic exam environment can be helpful.
Cannabinoid CB2 Receptor Functional Variation (Q63R) is Associated with COVID-19 Severity: from Human Study to Molecular Docking
Authors: Rastgar Mostafa , Samadizadeh Saeed , Yasaghi Mohammad , Moradi Abdolvahab , Tabarraei Alijan , Salimi Vahid , Tahamtan Alireza
Published: January 2021

Background: Evidence supports the role of host genetic diversity for the clinical course variation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Variation in the cannabinoid CB2 receptor gene (CNR2) could affect the endocannabinoids regulatory actions on the immune system, resulting in an increased risk of various inflammatory diseases. The present study investigated the relationship between the CNR2 rs35761398 (Q63R) functional variation and COVID-19 severity. Results: A total of 200 Iranian COVID-19 patients (100 expired and 100 discharged) were enrolled in the study and genotyped through TaqMan assay. The co-dominant, dominant, recessive, over-dominant, and additive inheritance models were analyzed using SNPStats software. In silico molecular docking was also performed to simulate the effects of Q63R variation on CB2 binding with a ligand and with G-protein. A significant difference in the Q63R allele and genotype distributions was found between COVID-19 expired and discharged patients in co-dominant (OR: 3.33, 95% CI: 1.25-8.88, p = 0.043), recessive (OR: 2.92, 95% CI: 1.16-7.33, p = 0.017), and additive inheritance (OR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.06-2.48, p = 0.025) models. The molecular docking results showed that the predicted structure of mutant CB2 (63R type) could not bind to G-protein in the correct position.Conclusions: The data implied the involvement of the CNR2 gene in the severity of COVID-19 in Iranian patients. Identification of genes related to susceptibility and severity of COVID-19 may lead to specific targets for repurposing or drug development.
Influenza Vaccination During the Coronavirus Epidemic: Intention to Vaccinate among the at-risk Population in the Central Catalonia Health Region (VAGCOVID).
Authors: Bonet-Esteve Anna , Muñoz-Miralles Raquel , Gonzalez-Claramunt Carla , Rufas Ana M , Cruz Xavier Pelegrin , Vidal-Alaball Josep
Published: January 2021

BackgroundInfluenza is a major public health issue, with the primary preventive measure being an annual influenza vaccination. Nevertheless, vaccination coverage among the at-risk population is low. Our understanding of the behaviour of the influenza virus during the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic is limited, meaning the influenza vaccination is still recommended for individuals in high-risk groups. The aim of the study is to determine the intention to vaccinate against seasonal influenza among the at-risk population in the 2020-21 campaign during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and to analyse the factors which influence said intention.MethodsCross-sectional telephone survey of adults (aged over 18) with risk factors in central Catalonia where the need for the Seasonal Influenza Vaccine (SIV) was recommended.ResultsA total of 434 participants responded to the survey, 43.3% of whom intended to have the vaccination against influenza this year and 15.9% did not know or did not express an opinion. The intention to get vaccinated against influenza is associated with having dependents, the individual’s perception of the risk of them catching influenza and the perceived risk for dependents. It is also associated with age, whether the individual had received an influenza vaccination the year before and whether they had been vaccinated on another occasion. The best predictors of the intention to vaccinate are the individual’s perception of the risk of catching influenza and whether the individual had been vaccinated in the previous year.ConclusionsVaccination intention can be a good predictor of behaviour in relation to vaccination. During the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic many individuals are undecided. In order to improve vaccination coverage in people at risk, it is necessary to promote educational actions, especially in those people who express doubts.
Exploring the Anti-HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase, Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Cancer Activities and Cytotoxicity of Two Fermented Commercial Herbal Concoctions Sold in Limpopo Province of South Africa
Authors: Ntlhamu Matimba Ishmael , Ndhlala Ashwell Rungano , Masoko Peter
Published: January 2021

Background and objectives: The use of herbal concoctions is very popular in South Africa, including Limpopo Province. The herbal concoctions are claimed to be capable of treating numerous illnesses such as ulcers, cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, certain STDs, blood cleansing to mention but a few. The focus of this study was to evaluate the anti-HIV 1 reverse transcriptase, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancerous activities as well as cytotoxic effects of 2 fermented herbal concoctions used for the treatment of the related ailments in Limpopo province of South Africa. Method: Two fermented herbal concoctions obtained from a herbalist in Polokwane were extracted with 80% acetone. The anti-HIV activity of the herbal concoctions was determined using the anti-HIV reverse transcriptase assay. The anti-cancer and cytotoxic effects of the herbal concoctions were evaluated using cancerous Human Colon (HT-29) cells and the normal human Hepatoma cells (C3A) respectively. Results: Notable anti-HIV reverse transcriptase activity was observed from the 80% acetone fraction of herbal concoction 1 (IC50 38.031 µg/mL) which exhibited better activity than the positive control Lamivudine (IC50 40.90 µg/mL). There was variation in the anti-inflammation activity as determined by the sPL2, 15-LOX and COX enzyme assays. The only concerning matter was the high COX-1 activity in some of the extracts, which is not desirable due to the mucosal protection action of COX-1 enzyme. The herbal concoctions did not exhibit cytotoxic effects on normal human cells, however, toxicity against cancerous cells was observed. Conclusion: The herbal concoctions displayed some considerable pharmacological effects against various ailments as claimed by the herbalist. More work to ascertain the toxicity of both concoctions against cancerous cells need to be followed as this could lead to the discovery of anticancer drugs.
Fluid Resuscitation via Colon Alleviates Systemic Inflammation in Early Stage of Rats With Severe Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Ni Tongtian , Xu Lili , Sun Silei , Ma Li , Zhao Bing , Zhou Weijun , Wen Yi , Ning Ning , Chen Erzhen , Chen Ying , Mao Enqiang
Published: January 2021

Fluid Resuscitation Via Colon (FRVC) is a complementary therapy for severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) in early stage. The expression of intestinal dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion molecule 3-grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN) has been found to regulate systemic inflammation. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of FRVC on the expression of DC-SIGN in the colon tissue of SAP rats and its effect on the early response of systemic inflammatory and multiple organ injury. SAP rats were induced by retrograding injection of sodium taurocholate into biliopancreatic duct. The expression of DC-SIGN was observed in the proximal and distal colons. Histological characteristics and inflammatory cytokines were examined to compare the effect of FRVC and intravenous fluid resuscitation (IVFR) treatment. The results showed that the expression of DC-SIGN in the proximal colon increased in a time-dependent manner in early stage of SAP rats. FRVC inhibits the expression of DC-SIGN in the proximal colon. Both FRVC and IVFR treatment alleviates histological injury of pancreas and colon. However, FRVC had an advantage over IVFR in alleviating lung injury and reducing Serum TNF-α, IL-6 and LPS. These results suggest that FRVC treatment might be helpful in suppressing systemic inflammation and preventing subsequent organ failure in early stage of SAP rats. The mechanism might be to inhibit the expression of DC-SIGN protein in the proximal colon.
Photocatalytic three-component asymmetric sulfonylation via direct C(sp3)-H functionalization
Authors: Cao Shi , Hong Wei , Ye Ziqi , Gong Lei
Published: January 2021

The direct and selective C(sp3)-H functionalization of cycloalkanes and alkanes is a highly useful process in organic synthesis owing to the low-cost starting materials, the high step and atom economy. Its application to asymmetric catalysis, however, has been scarcely explored. Herein, we disclose our effort toward this goal by incorporation of dual asymmetric photocatalysis by a chiral nickel catalyst and a commercially available organophotocatalyst with a radical relay strategy through sulfur dioxide insertion. Such design leads to the development of three-component asymmetric sulfonylation involving direct functionalization of cycloalkanes, alkanes, toluene derivatives or ethers. The photochemical reaction of a C(sp3)-H precursor, a SO2 surrogate and a common α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compound proceeds smoothly under mild conditions, delivering a wide range of biologically interesting α-C chiral sulfones with high regio- and enantioselectivity (> 50 examples, up to > 50:1 rr and 95% ee). This method is applicable to late-stage functionalization of bioactive molecules, and provides new access to enantioenriched compounds starting from the abundant hydrocarbon compounds.
Estimated Date of Delivery with Electronic Medical Records by a Hybrid GBDT-GRU Model
Authors: Wu Yina , Zhang Yichao , Zou Xu , Yuan Zhenming , Hu Wensheng , Lu Sha , Sun Xiaoyan , Wu Yingfei
Published: January 2021

Background: An accurate estimated date of delivery (EDD) helps pregnant women make adequate preparations before delivery and avoid the panic of parturition. EDD is normally derived from some formulates or estimated by doctors based on last menstruation period and ultrasound examinations. The main aim of this study was to develop a hybrid model to improve the accuracy of EDD and promote the health and safety of pregnant women and fetuses. Methods: This study attempted to combine antenatal examinations and electronic medical records to develop a hybrid model based on Gradient Boosting Decision Tree and Gated Recurrent Unit (GBDT-GRU). Besides exploring the features that affect the EDD, GBDT-GRU model obtained the results by dynamic prediction of different stages. The mean square error (MSE), mean absolute error (MAE) and coefficient of determination (R2) were used to compare the performance among the different prediction methods. In addition, we evaluated predictive performances of different prediction models by comparing the proportion of pregnant women under the error of different days. Results: The clinical data were collected with 33,222 pregnancy examination records from 5537 Chinese pregnant women who have given birth. Experimental results showed that the hybrid GBDT-GRU model outperformed other prediction methods with coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.84, mean square error (MSE) of 41.73. We also found that the GBDT-GRU model had a smaller deviation by comparing the bias between the actual delivery date and the EDD under different methods. Conclusions: In comparison with other prediction methods, the GBDT-GRU model provided better performance results. The results of this study are helpful for the development of guidelines for clinical delivery treatments, as it can assist clinicians in making correct decisions during obstetric examinations.
Carnosol Induces Cell Apoptosis and Inhibits Invasion and Proliferation in Skin Epidermoid Cancer in Vitro Through MMP11-EGFR Pathway
Authors: Jiang Shiqiu , Liu Hairong , Zhang Jie , Zhang Fang , Fan Jiawei
Published: January 2021

Background and purpose: The anti-tumor effect of carnosol has been revealed in cancers. This research intends to explore the role and underlying mechanisms of carnosol in the skin cancer in vitro. Methods: Online database GEPIA was used to preliminarily analyze MMP11 expression in skin cancer and further performed overall survival evaluation based on TCGA data. 0, 5µM, 10 µM, 20 µM carnosol was added into the skin cancer A431 cell culture. Later, RT-PCR method detected the mRNA expression of MMP-11 and Elisa kits measured the concentrations of MMP11, phosphor-EGFR and total EGFR proteins as well as the biomarkers related to proliferation (Ki67) and EMT (E-cadherin and Vimentin) as well as Casepase-3. The 20µM carnosol group was selected to further study the regulatory effect of MMP11 in A431 cells.Colony formation examined the cell proliferation. Flow cytometry method checked cell apoptosis while Transwell method explored the cell invasion and migration. Results: MMP11 is upregulated in skin cancer and lower level of MMP11 or EGFR expression is correlated with higher overall survival rates. Carnosol addition inhibited the mRNA expression of MMP11 and lowered the protein concentrations of MMP11 and phosphor-EGFR. In addition, Ki67 and Vimentin concentration was inhibited by carnosol while E-cadherin was instead promoted. Caspase-3 activity was enhanced by carnosol. Upregulation of MMP11 recovered EGFR activation, cell proliferation and invasion while inhibited apoptosis, partly counteracted the function of carnosol in cells. Conclusion: Carnosol might induce cell apoptosis and inhibits invasion and proliferation in skin epidermoid cancer in vitro through MMP11-EGFR pathway.