bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COGNITIVE BASIS AND SEMANTIC STRUCTURE OF PHENOMENOLOGICAL REASONING ON SCIENCE AMONG LOWER SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS: A CASE OF INDONESIA
Authors: Pelamonia Johanes , Corebima Aloysius Duran
Published: September 2021

A study had been conducted in qualitative design employing phenomenology approach to examine the cognitive basis and the semantic structure of phenomena based reasoning of lower secondary school students in Ambon. The data of the study were collected by using a test. Phenomena stimulus of science was given to the informants in the form of cognitive basis and semantic structure of phenomena based reasoning. This study concluded that (1) the cognitive basis of phenomena based reasoning were orientation, inferential abstraction, and inferential affirmation; (2) students were able to analyze phenomena by using systematic cognitive framework only if they had complete information of the phenomena; (3) inference validity related to the cognitive basis is heavily determined by the phenomena analysis ability; (4) the general semantic structures in phenomena based reasoning were definitional and assertional; (5) the semantic structure complexity was determined too by the phenomena knowledge availability which was analyzed.
Key words: cognitive basis, cognitive process, knowledge structure, phenomenological reasoning, semantic structure.
Análisis de patrones meteorológicos para temperaturas mínimas en el cantón Riobamba, Ecuador
Authors: Pérez Londo Natalia Alexandra , Marcatoma Tixi Jessica Alexandra , Ramos Araujo Cristina Estefanía , Guerrero Hidalgo Hitler Abdón
Published: September 2021

Introducción. La variabilidad climática es un tema a tratarse con atención, porque ésta puede afectar las relaciones entre la sociedad y la naturaleza. Si bien, al hablar de la región Sierra, no se puede asegurar un aumento paulatino de las temperaturas, al hacer un estudio localizado se puede comprender mejor la realidad Objetivo. En esta investigación se ha enfocado en determinar la existencia de patrones considerables en los registros de temperatura mínima desde el año de 1976 hasta el 2020 para la cuidad de Riobamba.  Metodología. Se ha utilizado el análisis de componentes principales para identificar la similitud entre variables (años) e individuos (meses) de la temperatura mínima, empleando el software libre RStudio mediante la librería Factoshiny. Resultados. Esta técnica estadística ha evidenciado 3 agrupamientos, grupo 1: agosto y septiembre, grupo 2: enero, marzo, abril y mayo, grupo 3: octubre y diciembre, que están relacionados al clima de la región andina, se ha observado una diferencia en el mes de julio. En los años 1977, 1983, 1986, 1992, 1995,1998, 2005, 2007 la temperatura mínima es relevante dentro de los meses de enero, marzo, abril y mayo, que se ven afectadas por las masas continental y oceánica que determinan el fenómeno del Niño y la Niña. Conclusión. El estudio retrospectivo de estos ciclos puede aportar información sobre los efectos históricos de estos fenómenos sobre las poblaciones y los ecosistemas de la región.
The city in archaeologists’ life in the 1920s and 1930s: along the streets of interwar Kyiv
Authors: Yanenko Anna
Published: September 2021

The article deals with the so-called urban themes in the history of archeology during the interwar period, the available sources and their informativeness for studying these themes on the example of Kyiv, the scientific urban center of the UkrSSR, are characterized. It is emphasized that urban space and orientation in it had has a significant impact on the science development, emergence and circulation of ideas, organizational/institutional formation and systemic transformations, interpersonal and institutional relationships within the intellectual community, the functioning of the professional community as a social institution. It was found that Kyiv, where the research life of Soviet Ukraine flourished without exaggeration, attracted many intellectual workers during the interwar period. Experienced researchers or beginners sought to get an education, position, practice; realize professional ambitions, not giving up hope to arrange satisfactory living and working conditions. Leading archeological institutions were located in the central part of the city: on Korolenka (now – Volodymyrska), Chudnovskyi (Tereshchenkivska), Victims of the Revolution (Trokhsviatytelska), Revolution (Mykhailo Hrushevskyi) streets, on Taras Shevchenko Boulevard, etc. However, the Leninskyi (Pecherskyi) district of that time was considered a suburb. Everyday and solemn research meetings (sessions, exhibitions, conferences, etc.) usually took place in the central part of Kyiv. Archaeological research was carried out here during the 1920s and 1930s, although earthworks were constantly supervised on the outskirts of the city suburbs. Many researchers of antiquities, old Kyivan inhabitants, lived “in the center”, but archaeologists who came here during the interwar period from other towns (Uman, Poltava, Berdychiv, Chernihiv, etc) mostly lived on the city suburbs. Transport connections and communications influenced the perception of distance and life tempo, including research activities. Despite the mediocre and partly difficult living conditions, the city left time and created a space for entertainment and intellectual leisure. Studying the outlined topics, the so-called spatial history of the humanities, is indispensable and promising for a thorough contextual representation of the archeology development in Ukraine.
Key words: history of archeology, intellectual community, city, Kyiv, 1920s, 1930s.
STUDY ON MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF HIGH STRENGTH CONCRETE WITH SILICA FUME, FLYASH AND STEEL FIBER
Authors: Ranjan Atul
Published: September 2021

In this growing world there has
always been a strong competition in the market
amongst industries in term of economy, profits,
shares etc. one such industry is construction
industry where concrete is the key building
substance which is in limelight. Since past, we
have seen much advancement in concrete because
of the research which is in progress on concrete to
come out with a product which should be
economical and strong enough to resist all kind of
loads. In this thesis, fly ash and silica fume are
used as a replacement for cement along with steel
fibers by volume of concrete. Here, fly ash is
replaced by 0%, 15%, 30% and silica fume is
replaced by 0%, 6%, 12% and 18% for cement.
Initially, a set of concrete specimens were casted
with 0%, 15%, 30% fly ash and 0%, 6%, 12%
and 18% silica fume with 0% addition of steel
fibers and tested for compressive, flexural and
split tensile strength. Secondly, another set of
concrete specimens were casted with 0%, 15%,
30% fly ash and 0%, 6%, 12% and 18% silica
fume with 0.5% addition of steel fibers and tested
for the same. Similarly, another set of samples
were casted 0%, 15%, 30% fly ash and 0%, 6%,
12% and 18% silica fume with 1% addition of
steel fibers and tested to determine the mechanical
properties of concrete. And it was observed that
maximum compressive, flexural and split tensile
strength was attained at 15% fly ash and 12%
silica fume with 1% steel fiber
RELIABILITY OF DEPRECIATED REPLACEMENT COST TO OTHER METHODS IN VALUATION OF RELIGIOUS PROPERTY, A CASE STUDY OF ANSARUDEEN MOSQUE, ILORIN METROPOLIS
Authors: Jamiu Kayode Sakariyau , Rasheed Kayode Ajibade , Olasunkanmi Otunola AbdulAkeem , Olarewaju Samson Olatunji
Published: September 2021

Mosque valuation is a highly specialized
method of real estate appraisal that necessitates
not only a detailed understanding of the many
concepts and procedures of general appraising,
but also an in-depth understanding and expertise
in order to arrive at an accurate estimate of
market value. Using cross-sectional statistics, this
study investigates the reliability of depreciated
replacement cost in valuing specialized property.
For the purpose of gathering data for this
analysis, two separate sets of questionnaires were
used. The first questionnaires were distributed to
a licensed estate surveying firm in Ilorin, Kwara
State. The Mosque Committee, on the other hand,
received the other collection of questionnaires.
The questionnaire's questions delved into the
biographical details of the Registered Estate
Surveyors. Descriptive statistics were used to
interpret the data. Depreciated Replacement Cost
is the most accurate method of valuation of
Specialized Property, the Study revealed that, due
to the specific nature of Specialized Property, such
as the lack of rental evidence, the infrequency
with which it is sold or rented, and the fact that it
is not commonly used for other purposes. To save
valuers a lot of tears, guidelines on unit cost of
construction for buildings and depreciation should
be made available.
REAL SCENARIO OF SOCIAL MEDIA AGENCY ACTIVITIES AND PROBLEMS FACED BY THEM
Authors: Sivaraja G , Thilagavathi S
Published: September 2021

Marketing is a field which
always have a boom in Industries. It plays
a major role in Industries since it
promotes each and every product of
them. As of now, online marketing is the
easiest way to reach customer and
interact with them. It is quite possibly
achieved via websites and email.
This paper deals with the traces of online
marketing and very much into social
media marketing. Social media marketing
seems easy to pronounce but hard to
work with, until success is tasted.
What are the problems involved in social
media platform and ways to overcome are
clearly labelled in this paper. So before
who wants to go for social media
marketing, can look into this paper and
organise the facts in hand.
DEEPFAKE DETECTION USING COMPUTER VISION
Authors: Mishra Ankit , Verma Aman , Dey Arunav , Singh Abhay
Published: September 2021

These days, a problem of AI-generated face
swapping videos are rising rapidly, also known as the
DeepFakes. These kinds of videos create threats to privacy
of a specific person, peace and security of a country. On
occasion perfect DeepFake clips authenticity could be hard
to confirm with bare eyes. So scholars need to develop few
algorithms to check the authenticity of videos. Here, we
present overview of parameters that can tell us about the
authenticity of videos. Main motive of this research is to
develop a solution or methodology that can decide whether
the face in the video was replace using DeepFake
technology or not with some probability.
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE HUMAN COMPUTER INTERACTION SYSTEM BASED ON BIOELECTRICITY
Authors: Kakde Sharda Shalikrao , F Momin Dr. Bashirahamad
Published: September 2021

The electroencephalogram (EEG) evaluates
brain waves, whereas the electrooculogram (EOG)
evaluates blinking eye signals. To use bioelectric signals in
bio-metric and clinical applications, preprocessing of the
signal needs to be done. Signals are used to transmit data
in nearly every sector of life including technology,
manufacturing, and electronics, etc. Nowadays HCI is
based on bioelectric signal has got loads of demand.
Almost every sector bioelectrical signals are used
especially in the medical sector and researches. In this
paper, two bioelectric signals are used that is EEG, EOG.
Two HCI (Human-Computer Interaction) systems were
designed which is based on two kinds of bioelectric signals
is EOG and EEG. The signal is transmitted by wireless
mode only because in a wired HCI System user is not
comfortable. Here HCI system contains three sections first
is signal acquisition and signal transmission module
second is EOG and EEG handling module and the last one
is function implementing modular. This paper deals with
the concentration level and meditation level of a person
which is very useful in sports and other researches.
ANALYTICAL SURVEY OF WINDOWS OPERATING SYSTEM AND COMPARISON OF WINDOWS, LINUX AND ANDROID OPERATING SYSTEM
Authors: Tiwari Ravikant , Siddique Mr. Shadab
Published: September 2021

- This paper deals with different types of
operating system and also with the importance of
the operating in a device (i.e. computers, mobile).
Unfolding some of the questions like the need of
different kinds of operating system and
requirement of operating system within a device.
We will also see the advantage of different types of
operating system and disadvantages too. The
paper will cover not only operating system for
computers but also the systems which we use in
our day to day life such as mobile phones
(android) and the once which we use in our
computers (windows, linux, etc).
MPPT CHARGE CONTROLLER
Authors: Saikia Deepika , Bhatia Karrman , Powar Prajakta
Published: September 2021

In this project, design of MPPT charge
Controller shows as a buck-boost converter. This buckboost converter is to maintain the constant output voltage
as well as abstracts the more additional available power
from the photovoltaic module. This system is based on
constant voltage tracking method. This system consists of
buck-boost converter. Also, it includes ACS 712 current
sensor, LCD display, microcontroller, MOSFET circuit,
coil burner as a load.
Формирование медийно-информационных компетенций у студентов учреждений высшего образования Республики Беларусь
Authors: Соловьёва Екатерина Васильевна
Published: September 2021

В докладе рассказывается о формировании медийной и информационной грамотности студентов вузовских библиотеки; навыках, которые они получают при изучении программы «Информационная культура пользователей библиотек». Рассматриваются проблемы проведения таких занятий библиотекарями.
Application of Biomolecular Methods for Estimating Cytokine and Sirtuin Expression in Biosimulation of Ultimate Physical Load of Athletes
Authors: Karkischenko V. N. , Petrova N. V. , Slobodenyuk V. V. , Laryushina N. A.
Published: September 2021

Mini-pigs are an adequate biomodel for characterizing the processes of working capacity and endurance, as well as for conducting investigations in the field of sports medicine. For this kind of research, we propose gene targets from the families of cytokine and sirtuin proteins: IL-6, HMGB1, TNF (genes responsible for the synthesis of proteins belonging to the cytokine group) and SIRT (transferase from the family of sirtuin proteins). The SIRT 1 gene presents particular interest as an activator of mitochondrial activity during exercise. Real-time PCR systems were created, allowing assessment of the effect of various drugs on laboratory mini-pigs in preclinical studies.
A Technology for Increasing the Functional Reserves of the Body Based on Bioacoustic Stimulation of the Respiratory System
Authors: Dragan S. P. , Razinkin S. M. , Erofeev G. G.
Published: September 2021

A technology based on the effect of low-frequency vibrations on the respiratory system is a promising approach to increasing the functional reserves of the human body. To implement such a technology, it is necessary to justify the optimal modes of bioacoustic stimulation of the respiratory system. Therefore, the aim of the study was a theoretical and experimental justification of the technology to increase the functional reserves of the body based on bioacoustic stimulation of the respiratory system. Acoustic impedance was measured on a polyharmonic sound signal in the frequency range from 3 Hz to 51 Hz with a step of 3 Hz in all three phases of respiration: a full breath with a breath hold, a deep breath with a breath hold and free nasal surface breathing without a delay. After determining the resonant frequencies of the respiratory tract for two weeks, six sessions of bioacoustic stimulation were conducted on a group of 20 testers, including placebo exposure. In the exposure group, the sound pressure level was 130 dB, and in the control group - 60 dB, which is below the audibility threshold at these frequencies. Six-fold exposure to a scanning tone signal with a sound pressure level of 130 dB led to an increase in the resonant frequency of the respiratory system, a decrease in the absorption coefficient of sound vibrations by the respiratory system, and an increase in the resistance of the respiratory system to the sound wave. These effects can be explained by the fact that, as a result of exposure, reserve alveoli were discovered and the cross-sectional area of the alveolar passages and respiratory bronchioles increased. An analysis of the results of experiments in both groups in the dynamics of six stimulation sessions suggests that their values for the control group of testers practically did not change at all periods of observation. At the same time, similar indicators in the exposure group have a significant difference from the background values. It was shown that, in order to increase the functional reserves of the body, two bioacoustic stimulation treatments can be sufficient.
An Experimental Model of Direct Acute Lung Injury in Rats Caused by Intratracheal Administration of Lipopolysaccharide from Salmonella enterica
Authors: Pugach V. A. , Tyunin M. A. , Ilinskiy N. S. , Levchuk E. V. , Strokina E. I. , Eltsov A. A.
Published: September 2021

An experimental model of direct acute lung injury was developed by intratracheal administration of lipopolysaccharide from Salmonella enterica (LD50 = 20 mg/kg). The dynamics of animal lethality, body weight, temperature and the severity of pathomorphological changes in the lung tissue were analyzed. It was found that the developed model is accompanied by a progressive decrease in body weight by 15%, persistent hypothermic reaction, pronounced edema and inflammatory reaction in the lung tissue within 4 days following lipopolysaccharide administration. The simplicity and reproducibility of the developed experimental model make it useful for preclinical research aimed at selection of candidate drugs for the prevention and treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Developing teaching material design of basic English Vocabulary based on interactive multimedia for Elementary School
Authors: - Abdullah , Sunusi Seny Luhriyani , Bhat Bilal Ahmad
Published: September 2021

Teaching English vocabulary to children in the classroom should begin as early as possible because childhood is a golden age when everything may be absorbed simply and rapidly. Language holds the belief that the earlier children learn a foreign language, the easier it is for them to master it, and that children may learn a language more quickly and with less difficulty than adults. This research aims to develop a learning design instructional material model of basic English Vocabulary based on interactive multimedia for elementary students and to increase knowledge and skills of language, especially for elementary school students. Development of learning model and instructional material design followed a research design and development model designed. This research is an extensive process in designing the students' needs and develop the product or course material of basic English vocabulary to increase the ability or skills of elementary students in learning language through interactive multimedia. The sample of this research is the students at one of the elementary schools in Makassar. The research showed a learning model based on the interactive multimedia syllabus and instructional material design of basic English Vocabulary. The researchers suggested that formative assessment be undertaken each time the materials are delivered to determine which components should be modified to increase the materials' instructional and motivating value. Furthermore, summative evaluation should be carried out in order to make a policy decision on whether or not to use instructional materials based on real evidence of their success.
Los fact-checkers iberoamericanos frente a la COVID-19. Análisis de actividad en Facebook.
Authors: Dafonte-Gómez Alberto , Míguez-González María-Isabel , Martínez-Rolán Xabier
Published: September 2021

Introducción: La pandemia de COVID-19 evidenció el papel de la infodemia como un factor agravante de la emergencia sanitaria y la relevancia del periodismo de verificación de datos en situaciones de crisis. Este artículo tiene por objetivo conocer las dinámicas de publicación e interacción en Facebook de la agrupación internacional de fact-checking LatamChequea Coronavirus durante los dos primeros meses (11 de marzo a 11 de mayo de 2020) tras la declaración de pandemia por COVID-19 realizada por la OMS. Metodología: Se realiza un análisis cuantitativo de los contenidos, metadatos y reacciones generadas en un total de 5736 posts publicados por 31 fact-checkers distintos, recopilados con Crowdtangle. Resultados: Entre las publicaciones más compartidas, las relacionadas con la COVID-19 generaron más reacciones y comentarios que las referidas a otras temáticas; el volumen de compartidos es elevado en relación con otras interacciones generalmente más frecuentes y las publicaciones que incluyen enlaces lograron más interacciones de todo tipo que las basadas en vídeos o imágenes. Se observan correlaciones positivas entre el número de likes y el número de veces que un post ha sido compartido, y entre la reacción de enfado y el número de comentarios. Discusión y conclusiones: La relevancia de los compartidos en el conjunto de interacciones indicaría un interés elevado de los usuarios por compartir los desmentidos sobre noticias falsas, algo que se distancia de investigaciones previas referenciadas. Los resultados apuntan también a la influencia de la reacción emocional expresada en la interacción con el contenido en forma de compartido o comentario.
Social Work International Conference (SWIC) 2019 “The place and role of social work in the 2020s and beyond”, The fourth edition, Bucharest, November 7TH-8TH, 2019
Authors: Gaba Daniela , Mihai Anca
Published: September 2021

The 4th edition of the Social Work International Conference (SWIC) took place in Bucharest between the 7th and 8th of November 2019. The conference is organised by the Department of Social Work, Faculty of Sociology and Social Work, University of Bucharest, in collaboration with the Association of Schools of Social Work in Romania (ASSWR). We present the main activities of the conference, namely the workshops, the keynote speeches, and the presentation of papers in the field of social work.
Interview with Adrian Majuru, winner of Romanian Academy’s 2019 prize in sociology „Henry H. Stahl”
Authors: Stănescu Simona Maria
Published: September 2021

Back in 1879 two Romanian Academy’s prizes were established for science and literature: „Gheorghe Lazăr” and „Ion Heliade Rădulescu” (www.acad.ro). The prizes of the Romanian Academy „are awarded to Romanian scientists and artists living here or abroad for their contribution (…) to the development of Romanian culture and science” (www.acad.ro). Since 1996, the Romanian Academy is awarding yearly excellence in domains corresponding to its scientific sections: I Philology and literature, II Historical sciences and archeology, III Mathematics, IV Physics, V Chemistry, VI Biology, VII Geonomic, VIII Technical section, IX Agricultural and Forestry section, X Medicine section, XI Economic, juridical and sociology section, XII Philosophy, theology, psychology and pedagogy section, XIII Art, architecture and audiovisual section and XIV Science and technology of information section. Under the section XI Economic, juridical and sociological sciences, two awards are available for Sociology area: „Dimitrie Gusti” and „Henri H. Stahl”. This interview is conducted with the winner of „Henri H. Stahl” awarded in 2020. More details on history of these awards as well as guidelines and 1998-2017 lists are available on https://acad.ro/premiileAR/pag_premii.htm.
Interbellum „Transhumance” in the Balkans. Studies and Articles about Aromanians in the Publications of the Gusti School. Anthology by Zoltán Rostás și Martin Ladislau Salamon
Authors: Larionescu Maria
Published: September 2021

The volume includes an anthology of research from the publications of the Bucharest Sociological School regarding the history of interbellum colonization of Dobrudja, with a focus on Aromanians – resources otherwise difficult to find for contemporary readers. The texts provide a rich historical perspective, previously unpublished materials and suggestive details concerning the adventures of Aromanians caught in the rollercoaster of interbellum colonization of Dobrudja. The dataset generated through this volume is highly relevant for advances in sociological methodology, documenting the outlining, decades before its centrality in global literature, of a novel approach – the action research, a productive combination of demands for scientific neutrality and axiological involvement (Bradbury and Reason, 2003).
The impact of crime on regional economic and social development in Romania, Pro Universitaria Press, Bucharest, 2018. Radu Tudor Petre
Authors: Dumitran Cristina
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this review is to highlight the novelty elements of the research carried out by Mr. Radu Tudor Petre on The impact of crime on regional economic and social development in Romania. The very first work is to use and adapt to national specificities certain working methods and tools validated by other States, for which crime control and the effective spending of public money is a priority. The multifactorial crime model, the model of situational prevention through regional planning, the calculation of the regional cost of crime per capita, the application of the Granger causality test on the criminal phenomena variables and the Gini index of social inequality, resulting in the likelihood of the causal link between crime, have been tested and adapted, level of economic development and corruption index. Research has emerged as a necessity in the current socio-economic and political national and international context, which inevitably generates new forms of organized crime or the increasing level of existing crime, so that the institutional capacity of a state to anticipate trends or developments in this phenomenon and the assessment of the social and economic impact it has had lead to the adoption of viable regional, national and transnational crime prevention and reduction policies, linked to regional development programs. The quality of the paper is that, by linking social issues (social exclusion, unemployment, early school leaving, risk of victimization, disadvantaged background, etc.), crime and their economic and social impact on regional development, open up new opportunities for cross-disciplinary research.
PREVALENCE OF GROUP B STREPTOCOCCUS AND LEVEL OF RELIGIOSITY OF JEWISH MOTHERS IN NORTHERN ISRAEL - IS THERE A CONNECTION?
Authors: SHARABI-NOV Adi , COJOCARU Stefan
Published: September 2021

Group B streptococcus (GBS) during pregnancy is associated with increased risk of preterm delivery and is a leading cause of invasive infections in newborns. Rates of vaginal GBS prevalence in pregnant women vary among ethnic groups and geographical regions, with a range of 0.5-38%. The aim is to assess the prevalence rate of GBS bacteria among Jewish pregnant mothers in northern Israel, according to their level of religiosity. A cross-sectional study was pursued in 303 Jewish mothers at Ziv Medical Center, Safed of whom 89 (29.4%) were secular, 59 (19.5%) traditional, 60 (19.8%) Orthodox and 95 (31.3%) ultra-Orthodox, from December 2019-July 2020. All participants were tested for GBS from pregnancy week 35 as part of the routine medical care at their Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and submitted the GBS test result upon arrival at the hospital delivery room. The overall prevalence of GBS was 33.7%: 16.9% of the secular mothers, 25.4% of the traditional women and 46.5% of the Orthodox and ultra-Orthodox group (p<0.001). In a univariate regression model the risk of GBS carriage in Orthodox mothers was 2.5 times higher and 6 times higher in ultra-Orthodox mothers than in secular mothers (p for trend <0.001). The prevalence of GBS was directly and significantly associated with the level of the birthing mother's religiosity. This study shows the need for systematic GBS screening of all pregnant women, particularly of Orthodox and ultra-Orthodox women, prior to their arrival in the delivery room.
DATA OF ILLEGAL SUBSTANCE USE IN ROMANIA PROVIDED BY N.A.A. COMPARED WITH THE ANALYSIS OF INDICTMENTS PREPARED BY D.I.I.C.O.T. ORADEA
Authors: BUSTEAN Rares Traian , HATOS Adrian
Published: September 2021

Drug use and New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) use are a sensitive issue due to the consequences that those who admit having this habit may expect to suffer. Part of the scientific community recommends that quantitative descriptions on this topic be verified or possibly supplemented by data obtained from research activities that use more reliable data and methods. In Romania, the prevalence estimation of drug and NPS use is performed by the National Anti – Drug Agency by conducting two studies, one every three years and another conducted every four years, respectively. In order to analyze the accuracy of the results presented in the reports prepared by the National Anti – Drug Agency, in this article we compared these results with those resulted from the analysis of the indictments issued by the Directorate for Investigation of Organized Crime and Terrorism – Oradea Territorial Service in 2013 – 2019. As a result of this comparison, it was found that there are certain significant differences between the information contained in the two data.
SOCIAL DISTANCES IN A MULTI ETHNIC REGION
Authors: FEDOR Catalin-George
Published: September 2021

The paper presents the results of a sociological study conducted in some multiethnic communities situated in the central area of Moldova, Romania. Its main aim was to establish the ethnic identity of Catholic population in the villages of this region and to discover the way in which these communities build their ethnic and cultural identity. We used the scale of social distance, starting from the model developed by Bogardus (1925), which has become the most frequently used method of emphasizing the acceptance or isolation of social groups. We calculated the Social Distance Index (SDI) which highlights the number of social contact opportunities rejected by the respondent, the Social Contact Index (SCI) derived from the number of social contact opportunities accepted by the respondents, and the Qualitative Index of Social Contacts (QISC). The results are focused on ethnic aspects and local features of studied communities and the conclusions reveal the methods of ethnic self-defining for each community and their tendency to conserve local identity by refusing external influences that have an ideological stake.
Tunicamycin Induces Hepatic Stellate Cell Apoptosis Through Calpain-2/Ca2 +-Dependent Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Pathway
Authors: Liu Haiying , Dai Linyu , Wang Ming , Feng Fumin , Xiao Yonghong
Published: September 2021

It has been reported that calpain/caspase-mediated apoptosis induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) by previous studies. At present, the activation of HSC is an important cause of liver fibrosis, and the induction of HSC apoptosis plays an irreplaceable role in reversing liver fibrosis. Therefore, it is of great significance to explore mechanisms of action that can induce HSC apoptosis for the reversal of hepatic fibrosis and the clinical prevention and treatment of hepatic-fibrosis-related diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. In the current study, we demonstrated that tunicamycin (a novel ERS inducer) can induce the apoptosis of HSCs and increase the concentration of intracellular Ca2+and the expression of ERS protein GRP78, apoptosis protein caspase-12, and Bax, while it can decrease the antiapoptosis protein expression of Bcl-2. Our findings indicate that tunicamycin can induce HSCs apoptosis through calpain-2/Ca2+-dependent ERS pathway.
Intestinal Microbiota Play an Important Role in the Treatment of Type I Diabetes in Mice With BefA Protein
Authors: Qin Qi , Chen Yan , Li Yongbo , Wei Jing , Zhou Xiaoting , Le Fuyin , Hu Hong , Chen Tingtao
Published: September 2021

More and more studies have shown that the intestinal microbiota is the main factor in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Beta cell expansion factor A (BefA) is a protein expressed by intestinal microorganisms. It has been proven to promote the proliferation of β-cells and has broad application prospects. However, as an intestinal protein, there have not been studies and reports on its application in diabetes and its mechanism of action. In this study, a T1DM model induced by multiple low-dose STZ (MLD-STZ) injections was established, and BefA protein was administered to explore its therapeutic effect in T1DM and the potential mechanism of intestinal microbiota. BefA protein significantly reduced the blood glucose, maintained the body weight, and improved the glucose tolerance of the mice. At the same time, the BefA protein significantly increased the expression of ZO-1, Occludin, and significantly reduced the expression of TLR-4, Myd88, and p-p65/p65. BefA protein significantly reduced the relative expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α. In addition, our high-throughput sequencing shows for the first time that the good hypoglycemic effect of BefA protein is strongly related to the increase in the abundance of the beneficial gut bacteria Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Oscillospria and the decrease in the abundance of the opportunistic pathogen Acinetobacter. Our group used animal models to verify the hypoglycemic effect of BefA protein, and first explored the potential mechanism of intestinal microbiota in BefA protein treatment.
RNA-Seq Analysis of the Effect of Zinc Deficiency on Microsporum canis, ZafA Gene Is Important for Growth and Pathogenicity
Authors: Dai Pengxiu , Lv Yangou , Gong Xiaowen , Han Jianye , Gao Peng , Xu Haojie , Zhang Yihua , Zhang Xinke
Published: September 2021

Microsporum canis, a common pathogenic skin fungus, can cause dermatophytosis in humans and animals. Zinc is an important trace element and plays an important role in the growth and metabolism of fungi. Currently, the effects of zinc deficiency on growth, gene expression, and metabolic pathway have not been clarified in M. canis. Therefore, M. canis was cultured under zinc restriction, and RNA-Seq was conducted in this study. The growth of M. canis was severely inhibited, and many genes showed significant upregulation and downregulation in M. canis with zinc deficiency. Zinc deficiency could negatively affect the gene expression and biological metabolic pathway in M. canis. The zinc-responsiveness transcriptional activator (ZafA) gene was significantly upregulated and shared homology with Zap1. Thus, the ZafA gene might be the main transcription factor regulating M. canis zinc homeostasis. The ZafA gene knockout strain, ZafA-hph, was constructed via Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation (ATMT) in M. canis for the first time to assess its function. In vitro growth ability, hair biodegradation ability, virulence test, and zinc absorption capacity in ZafA-hph and wild-type M. canis strains were compared. Results showed that the ZafA gene plays an important role in zinc absorption, expression of zinc transporter genes, and growth and pathogenicity in M. canis and can be used as a new drug target. Cutting off the zinc absorption pathway can be used as a way to prevent and control infection in M. canis.
Antigen Presenting Cells Link the Female Genital Tract Microbiome to Mucosal Inflammation, With Hormonal Contraception as an Additional Modulator of Inflammatory Signatures
Authors: Byrne Elizabeth H. , Farcasanu Mara , Bloom Seth M. , Xulu Nondumiso , Xu Jiawu , Hykes Barry L. , Mafunda Nomfuneko A. , Hayward Matthew R. , Dong Mary , Dong Krista L. , Gumbi Thandeka , Ceasar Fransisca Xolisile , Ismail Nasreen , Ndung’u Thumbi , Gosmann Christina , Ghebremichael Musie S. , Handley Scott A. , Mitchell Caroline M. , Villani Alexandra-Chloé , Kwon Douglas S.
Published: September 2021

The microbiome of the female genital tract (FGT) is closely linked to reproductive health outcomes. Diverse, anaerobe-dominated communities with low Lactobacillus abundance are associated with a number of adverse reproductive outcomes, such as preterm birth, cervical dysplasia, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. Vaginal dysbiosis is associated with local mucosal inflammation, which likely serves as a biological mediator of poor reproductive outcomes. Yet the precise mechanisms of this FGT inflammation remain unclear. Studies in humans have been complicated by confounding demographic, behavioral, and clinical variables. Specifically, hormonal contraception is associated both with changes in the vaginal microbiome and with mucosal inflammation. In this study, we examined the transcriptional landscape of cervical cell populations in a cohort of South African women with differing vaginal microbial community types. We also investigate effects of reproductive hormones on the transcriptional profiles of cervical cells, focusing on the contraceptive depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), the most common form of contraception in sub-Saharan Africa. We found that antigen presenting cells (APCs) are key mediators of microbiome associated FGT inflammation. We also found that DMPA is associated with significant transcriptional changes across multiple cell lineages, with some shared and some distinct pathways compared to the inflammatory signature seen with dysbiosis. These results highlight the importance of an integrated, systems-level approach to understanding host-microbe interactions, with an appreciation for important variables, such as reproductive hormones, in the complex system of the FGT mucosa.
Calcific Aortic Stenosis—A Review on Acquired Mechanisms of the Disease and Treatments
Authors: Zebhi Banafsheh , Lazkani Mohamad , Bark David
Published: September 2021

Calcific aortic stenosis is a progressive disease that has become more prevalent in recent decades. Despite advances in research to uncover underlying biomechanisms, and development of new generations of prosthetic valves and replacement techniques, management of calcific aortic stenosis still comes with unresolved complications. In this review, we highlight underlying molecular mechanisms of acquired aortic stenosis calcification in relation to hemodynamics, complications related to the disease, diagnostic methods, and evolving treatment practices for calcific aortic stenosis.
Statistical Enrichment Analysis of Samples: A General-Purpose Tool to Annotate Metadata Neighborhoods of Biological Samples
Authors: Nguyen Thanh M. , Bharti Samuel , Yue Zongliang , Willey Christopher D. , Chen Jake Y.
Published: September 2021

Unsupervised learning techniques, such as clustering and embedding, have been increasingly popular to cluster biomedical samples from high-dimensional biomedical data. Extracting clinical data or sample meta-data shared in common among biomedical samples of a given biological condition remains a major challenge. Here, we describe a powerful analytical method called Statistical Enrichment Analysis of Samples (SEAS) for interpreting clustered or embedded sample data from omics studies. The method derives its power by focusing on sample sets, i.e., groups of biological samples that were constructed for various purposes, e.g., manual curation of samples sharing specific characteristics or automated clusters generated by embedding sample omic profiles from multi-dimensional omics space. The samples in the sample set share common clinical measurements, which we refer to as “clinotypes,” such as age group, gender, treatment status, or survival days. We demonstrate how SEAS yields insights into biological data sets using glioblastoma (GBM) samples. Notably, when analyzing the combined The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)—patient-derived xenograft (PDX) data, SEAS allows approximating the different clinical outcomes of radiotherapy-treated PDX samples, which has not been solved by other tools. The result shows that SEAS may support the clinical decision. The SEAS tool is publicly available as a freely available software package at https://aimed-lab.shinyapps.io/SEAS/.
Performance of Polytomous IRT Models With Rating Scale Data: An Investigation Over Sample Size, Instrument Length, and Missing Data
Authors: Dai Shenghai , Vo Thao Thu , Kehinde Olasunkanmi James , He Haixia , Xue Yu , Demir Cihan , Wang Xiaolin
Published: September 2021

The implementation of polytomous item response theory (IRT) models such as the graded response model (GRM) and the generalized partial credit model (GPCM) to inform instrument design and validation has been increasing across social and educational contexts where rating scales are usually used. The performance of such models has not been fully investigated and compared across conditions with common survey-specific characteristics such as short test length, small sample size, and data missingness. The purpose of the current simulation study is to inform the literature and guide the implementation of GRM and GPCM under these conditions. For item parameter estimations, results suggest a sample size of at least 300 and/or an instrument length of at least five items for both models. The performance of GPCM is stable across instrument lengths while that of GRM improves notably as the instrument length increases. For person parameters, GRM reveals more accurate estimates when the proportion of missing data is small, whereas GPCM is favored in the presence of a large amount of missingness. Further, it is not recommended to compare GRM and GPCM based on test information. Relative model fit indices (AIC, BIC, LL) might not be powerful when the sample size is less than 300 and the length is less than 5. Synthesis of the patterns of the results, as well as recommendations for the implementation of polytomous IRT models, are presented and discussed.
Non-Coding RNA as Biomarkers for Type 2 Diabetes Development and Clinical Management
Authors: Chi Tiange , Lin Jiaran , Wang Mina , Zhao Yihan , Liao Zehuan , Wei Peng
Published: September 2021

Diabetes, a metabolic disease characterized by high blood glucose and other complications, has undefined causes and multiple risk factors, including inappropriate diet, unhealthy lifestyles, and genetic predisposition. The two most distinguished types of diabetes are type 1 and type 2 diabetes, resulting from the autoimmune impairment of insulin-generating pancreatic β cells and insulin insensitivity, respectively. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), a cohort of RNAs with little transcriptional value, have been found to exert substantial importance in epigenetic and posttranscriptional modulation of gene expression such as messenger RNA (mRNA) silencing. This review mainly focuses on the pathology of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and ncRNAs as potential biomarkers in T2D development and clinical management. We consolidate the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and current treatments of T2D, and present the existing evidence on changes in multiple types of ncRNAs in response to various pathological changes and dysfunctions in different stages of T2D.
Serum Afamin a Novel Marker of Increased Hepatic Lipid Content
Authors: Kurdiova Timea , Balaz Miroslav , Kovanicova Zuzana , Zemkova Erika , Kuzma Martin , Belan Vitazoslav , Payer Juraj , Gasperikova Daniela , Dieplinger Hans , Ukropcova Barbara , Ukropec Jozef
Published: September 2021

Aim

Afamin is a liver-produced glycoprotein, a potential early marker of metabolic syndrome. Here we investigated regulation of afamin in a course of the metabolic disease development and in response to 3-month exercise intervention.

Methods

We measured whole-body insulin sensitivity (euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp), glucose tolerance, abdominal adiposity, hepatic lipid content (magnetic resonance imaging/spectroscopy), habitual physical activity (accelerometers) and serum afamin (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) in 71 middle-aged men with obesity, prediabetes and newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. Effects of 3-month exercise were investigated in 22 overweight-to-obese middle-aged individuals (16M/6F).

Results

Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, but not obesity, were associated with increased serum afamin (p<0.001). Afamin correlated positively with hepatic lipids, fatty liver index and liver damage markers; with parameters of adiposity (waist circumference, %body fat, adipocyte diameter) and insulin resistance (fasting insulin, C-peptide, HOMA-IR; p<0.001 all). Moreover, afamin negatively correlated with whole-body insulin sensitivity (M-value/Insulin, p<0.001). Hepatic lipids and fasting insulinemia were the most important predictors of serum afamin, explaining >63% of its variability. Exercise-related changes in afamin were paralleled by reciprocal changes in insulinemia, insulin resistance and visceral adiposity. No significant change in hepatic lipid content was observed.

Conclusions

Subjects with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes had the highest serum afamin levels. Afamin was more tightly related to hepatic lipid accumulation, liver damage and insulin resistance than to obesity.
Mortality Risk of Antidiabetic Agents for Type 2 Diabetes With COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kan Chengxia , Zhang Yang , Han Fang , Xu Qian , Ye Tongtong , Hou Ningning , Sun Xiaodong
Published: September 2021

Aims

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess various antidiabetic agents’ association with mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) who have coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods

We performed comprehensive literature retrieval from the date of inception until February 2, 2021, in medical databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library), regarding mortality outcomes in patients with T2DM who have COVID-19. Pooled OR and 95% CI data were used to assess relationships between antidiabetic agents and mortality.

Results

Eighteen studies with 17,338 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Metformin (pooled OR, 0.69; P=0.001) and sulfonylurea (pooled OR, 0.80; P=0.016) were associated with lower mortality risk in patients with T2DM who had COVID-19. However, patients with T2DM who had COVID-19 and received insulin exhibited greater mortality (pooled OR, 2.20; P=0.002). Mortality did not significantly differ (pooled OR, 0.72; P=0.057) between DPP-4 inhibitor users and non-users.

Conclusions

Metformin and sulfonylurea could be associated with reduced mortality risk in patients with T2DM who have COVID-19. Furthermore, insulin use could be associated with greater mortality, while DPP-4 inhibitor use could not be. The effects of antidiabetic agents in patients with T2DM who have COVID-19 require further exploration.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO (identifier, CRD42021242898).
In Situ Hydrodeoxygenation of Lignin-Derived Phenols With Synergistic Effect Between the Bimetal and Nb2O5 Support
Authors: Tong Le , Cai Bo , Zhang Ronghua , Feng Junfeng , Pan Hui
Published: September 2021

Nb2O5-supported bimetallic catalysts were prepared by the impregnation method applied for the in situ hydrogenation of guaiacol. Guaiacol can be effectively transformed into cyclohexanol over different bimetallic catalysts using alcohol as the hydrogen donor. Meanwhile, the effects of different hydrogen donors such as isopropanol, sec-pentanol, and ethylene glycol on in situ hydrogenation of guaiacol were investigated in detail, and the results showed that isopropanol is the best hydrogen supply solvent. Then, the dependence of Ni–Mn/Nb2O5 properties on metal loading, reaction time, reaction temperature, and reaction pressure was studied for the in situ hydrogenation of guaiacol by using isopropanol as the hydrogen donor. Guaiacol can be completely converted, and the yield of cyclohexanol reached 71.8% over Ni–Mn/Nb2O5 with isopropanol as the hydrogen donor at 200°C for 5 h. The structures and characteristics of better catalytic properties of the Ni–Mn/Nb2O5 catalyst were determined by BET, NH3-TPD, XRD, XPS, SEM, and TEM, and the results indicated the particle size of the metal was small (approximately 10 nm) and the metal particles are finely dispersed in the whole support. Therefore, a large number of medium acid sites were generated on the 10Ni-10Mn/Nb2O5 with a large specific surface area, which could increase the interface between the metal and the support and may be beneficial to the hydrodeoxygenation of guaiacol.