bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revista de Revistas - Indicaciones de los estrogenos en las várices dolorosas del embarazo
Authors: De Obstetricia y Ginecología Federación Colombiana
Published: August 2020

Es indudable que durante el embarazo se agrega una causa a ía etiología de las várices que podemos clasificar de endocrina, y que juega un papel de alguna consideración para el tema en discusión.Laurens afirma que el motivo que hace consultar a la paciente, es primeramente el dolor que dio en su serie una insidencia del 78%. El dolor es síntoma variable en intensidad y tipo y generalmente no relacionado con la magnitud de la lesión venosa.Hay muchos autores partidarios del tratamiento de las várices en embarazo mediante inyecciones esclerosantes. Otros apelan a la cirugía. Ninguno de los dos procedimientos son empleados por el autor por parecerles no exentos de molestias y peligros.Se adhiere al procedimiento empleado por Mc Causland desde 1939, cuyos resultados en sus manos y en las del autor de este trabajo son alentadores.
How Innovation Districts (Do Not) Work: the Case Study of Cracow
Authors: Gądecki Jacek , Afeltowicz Łukasz , Anielska Karolina , Morawska Ilona
Published: August 2020

This article is an attempt to answer the question: how one selects a neighbourhood to develop an innovation district, using the case of Cracow. This article mainly refers to the issue of the shape of innovation districts, showing how much the morphology of such spaces and their functions can promote or limit the development of innovative enterprises from the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) industry. It also refers to our research carried out with quantitative and qualitative methods in Poland, using two locations in Cracow as a case study. In this paper, we focus on the significant restrictions which hinder the emergence and development of such districts. We also indicate the potential solutions to these difficulties such as the temporary spaces of events we mapped and which we called ‘totemic spaces’.
Strategies And Methods Of Learning Arabic Vocabulary/ Strategi Dan Metode Pembelajaran Kosakata Bahasa Arab
Authors: S Febry Ramadani , Baroroh R Umi
Published: August 2020

This research aims to analyze strategies and methods of learning Arabic vocabulary that is tailored to the level of students. The research method is library research which is some of the data resources took by books and journals; then researchers analyze the data with content analysis methods. The problem which mostly figured out by students in learning Arabic is their lack knowledge of understanding its vocabulary, the problem which mostly figures out by students in learning Arabic is short of knowledge in vocabulary and understanding its meaning. Those impact to the low skills of students in learning the Arabic language. So, there is a need for vocabulary learning strategies and methods that are appropriate to the level of students. The results found that there were strategies and methods which appropriate to the level of students for the primary level (mubtadi'): (1) the mim-mem method, and (2) the singing method, for the intermediate level (mutawasiṭ): (1) Total Physical Response (TPR) method, (2) effective demonstration method, and (3) direct method, and for advanced-level (mutaqaddim): (1) reading method, and (2) cognitive method.
Lo maravilloso y extraordinario en la novela erótica griega
Authors: Rojas Álvarez Lourdes
Published: August 2020

The ancient Greek novel was not detached from the literary tendencies of its times, such as the Second Sophistic with its constant tendency towards innovation. Sophists often declared the “novelty” of their deeds, as did the novel which, been a fictional narrative, strived for the entertainment of its public looking for the surprising, new and unexpected. Taking a closer look into the novels, we can see that each author tried to excel due to the extraordinary facts included in his work. In my exposition, I will consider the novels of Longus, Xenophon of Ephesus and Charito, that deal with extraordinary facts or situations, trying to attract the attention of their public. By analyzing a specific vocabulary related to the extraordinary (parádoxon), surprising (kainón) or incredible (ápiston), we will find that Charito, who is the author that refers less to extraordinary deeds, qualifies some of them as such.
Roma en la poesía de Ida Vitale: lengua, literatura y civilización
Authors: Fernández Zambudio Josefa
Published: August 2020

In this paper we focus on significant examples of the dialogue between the uruguayan poet Ida Vitale and the Roman World. We explore her reception of Rome through Latin Language and Roman Literature, Religion, Society, History and Archaeology. These elements are linked to the search of an accurate expression. The lack of studies on Ida Vitale, especially on Classical tradition, and the contextualization in her Poetics justify our contribution itself.
Incorporation of knowledge through acquisition in the pharmaceutical industry
Authors: Matos Murilo Montanari
Published: August 2020

This article focuses on the incorporation of knowledge conducted by large pharmaceutical corporations through the acquisition of small enterprises. The objective was to evidence to which degree the incorporation of knowledge is performed by a sample of 8 large pharmaceutical companies. In order to do this, we rely on qualitative methods, based on a sample of eight companies and 54 small enterprises they acquired in the period from 2005 to 2012. From the sample we compiled the patents granted to the small firms within the USPTO. The analysis conducted develops two central actions. The first is theinventor’s usage, defined as the small enterprises inventors, which when incorporated by large pharmaceutical corporations started to develop patents through the acquiring larger company. The second is the incorporation of research trajectories, which means how inventors cite their past work as they are incorporated into the larger companies. This article concludes that the incorporation of inventors is a relevant strategy among the large companies studied so that these companies can incorporate external knowledge bases from the acquired smaller enterprises; however, just a few inventors are incorporated, which shows that just a small group of people conducts innovative research for large companies. This article contribution was to categorically evidence the incorporation of knowledge through new metrics, being them: inventor’s usage and research trajectory incorporation.
Indigenous Knowledge of Dayaks Bakumpai in Barito Kuala District on the Management of Plant Diversity Growing at Streams and Swamps
Authors: Darmono Darmono , SOFYAN AHMAD , WAHYU WAHYU , WARNI HERITA
Published: August 2020

Research aimed at describing profile of indigenous knowldge owned by the Dayaks Bakumpai in Batola district on managing the diversity of herbs growing at the river flow and swamp. Data on herb used by the tribe were grouped based on the etnobotanic study, covering study botany, etnofarmacology, etnoantrophology, etnolinguistik and etnoekologi. We also observed how the Dayaks Bakumpai in Batola district preserve the diversity of plant in around them, and how their efforts in bequeathing or teaching the traditional knowledge of an old breed generation to his young daam in managing diversity of herbs around them.  The study was carried out at three vellages, namely Simpang Arja, Pengulu and Ulu Benteng. The results showed that 52 plant species living along the river and 67 species that live in the marsh. Based on the interview we found that (1) the profile of indigenous knowldge dayaks bakumpai district batola in making use of the diversity of plant in surrounding shown through etno-linguistic, etno-economy, etno-anthropology, etno-farmacology and etno-ecology against 44 tufted herbs of 67 of herbs found, (2) Dayaks Bakumpai in Batola district, to preserve the diversity of plant surrounding them, have done without planting, but by making use of herbs without a certain rule, making use of herbs by a certain rule, making use of herbs let plant grown in nature, and destroy plants that exist or cultivated, and (3) efforts for the inheriting the indigenous knowldge to its young generation have been done by women and quite alarming that many young ages of Dayaks Bakumpai do not know the name of herbs around them.
Growth Performance of Three Indigenous Tree Species (Cratoxylum arborescens Vahl. Blume, Alstonia spathulata Blume, and Stemonurus scorpioides Becc.) Planted at Burned Area in Klias Peat Swamp Forest, Beaufort, Sabah, Malaysia
Authors: Mojiol Andi Russel , Wahyudi Wahyudi , Wahyudi Wahyudi , Nasly Narbert , Nasly Narbert
Published: August 2020

The aim of the study was to evaluate the growth performance of three indigenous tree species planted under open area planting technique of burned area at Klias Peat Swamp Forest, Beaufort, Sabah. Three indigenous tree species was used in this study, namely are Cratoxylum arborescens (Vahl) Blume (Geronggang), Alstonia spathulata Blume (Pulai), and Stemonurus scorpioides Becc. (Katok). A total of 45 seedlings for each species were examined using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with spacing of 3mx3m. Data collection for height, diameter, and survivality was recorded every two weeks within 10 weeks period from the seedlings was planted. Results from this study showed, the growth performance of Geronggang species was much better than the Pulai species, while all the Katok seedlings were died after week 6 in this experiment. The Geronggang species had the average mean height increment of 24.17 cm and average mean diameter increment of 2.76 mm, while Pulai species had average mean height increment of 9.36 cm and average mean diameter increment with 1.86 mm. For the survivality results, it showed that the Geronggang species had the highest survivality rate at 93.33% and Pulai species with 86.67%. There was a significant difference in term of relative height growth rate between Geronggang and Pulai species.  However, there was no significant difference in term of relative diameter growth rate at significant level of P ≤ 0.05. The findings indicates that Geronggang and Pulai are suitable to be planted at burned area in Klias peat swamp forest for the purpose of reforestation using open area planting technique, while the Katok species is not suitable due to environment consideration. The better growth performance of the Geronggang and Pulai species are because they can easily adapted with the open area planting at the study site.
Characteristics and Behavior of Managers towards Cost Consciouness (Empirical studies on Leadership Working Units in Southern Kalimantan Provincial Government)
Authors: Adriani Ade , Norlena Norlena
Published: August 2020

The research’s  purpose is to test empirically examine the effect of the regional financial accounting information system characteristics and behavior of managers towards cost consciouness in the use of financial information systems area. Manager behavior is proxied by the control decision-making and cost management consciousness as practiced by Abernethy and Emidia. The study will examine whether the phenomenon occurs in Indonesia, particularly in the South Kalimantan provincial government. Concretely influences the characteristics of accounting information systems in this area of financial information systems, it is seen from the behavior of Chief SKPD in the South Kalimantan provincial government in decision-. The Result shows that Characteristics of Financial Accounting Information Systems affect the use of the local financial system to control decision-making and management.  There is a significant relationship between system characteristics financial information to the control area decisions. Financial regionally accounting information system characteristics were positively associated with decision controlling policy. The use of financial information systems area for menajament decisions affect cost consciousness. The effect of control decisions the cost consciousness is significant.
Stabilization of organic matter in the raised-bed soils of tidal swamplands is influenced by the types and the amounts of organic matter application
Authors: Saidy A R , Khairullah I , Septiana M , Triatmoko E
Published: August 2020

Farmers in tidal swamplands annually added organic matter (OM) onto the raised beds to maintain organic matter contents and thereby maintain soil productivity of the raised beds. This experiment aimed to study the influence of the types and the amounts of OM on the stabilization of organic matter in the raised-bed soils. Four types of OM: rice straw, eceng gondok (Eichornia crassipes), purun tikus  (Eleocharis dulcis) and mixed  rice straw-eceng gondok were added to a 27-year raised bed soil with 4 different rates: 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0  of maximum sorption capacity (Qmax), and the OM stabilization was quantified after 10 weeks of OM addition.  Results of this study showed with the exception of rice straw, OM addition to soil resulted in increases in the mineralization of soil OM thereby inducing priming effect. Addition of rice straw at rate of 0.5 of Qmax resulted in stabilization of 46% added OM, while only 30% and 37% of added OM was stabilized when OM was added to soils at rates of 1.0 and 2.0 Qmax, respectively.  This study showed that the stabilization of OM in raised bed soils were influenced by the chemical composition of OM and the amount of added OM.
World Health Organization (WHO) COVID-19 Database: Who Needs It?
Authors: Kodvanj Ivan , Homolak Jan , Virag Davor , Trkulja Vladimir
Published: August 2020

Introduction: A large number of COVID-19 publications has created a need to collect all research-related material in practical and reliable centralized databases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the functionality and quality of the compiled World Health Organisation COVID-19 database and compare it to Pubmed and Scopus. Methods: Article metadata for COVID-19 articles and articles on 8 specific topics related to COVID-19 was exported from the WHO global research database, Scopus and Pubmed. The analysis was conducted in R to investigate the number and overlapping of the articles between the databases and the missingness of values in the metadata. Results: The WHO database contains the largest number of COVID-19 related articles overall but retrieved the same number of articles on 8 specific topics as Scopus and Pubmed. Despite having the smallest number of exclusive articles overall, the highest number of exclusive articles on specific COVID-19 related topics was retrieved from the Scopus database. Further investigation revealed that PubMed and Scopus have more comprehensive structure than the WHO database, and less missing values in the categories searched by the information retrieval systems. Discussion: This study suggests that the WHO COVID-19 database, even though it is compiled from multiple databases, has a very simple and limited structure, and significant problems with data quality. As a consequence, relying on this database as a source of articles for systematic reviews or bibliometric analyses is undesirable.
Sexual Dimorphism in the Multielemental Stoichiometric Phenotypes and Stoichiometric Niches of Spiders
Authors: Sobczyk Łukasz , Filipiak Michał , Czarnoleski Marcin
Published: August 2020

Nutritional limitations may shape populations and communities of organisms. This phenomenon is often studied by treating populations and communities as pools of homogenous individuals with average nutritional optima and experiencing average constraints and trade-offs that influence their fitness in a standardized way. However, populations and communities consist of individuals belonging to different sexes, each with specific nutritional demands and limitations. Taking this into account, we used the ecological stoichiometry framework to study sexual differences in the stoichiometric phenotypes, reflecting stoichiometric niches, of four spider taxa differing in hunting mode. The species and sexes differed fundamentally in their elemental phenotypes, including elements beyond those most commonly studied (C, N and P). Both species and sexes were distinguished by the C:N ratio and concentrations of Cu, K and Zn. Species additionally differed in concentrations of Na, Mg and Mn. Phosphorous was not involved in this differentiation. Sexual dimorphism in spiders’ elemental phenotypes, related to differences in their stoichiometric niches, suggests different nutritional optima and differences in nutritional limitation experienced by different sexes and species. This may influence the structure and functioning of spider populations and communities.
Cracking the Secret Code of the Selectivity Ratio Between K+ and Na+ Ions in the KcsA K+ Channel
Authors: Jung Yongwoon , Nam Sangyong
Published: August 2020

The KcsA is a prokaryotic potassium-oriented channel, which is sourced from the Streptomyces lividans soil bacteria. From extensive studies that have been carried over the KcsA potassium channel, it has been proved that various factors enable the gating and shuttling of the potassium ions into and out of the cells. Some of the factors include the different concentration of protons in the inside and outside membrane. The other factor is the existence of the selectivity filter equipped in the exit of channel pore, which enables the movement of the K+ ions. Not only are potassium ions present in the channel but also sodium ions. Potassium and sodium ions are the ions that are essential in the conductivity of a cell because of their charge. An intuitive idea about why K+ ions are at least 10,000 times more permeant than Na+ ions is presented in various entities. The hypothesis is that the selectivity ratio is probably related to the successive entry of Na+ ions, based on the premise that the ratio seems to be relevant to unpredictable quantities caused by Brownian corrosion of ions.
A Comprehensive TCO Evaluation Method for Electric Bus Systems Based on Discrete-Event Simulation Including Bus Scheduling and Charging Infrastructure Optimisation
Authors: Jefferies Dominic , Göhlich Dietmar
Published: August 2020

Bus operators around the world are facing the transformation of their fleets from fossil-fuelled to electric buses. Two technologies prevail: Depot charging and opportunity charging at terminal stops. Total cost of ownership (TCO) is an important metric for the decision between the two technologies, however, most TCO studies for electric bus systems rely on generalised route data and simplifying assumptions that may not reflect local conditions. In particular, the need to re-schedule vehicle operations to satisfy electric buses’ range and charging time constraints is commonly disregarded. We present a simulation tool based on discrete-event simulation to determine the vehicle, charging infrastructure, energy and staff demand required to electrify real-world bus networks. These results are then passed to a TCO model. A greedy scheduling algorithm is developed to plan vehicle schedules suitable for electric buses. Scheduling and simulation are coupled with a genetic algorithm to determine cost-optimised charging locations for opportunity charging. A case study is carried out in which we analyse the electrification of a metropolitan bus network consisting of 39 lines with 4748 passenger trips per day. The results generally favour opportunity charging over depot charging in terms of TCO, however, under some circumstances, the technologies are on par. This emphasises the need for detailed analysis of the local bus network in order to make an informed procurement decision.
Influence of Kinesio Tape on Lower Limb Muscular Activity after Knee Joint Rehabilitation Program
Authors: El-Gazzar Hossam , Abdel gawad Abdel Basset , Akl Abdel-Rahman
Published: August 2020

Kinesio tape is considered one of the most common techniques which using recently, where it is used as a therapeutic technique for pain relief, correction of joint position, prevention of oedema and injuries, improve range of motion and muscular activity for the individual. This study is a descriptive research design and aims to identify the effect of using Kinesio tape on the neuromuscular activity of quadriceps muscle after the rehabilitation program of the knee joint. The study sample consists of (10) players from different sports (football, basketball …etc.) and suffering from knee joint injuries. This sample was taken from Kafr-El sheikh and Kaleen club. Results showed that Kinesio tape doesn’t have any explicit effect on the neuromuscular activity of muscle but acts as a catalyst for muscle and promote a person’s feeling of psychological wellbeing and reassurance.When comparing results of using Kinesio tape during performing leg squatting and balance test with not using tape, founded that when performing leg squatting and balance test with using Kinesio tape, there were significant effects on muscle activity compared to not using it.
Extrusion Process Simulation and Layer Shape Prediction during 3D-Concrete-Printing Using The Particle Finite Element Method
Authors: Reinold Janis , Nerella Venkatesh Naidu , Mechtcherine Viktor , Meschke Günther
Published: August 2020

To enable purposeful design and implementation of automated concrete technologies, precise assessment and prediction of the complex material flow at various stages of the process chain are necessary. This paper investigates the intermediate stage of the extrusion and deposition processes in extrusion-based 3D-concrete-printing, using a numerical model based on the Particle Finite Element Method (PFEM). In PFEM, due to the Lagrangian description of motion, remeshing algorithms and the alpha shape method are used to track the free surface during large deformation scenarios. The Bingham constitutive model was used for describing the rheological behaviour of fresh concrete. This model is validated by comparing the numerically predicted layer geometries with those obtained from laboratory 3D printing experiments. Extensive parametric studies were then conducted using the numerical simulation, delineating the influence of process and material parameters on the layer geometries, the dynamic surface forces generated under the extrusion nozzle and the inter-layer interactions.
Parameterization of Vegetation Scattering Albedo in the Tau-Omega Model for Soil Moisture Retrieval on Croplands
Authors: Park Chang-Hwan , Jagdhuber Thomas , Colliander Andreas , Lee Johan , Berg Aaron , Cosh Michael , Kim Sung-bum , Kim Yoonjae , Wulfmeyer Volker
Published: August 2020

An accurate radiative transfer model (RTM) is essential for the retrieval of soil moisture (SM) from microwave remote sensing data, such as the passive microwave measurements from the Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission. This mission delivers soil moisture products based upon L-band brightness temperature data, via retrieval algorithms for surface and root-zone soil moisture, the latter is retrieved using data assimilation and model support. We found that the RTM based on the tau-omega (?-ω) model, can suffer from significant errors over croplands (in average between -9.4K and + 12.0K for Single Channel Algorithm SCA; -8K and + 9.7K for Dual-Channel Algorithm DCA) if the vegetation scattering albedo (omega) is treated as a constant and the temporal variations are not accounted. In order to reduce this uncertainty, we propose a time-varying parameterization of omega for the widely established zeroth order radiative transfer ?-ω model. The main assumption is that omega can be expressed by a functional relationship between vegetation optical depth (tau) and the Green Vegetation Fraction (GVF). The validation was performed from 14 May to 13 December 2015 over 61 Climate Reference Network sites (SCRN) classified as croplands. The application of the proposed time-varying vegetation scattering albedo results in a consistent improvement for the unbiased root mean square error of 16% for SCA and 15% for DCA. The reduction for positive and negative biases was 45% and 5% for SCA and 26% and 12% for DCA, respectively. This indicates that vegetation dynamics on croplands are better represented by a time-dynamic single scattering albedo.
Effect of Lactate and Lactate Clearance Condition on the Prognosis of Sepsis in Children
Authors: Hasan D M Kamrul , Evan Shafayat Hossain , Karim Md Rezaul , Men Xin Yi , Huifeng Zhang , Yuan Chen
Published: August 2020

Objectives: To investigate the value of early lactate dynamic monitoring index in predicting prognosis of patients with sepsis and septic shock. Methods: We performed our test on 50 patients. Out of 50 patients, 28 are male, and 22 are female. Prospectively studied pediatric patients with septic shock were performed. Vital signs, Lactate clearance, were obtained at presentation 6 h, 12 h, 24 h over the first 48 h of hospitalization. The therapy received, outcome parameters of mortality and duration of hospitalization were recorded. Results: The statistical data and comparative analysis showed that an average of 16.88 days after admission, 5 patients have died, 17 patients are poorly prognosis leaves the hospital, and the remaining 28 are recovered and discharged. The primary outcome variable of mean 16 days hospitalization mortality rate was 10%. Poor prognosis 34% and fully recovery 56 % were observed. In this retrospective cohort study, a lactate level of more than 2.5mmol/L was the best threshold to predict 28-day mortality among severe sepsis and septic shock patients. In our research, we found mean LC 6 h 3.08mmol/L, and after 48 h mean it is 1.79mmol/L. Significant LC 6 h found, which is 8.08mmol/L in the death group patient where 48 h mmol/L shows significant high. Poor prognosis also presents a clinical increase of lactate level high in the LC 6 h analysis, which is 3.32mmol/L. Recovered patients showed a significant improvement after administering treatment depending on the patient organ involvement and good decrease of lactate reports achieved, which is 1.20mmol/L, where admission reports show it was 1.91mmol/L in LC 6 h. Mean Heart rate 94/51mmhg, pulse 119, temperature 39℃, respiratory rate 32.26, and urine output 456 ml recorded during our study. Death patient shows a remarkable detonation of those reports but has a significant clinical report with the recovered patients. Conclusion: The early lactate dynamic monitoring index has a high value in predicting sepsis and septic shock patients' prognosis, thus worth popularizing.
Review of Fluid-structure Interaction Model in a Numerical Wave Tank with Offshore Structures Near the Free Surface
Authors: Nizamani Mushtaq Ahmed , Nizamani Zafarullah , Nakayama Akihiko , Osman Montasir
Published: August 2020

The effects of the surface waves generated by the wind have a significant effect on the currents. A wave current coupled model plays an important role in the design of offshore structures. The interaction between fluids such as incompressible ocean waves and current and offshore structures is significant with many real-time applications in offshore engineering. These coupled models can be applied to Offshore Floating Production Operating and offloading (FPSO), Wind or current turbines and offshore pipelines. The complex issues related to the design are analyzed by using Computational Fluid Dynamics, which requires an investigation of the multiphase flow between wave and current and the structure which is considered restrictive due to the computational cost. If viscous effects are neglected then the single-phase flow models have been recommended, where wave-current interaction have been modelled successfully. Models have been developed where velocities and pressure are computed and the results can be verified with the experimental results available in the literature. In this study the existing numerical methods, mesh types are discussed along with their coupling methods. Here single-phase and multiphase models with small and medium movement are reviewed and their applications are highlighted.
Improvement of Postharvest Quality of Plum (Prunus domestica L.) Using Polysaccharide-Based Edible Coatings
Authors: Panahirad Sima , Naghshiband-Hassani Rahim , Bergin Sara , Katam Ramesh , Mahna Nasser
Published: August 2020

Polysaccharide-based edible coatings are served as an attractive preservation method for postharvest maintenance of most fruits. The current study examined the effect of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)- and pectin (Pec)- based edible coatings on weight loss, firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), pH¬, titratable acidity (TA), vitamin C (vit C), total phenolics, anthocyanin and flavonoid contents, total antioxidant capacity (based on DPPH) and the activities of peroxidase (POD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and polygalacturonase (PG) enzymes during cold storage. The results showed that each coating and their combinations caused positive effects in all measured parameters except weight loss. The applied coatings preserved firmness and improved total phenols, anthocyanin and flavonoid contents, antioxidant capacity and POD activity. In addition, the coatings retarded TSS and pH enhancement and TA and vit C loss and decreased PPO and PG activities. It could be stated that CMC at 1 % and Pec at 1.5 % separately demonstrated the best results at most measured parameters; and among the combinations 0.5 % Pec + 1.5 % CMC acted better than the other treatments. Henceforth, application of CMC and/or Pec and/or their combinations would be considered as favorable approaches to improve postharvest quality characteristics of plum fruit.
Annotation of Human Exome Gene Variants with Consensus Pathogenicity
Authors: Zharavin Victor , Balmford James , Metzger Patrick , Boerries Melanie , Binder Harald , Boeker Martin
Published: August 2020

Pathogenicity is unknown for the majority of human gene variants. For prioritization of sequenced somatic and germline mutation variants, in silico approaches can be utilized. In this study, 84 million non-synonymous Single Nucleotide Variants (SNVs) in the human coding genome were annotated using consensus Variant Effect Prediction (cVEP) method. An algorithm, implemented as a stacked ensemble of supervised learners, performed combination of the 39 functional, conservation mutation impact scores from dbNSFP4.0. Adding gene indispensability score, accounting for differences in the pathogenicities of the variants in the essential and the mutation-tolerant genes, improved the predictions. For each SNV the consensus combination gives either a continuous-value pathogenicity score, or a categorical score in five classes: pathogenic, likely pathogenic, uncertain significance, likely benign, benign. The provided class database is aimed for direct use in clinical practice. The trained prediction models were 5-fold cross-validated on the evidence-based categorical annotations from the ClinVar database. The rankings of the scores based on their ability to predict pathogenicity were obtained. A two-step strategy using the rankings, scores and class annotations is suggested for filtering and prioritization of the human exome mutations in clinical and biological applications of NGS technology.
On The Symmetry of The Universe
Authors: Roza Engel
Published: August 2020

It is shown that the Lambda component in the cosmological Lambda-CDM model can be conceived as vacuum energy, consisting of gravitational particles subject to Heisenberg’s energy-time uncertainty. These particles can be modelled as elementary polarisable Dirac-type dipoles (“darks”) in a fluidal space at thermodynamic equilibrium, with spins that are subject to the Bekenstein-Hawking entropy. Around the baryonic kernels, uniformly distributed in the universe, the spins are polarized, thereby invoking an increase of the effective gravitational strength of the kernels. It explains the dark matter effect to the extent that the numerical value of Milgrom’s acceleration constant can be assessed by theory. Non-polarized vacuum particles beyond the baryonic kernels compose the dark energy. The result is a quantum mechanical interpretation of gravity in terms of quantitatively established shares in baryonic matter, dark matter and dark energy, which correspond with the values of the Lambda-CDM model..
Monitoring the Redox Status in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Tanaka Masaru , Vécsei László
Published: August 2020

Worldwide, over 2.2 million people are suffered from multiple sclerosis (MS), a multifactorial demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, characterized by multifocal inflammatory or demyelinating attacks associated with neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. The blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and postmortem brain samples of MS patients evidenced the presence of reduction-oxidation (redox) homeostasis disturbance such as the alternations of oxidative and antioxidative enzyme activities and the presence of degradation products. This review article discussed the components of redox homeostasis including reactive chemical species, oxidative enzymes, antioxidative enzymes, and degradation products. The reactive chemical species covered frequently discussed reactive oxygen/nitrogen species, rarely featured reactive chemicals such as sulfur, carbonyls, halogens, selenium, and nucleophilic species that potentially act as reductive as well as pro-oxidative stressors. The antioxidative enzyme systems covered the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (NRF2)-Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) signaling pathway, a possible biomarker sensitive to the initial phase of oxidative stress. Altered components of the redox homeostasis in MS were discussed, some of which turned to be MS subtype- or treatment-specific and thus potentially become diagnostic, prognostic, predictive, and/or therapeutic biomarkers. Finally, monitoring a battery of redox components including oxidative, antioxidative and degradation products helps evaluate the redox status of MS patients, which expedites prolongation of remission, relapse prevention, and building personalized treatment plans.
DNA Processing in The Context of Non-Coding Transcription
Authors: Gowthaman Uthra , García-Pichardo Desiré , Jin Yu , Schwarz Isabel , Marquardt Sebastian
Published: August 2020

RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) frequently transcribes non-protein coding DNA sequences in eukaryotic genomes into long non-coding RNA (lncRNA). Here, we focus on the impact of the act of lncRNA transcription on nearby functional DNA units. Distinct molecular mechanisms linked to the position of lncRNA relative to the coding gene illustrate how non-coding transcription controls gene expression. We review the biological significance of the act of lncRNA transcription on DNA processing, highlighting common themes, such as mediating cellular responses to environmental changes. This review presents the background in chromatin signaling to appreciate examples in different organisms where we can interpret functions of non-coding DNA through the act of RNAPII transcription.
Effect of Irrigation System and Soil Conditioners on Growth and Essential Oil of Rosmarinus officinalis L. Cultivated in Egypt
Authors: Omer Elsayed , Hendawy Saber , ElGendy Abdel Nasser , Mannu Alberto , Petretto Giacomo L. , Pintore Giorgio
Published: August 2020

A relevant improvement of the cultivar conditions of Rosmarinus officinalis L. in desert areas was achieved by a specific combination between irrigation system and soil conditioner. A drastic reduction of water employment was obtained without affect the quality of the plants, determined by monitoring growth parameters and essential oil characteristics. In particular, the effect of surface and subsurface drip irrigation systems and different soil conditioners on growth parameters, yield, and essential oil constituents of rosemary plant was assessed. Field experiments at the Agricultural Research Station (Al-Adlya farm), SEKEM group Company, El-Sharkiya Governorate, Egypt, conducted over the two seasons revealed the effectiveness of the subsurface irrigation system in obtaining better performances, especially in terms of water saving. The combination of subsurface irrigation and the conditioner Hundz soil with bentonite showed the maximum mean values of growth characters compared with other soil amendments during both seasons. The possibility to employ a water-saving irrigation system as the subsurface one without any drawback in the resulting plants was also explored in terms of molecular composition. GC-MS analysis of the essential oil extracted from plants growth under different irrigation conditions revealed a comparable composition in both cases. The goodness of the most performing system was also confirmed by the comparable yield of the essential oil.
Physical Modelling vs. Numerical Modelling: Complementarity and Learning
Authors: Carmo José S. Antunes do
Published: August 2020

We are witnessing a progressive divestment of some institutions with strong traditions and skills in physical modelling and their consequent impoverishment, to the detriment of numerical modelling. For many reasons, the economic imperatives and the exponential growth of computational means and numerical methods should certainly not be excluded. In this work, we aimed to highlight the new requirements of the recent sophisticated developments in physical modelling, precisely due to the new needs imposed on them by mathematical and numerical modelling and the growing risks in civil construction works. In this context, reflections are reported, justified by scientific and real-world examples, on the need for maintenance and reinforcement of investments in physical modelling, both to support the scientific community and to design buildings of significant economic, social and environmental impact.
Interactions between Phytophthora cactorum, Armillaria gallica and Betula pendula Seedlings Subjected to Defoliation
Authors: Nowakowska Justyna Anna , Stocki Marcin , Stocka Natalia , Ślusarski Sławomir , Tkaczyk Miłosz , Caetano João Maria , Tulik Mirela , Hsiang Tom , Oszako Tomasz
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this study was to better understand the interactive impact of two soil-borne pathogens, Phytophthora cactorum (as the primary pathogen) and Armillaria gallica (as secondary), on two-year-old seedlings of silver birch (Betula pendula) subjected to stress caused by mechanical defoliation simulating primary insect feeding. One year after treatments, the chlorophyll fluorescence measurement and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were used to analyze the photosynthetic activity in leaves, the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by birch leaves and chemical compounds from roots. Only the infection of roots by P. cactorum increased photosynthetic rates in the leaves, which may suggest its cryptic development in contrast to fungi. The birch leaves in seedlings exposed to 50% defoliation, inoculation with P. cactorum and A. gallica emitted more aromatic carbonyls and alcohols, as well as half as much aliphatic esters, compared to untreated controls. In infected birch roots, the production of phenols, triterpenes and fatty alcohols increased, but fatty acids decreased. This was the first experimental confirmation of the pathogenicity of P. cactorum on silver birch seedlings in Poland. The most severe damage to roots took place only in the case of two-way or three-way interactions. Higher levels of aromatic carbonyls and alcohols in leaves, as well as phenolic compounds in roots of stressed birches (compared to control) suggest an activation of plant systemic acquired resistance (SAR).
Entropy of a Turbulent Bose-Einstein Condensate
Authors: Madeira Lucas , García-Orozco Arnol Daniel , dos Santos Francisco Ednilson Alves , Bagnato Vanderlei Salvador
Published: August 2020

Quantum turbulence deals with the phenomenon of turbulence in quantum fluids, such as superfluid helium and trapped Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs). Although much progress has been made in understanding quantum turbulence, several fundamental questions remain to be answered. In this work, we investigated the entropy of a trapped BEC in several regimes, including equilibrium, small excitations, the onset of turbulence, and a turbulent state. We considered the time evolution when the system is perturbed and let to evolve after the external excitation is turned off. We derived an expression for the entropy consistent with the accessible experimental data, that is, using the assumption that the momentum distribution is well-known. We related the excitation amplitude to different stages of the perturbed system, and we found distinct features of the entropy in each of them. In particular, we observed a sudden increase in the entropy following the establishment of a particle cascade. We argue that entropy and related quantities can be used to investigate and characterize quantum turbulence.
Enhancing Electrical Contact with a Commercial Polymer for Electrical Resistivity Tomography on Archaeological Sites: A Case Study
Authors: Vásconez-Maza Marco D. , Martínez-Pagán Pedro , Aktarakçi Hasan , García-Nieto María C. , Martínez-Segura Marcos A.
Published: August 2020

This communication reports an improvement of the quality of the electrical data obtained from the application of electrical resistivity tomography method on archaeological studies. The electrical contact between ground and electrode enhances significantly by using carbomer-based gel during the electrical resistivity tomography measurements. Not only does the gel promote the conservation of the building surface under investigation, but it also virtually eliminates the necessity of conventional spike electrodes, which in many archaeological studies are inadequate or not permitted. Results evidenced an enhancement in the quality of the electrical data obtained in the order of thousands of units compared with those without using the carbomer-based gel. The potential and capabilities of this affordable gel make it appropriate to be applied to other geoelectrical studies beyond archaeological investigations. Moreover, it might solve corrosion issues on conventional spike electrodes, and electrical multicore cables usually provoked for added saltwater attempting to improve the electrical contact.
The Effect of Financial Anxiety on the Insurance Behavior of Russian Citizens in the Context of the 2019-nCoV Pandemic
Authors: Medyanik Olga
Published: August 2020

In the context of the economic and political uncertainty associated with the 2019-nCoV pandemic, it is necessary to determine the socio-psychological factors involved in the transformation of the behavior of insurance consumers under the influence of a biogenic threat. This study measures financial anxiety and its impact on the insurance behavior of Russian citizens. The correlation, comparative, and regression analyses of the financial anxiety of Russian citizens cover three stages of observation: before the start of the 2019 nCoV pandemic (“FA up to 19 nCoV; N = 766), during the period of quarantine measures announced in Russia in March 2020 (“FA 19-nCoV-1”; N = 856), and after the relaxation of quarantine measures at the end of April 2020 (“FA 19-nCoV-2”; N = 963).Psychological analysis data were obtained from the online survey “Financial anxiety (in the context of insurance)”. The questionnaire is psychometrically reliable and easy to use. It includes five measurement scales: MR1—Physical manifestations of financial incentive anxiety, MR2—With money shortages and financial uncertainty, MR3—The value of insurance coverage, MP4—Financial Confidence, and MR5—Perception of insurance and investment risks. It was found that Russian citizens consider it important to have insurance coverage for a “rainy day”, and they showed confidence in the insurance market during the biogenic crisis. However, unfortunately, during the 19-nCoV-1 and 19-nCoV-2 periods, Russian citizens did not feel financially secure, unlike in the period before 19-nCoV. Women showed high scores for physical manifestations of financial anxiety and low financial confidence in the future, in contrast to men, regardless of the observation period.
Density of Nocturnal Mammals in a Forest Patch in Bangladesh
Authors: Al-Razi Hassan , Hasan Sabit , Ahmed Tanvir , Muzaffar Sabir Bin
Published: August 2020

Tropical forests harbor complex communities that are linked together by biotic relationships. Asian forests in particular have lost many apex predators due to habitat loss. We studied a small forest patch in northeastern Bangladesh, Satchari National Park, to determine density and diversity of nocturnal mammals and evaluate their relationships. Transects were walked from February 2015 to July 2016 and density was estimated using distance sampling. Nine species of mammals (5 arboreal and 4 ground-dwelling) were encountered. Densities of the common palm civets, Paradoxurus hermaphrodites, Bengal slow loris, Nycticebus bengalensis, were the highest (19.48 and 15.03 individuals/km2). Density of small Indian civets, large Indian civets and Indian mongoose were lower (2.31-5.55 individuals/km2). Unexpectedly, a wide range of nocturnal mammals co-existed in this forest patch, in spite of fragmentation and severe disturbance. We did not find any significant association between any of the species studied, although this could be an artifact of low sample size. Conservation in Bangladesh remains a challenge due to high human population density. Thus, strict conservation measures are needed to permit the long-term survival of these species.
Effect of pH on the Formation of Amorphous TiO2 Complexes and TiO2 Anatase during Pyrolysis of TiCl4 Aqueous Solution
Authors: Xuan Dung Mai , Mai Van Tuan , Duong Ngoc Huyen
Published: August 2020

The TiO2 nanostructures resulted by pyrolysis of TiCl4 at low temperature of 80 oC are found to be a mixture of amorphous TiO2 complexes and anatase nanostructure that depends on the pH of the pyrolysis medium. Anatase nanostructure is predominant at low pH level and gradually converts to amorphous TiO2 complexes with increasing pH level. By means of heat treatment, the TiO2 nanostructures can be recovered from amorphous TiO2 complexes. Amongst of the TiO2 nanostructure recovered from amorphous TiO2 complexes, the anatase nanostructure shows to be the strongest photocatalyst in decomposition of methylene blue.