bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Cancer Stem Cells: An Overview of Tumor-
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Interaction for Therapeutic Interventions
Authors: Montazersaheb Soheila , Fathi Ezzatollah , Mamandi Ayoub , Farahzadi Raheleh , Heidari Hamid Reza
Published: August 2021

Tumors are made up of different types of cancer cells that contribute to tumor heterogeneity.
Among these cells, cancer stem cells (CSCs) have a significant role in the onset of cancer
and development. Like other stem cells, CSCs are characterized by the capacity for differentiation
and self-renewal. A specific population of CSCs is constituted by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)
that differentiate into mesoderm-specific cells. The pro-or anti-tumorigenic potential of MSCs on
the proliferation and development of tumor cells has been reported as contradictory results. Also,
tumor progression is specified by the corresponding tumor cells like the tumor microenvironment.
The tumor microenvironment consists of a network of reciprocal cell types such as endothelial
cells, immune cells, MSCs, and fibroblasts as well as growth factors, chemokines, and cytokines.
In this review, recent findings related to the tumor microenvironment and associated cell populations,
homing of MSCs to tumor sites, and interaction of MSCs with tumor cells will be discussed.
Systematic Review on Treatment Trials of Tocilizumab: A Repurposing
Drug against COVID-19
Authors: Banerjee Shilpita , Mahapatra Ajit Kumar
Published: August 2021

Background:

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by Severe Acute Respiratory
Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become a global issue today. There exists an ongoing
health crisis all over the world, and efficacious drugs against COVID-19 are not available yet.
Therefore, on an urgent basis, scientists are looking for safe and efficacious drugs against SARSCoV-
2.

Methods:

The reported individual patient data and clinical outcomes, including the rate of recovery
and mortality, patients’ characteristics, and complications, are reviewed. Randomized controlled
trials, single-center cohort studies, and different case studies are provided, and the PICO model is
used to illustrate the outcomes.

Results:

There exist several FDA (U.S Food and Drug Administration) approved anti coronavirus
drugs that sometimes are unsuccessful in curing COVID-19 critical conditions. It has been observed
that a humanized monoclonal antibody, Tocilizumab (licensed for the treatment of rheumatoid
arthritis), targeting the interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor, has an integral role in the treatment of
COVID-19.

Conclusion:

The cause behind the mortality of COVID-19 patients was found to be the Cytokine
Release Syndrome (CRS). Therefore, besides other antiviral drugs, the utilization of tocilizumab
should also be considered as it can effectively block IL-6 and reduce the inflammatory signal.
Endothelial Dysfunction, its Relationship with Chronic Periodontal Disease, and other Associated Risk Factors
Authors: Velosa-Porras Juliana , E. Arregoces Francina M. , L. Uriza Catalina , Ruiz Alvaro J
Published: August 2021

Background:

Chronic periodontitis is related to individual characteristics. However, it is precisely infectious in nature with the possibility of generating a chronic systemic inflammatory response that could favour its association with diseases, such as endothelial dysfunction, hypertension, CVD, and diabetes.

Purpose:

The aim of the study was to analyze the relationship of endothelial dysfunction measured by flow-mediated vasodilation in the brachial artery with periodontal disease and other possible factors.

Methods:

A case-control study was carried out in which those who had periodontitis were defined as cases, and those who were periodontally healthy or had gingivitis were defined as controls. A clinical history was obtained from all patients, and all patients underwent biofilm control and periodontal examinations. Blood tests were performed to determine CBC, glycaemia, total cholesterol, HDL-C, and LDL-C levels, and standardized procedures were used to measure flow-mediated dilation.

Results:

A total of 202 patients were included in this study: 101 controls [healthy/gingivitis] and 101 cases [periodontitis]. Regarding sex, glycaemia [p = 0.019] and triglycerides [p = 0.001] levels and initial flow-mediated vasodilation [p = 0.001] and final flow-mediated vasodilation [p = 0.001] values were higher in men, while HDL values ​​were lower [p = 0.001. The average age was higher for those in the group that presented dysfunction than for those in the group without dysfunction [p = 0.014]. When analyzing the percentage of patients with endothelial dysfunction in each of the groups, there were very few positive results obtained [5 per group].

Conclusion:

Initial and final arterial vasodilation was lower in women than in men. Likewise, there were more cases of endothelial dysfunction in women. In this study, patients with endothelial dysfunction were older. Periodontitis was not associated with endothelial dysfunction.
Mindfulness-Based Eudaimonic Enhancement for Well-Being of Individuals with Alcohol-Dependence: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: George Allen Joshua , Rajkumar Eslavath , John Romate , Lakshmi Ranganathappa , Wajid Maria
Published: August 2021

Background:

Theoretically, mindfulness or the non-judgmental awareness of the present generates eudaimonic well-being. Mindfulness-based interventions are effective for addictions like alcohol-dependence but its well-being outcomes should be validated empirically.

Objectives:

Current pilot study intended to explore the feasibility of a novel intervention, Mindfulness-Based Eudaimonic Enhancement Training (MEET), among individuals undergoing treatment for alcohol-dependence at an Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts (IRCA), Kerala, India.

Methods:

The experimental group (N=12) was administered with the intervention and Treatment as Usual (TaU) while the control group (N=12) received TaU alone. Obtained data were analysed using independent sample t-test and paired sample t-test.

Results:

After intervention the experimental group had reported better mindfulness, eudaimonic well-being, hedonic well-being, and flourishing. The results delineate the efficacy of the intervention as a mindfulness-based positive psychology intervention that enhances well-being and flourishing.

Conclusion:

This is the first study reporting the efficacy of a mindfulness-based intervention aimed exclusively at eudaimonic enhancement that showed promising impact among individuals with alcohol-dependence. The study contributes to the existing scientific literature, on the role of well-being and its enhancement for the effective treatment of addiction and relapse prevention.
COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy among Health Care Workers in the Middle East Region
Authors: Aoun Ahmed H. , Aon Mohamed H. , Alshammari Abdulrahman Z. , Moussa Shady A
Published: August 2021

Background:

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine development is the best approach to fight the disease. However, rising vaccine hesitancy can make widespread vaccine application difficult.

Objectives:

To explore health care workers' attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccine and find the reasons lying behind vaccine hesitancy among participants.

Methods:

Our study was a cross-sectional survey. An anonymous online questionnaire was sent to a sample of health care workers living and working in the Middle East region. Data collected included demographic data, educational attainment, household crowding, risk factors for severe COVID-19 infection, influenza vaccination history, and questions about COVID-19 vaccine acceptance.

Results:

We received 864 validated responses. The study included 365 physicians, 391 nurses, and 108 allied professions. Females represented 61% of participants and 98.5% of participants were below 65 years old. Around 60% of participants were hesitant to get the COVID-19 vaccine. The commonest reasons for hesitancy were lack of information and fear of side effects. Vaccine acceptance was higher among males (p< 0.001), physicians (p= 0.017), participants with medical risk factors (p= 0.017), and participants vaccinated against influenza (p< 0.001). After control for other factors, male (OR, 1.94; CI 1.42-2.66), married participant (OR, 1.89; CI 1.22-2.92), living in a less crowded accommodation (OR, 1.33; CI 1.11-1.59), and who got influenza vaccine (OR, 1.64; CI 1.13-2.37) tended to accept the COVID-19 vaccine more likely.

Conclusion:

Rates of vaccine hesitancy among health care workers were high. The current pandemic offers an opportunity to establish better vaccine confidence towards the COVID-19 vaccine and vaccines in general.
Knowledge Level and Awareness of Parents with 18-36 Month-Old Children About Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: TÖLÜK Barış , POLAT Özlem , YILMAZ Semra
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Early diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) enables early treatment, which is a good prognostic factor for the disorder. Parents are the primary caregivers; their knowledge about ASD is crucial for early diagnosis.We aimed to examine the level of knowledge and awareness about ASD in parents and their relationship with individual factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between February and July 2020 in a family health center with 340 parents with children aged 18-36 months. Participants were evaluated with a questionnaire adapted from the M-CHAT scale and DSM-V diagnostic criteria, including their sociodemographic characteristics. Results: 97.6% of the parents had heard of ASD before. In 32.6% parents the source of hearing autism was the media. Only 32.6% knew the right time for meaningful word production in healthy children. ASD knowledge level was higher in mothers and parents with higher education levels (p = 0.001, p <0.001). 5.6% of the parents stated that vaccines cause ASD and 37.6% stated that they did not have information about whether vaccines cause ASD. Conclusion: In our study, we found that although almost all of the parents had heard of ASD before, most of them had a low level of knowledge about the language development process of a healthy child and the symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment process of ASD. More importantly, many of these parents with a young child were unaware of whether there was a relationship between vaccines and ASD.
COVID-19 ile Yaşanan Sosyal İzolasyonun Aile ve Evlilik Yaşamına Yansımaları: Fenomenolojik Bir Çalışma
Authors: KAYA Yunus , AKIN Rabiye
Published: August 2021

Giriş: COVID-19 pandemisi, sadece bireyleri fiziksel olarak değil aynı zamanda ruhsal, sosyal ve ekonomik olarak olumsuz etkilemiştir. Bireylerin yaşantısında meydana gelen bu zorlanmalar aile ve evlilik yaşantısı üzerinde olumsuz etkilere de yol açabilmektedir. Yöntem: Bu araştırma, COVID-19 ile yaşanan sosyal izolasyonun aile ve evlilik yaşamı üzerine etkisini değerlendirmek amacıyla fenomenolojik niteliksel araştırma yöntemi kullanılarak gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırma verileri, Tanıtıcı Özellikler Soru Formu ve Yarı Yapılandırılmış Açık Uçlu Derinlemesine Bireysel Görüşme Formu kullanılarak toplanmıştır. Araştırma verileri, 15 evli bireyden toplanmıştır. Nitel veriler, tematik analiz yöntemi kullanılarak değerlendirilmiştir. Bulgular: Katılımcıların yaş ortalaması 41.73±10.52, evlilik süreleri ise 17.33±12.43 olarak bulunmuştur. Nitel verilerin analizi sonucunda, ‘COVID-19 Pandemisinin Aile ve Evlilik Yaşantısı Üzerine Olumsuz Etkileri’ ve ‘COVID-19 Pandemisinin Aile ve Evlilik Yaşantısı Üzerine Olumlu Etkileri’ olmak üzere iki kategori elde edilmiştir. Bu kategoriler altında 6 tema ve 10 alt tema belirlenmiştir. Sonuç: Araştırma sonucunda, COVID-19 pandemisinin aile ve evlilik yaşantısı üzerinde olumsuz etkileri kategorisi altında ruhsal etkiler, sosyal ve günlük yaşam üzerine etkiler, çocuklar üzerine etkiler ve aile ve evlilik yaşantısı üzerine etkiler temaları belirlenmiştir. Aile ve evlilik yaşamı üzerine olumlu etkiler kategorisi altında ise yaşam önceliklerinin değişmesi ve yaşamı anlamlandırma ve evlilik yaşantısında eşler arası paylaşımın artması temaları elde edilmiştir. Bu nedenle aile ile çalışan sağlık profesyonellerinin, ailelerin ve eşlerin bu süreçteki bilgi gereksinimlerini ve yaşadığı zorlukları belirlemelidir. Yaşanan sorunların belirlenmesinin ardından aile üyelerinin baş etme becerilerinin, aile içinde ve eşler arasında etkili iletişim becerilerinin geliştirilmesi, COVID-19 pandemisinin aile ve evlilik yaşamı üzerine olumsuz etkilerini en aza indirecektir. Bu bağlamda ailelere yönelik gerekli koruyucu ve güçlendirici müdahalelerin planlanması ve uygulanması aile ve evlilik yaşantısında doyumun ve memnuniyetin artmasına katkı sağlayacaktır.
Socio – Cultural Differences Between Rural & Urban Women Entrepreneurs
Authors: Rathi Yash , Sameer Pingle
Published: August 2021

In India, it is important to empower women through entrepreneurship for women's development, economic growth, and social stability.Women, in India, despite struggling with the social shackles are becoming economically independent. The social norms relating to thestatus of Women range from outright taboos against working outside the home to pressures that discourage women from being involvedin self–employment or entrepreneurial ventures. According to the Patriarchal system that prevails in India, males have power overwomen through control of property and household income. Since female economic independence is limited in these societies, thisautomatically leads to their lower status in relation to men. Hence, the cultural structures are rigid dividing the roles and spheres of menand women. The typical divide is that of roles restricted within the household for women and outside the home for men. In recent years,there has been an increasing awareness of the disadvantaged status of women and the need to promote social equality and recognition ofwomen as equal partners with men in development. As a response to this awareness, several studies and action programmes at theinternational, national and regional levels have been carried out or are ongoing, to identify and assess problems and evolve policies andmeasures for their solution. As a result, there is a clear perception now of the nature and magnitude of the basic issues inhibiting women’srole in society and their development.This paper highlights, how despite lacking qualifications and yet becoming entrepreneurs to achieve economic independence is perceiveddifferently in urban as well as rural areas. Further, how the social, as well as cultural factors, differ for the women entrepreneurs in bothurban as well as rural areas is captured in this particular study.
Silent Killers! - Toxic Leaders?
Authors: Walton Michael
Published: August 2021

To counter the continuing high rate of executive failures this paper suggests a more forensic approach be adopted in the appointment ofexecutives. It advocates Corporate Boards together with top and senior management consider the use of psychometric profiling -combined with regular monitoring of an executive’s ‘behaviour-in-context’ following their appointment- to guard against the emergenceof toxic leadership behaviours.Derived from executive coaching experiences, and research, this paper highlights differing examples of dysfunctional and toxicleadership. The term ‘Covid-Tox is introduced to describe the pervasive virus-like presence of dysfunctional, destructive, counterproductive, and fraudulent behaviour in the workplace and suggests ways through which such behaviour may be countered.FindingsIts main findings are that an assessment of the leader’s performance should be based on their ‘behaviour-in-context’ and involveregular post-appointment monitoring as a defence against the emergence of toxic leadership.
Effectiveness of Self-Guided Virtual Reality–Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Panic Disorder: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Shin Bokyoung , Oh Jooyoung , Kim Byung-Hoon , Kim Hesun Erin , Kim Hyunji , Kim Suji , Kim Jae-Jin
Published: August 2021

Background

Virtual reality (VR) is as effective a technique as traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and a promising tool for treating panic disorder symptoms because VR exposure can be safer and has better acceptability than in vivo exposure and is more immersive than exposure through imagination. CBT techniques can be delivered more effectively using VR as well. So far, VR has required high-quality devices, but the development of mobile VR technology has improved user availability. At the same time, a well-structured form of VR can be reproduced and used anywhere. This means that VR can be used to provide a self-guided form of treatment and address the high treatment costs of evidence-based therapy and the lack of professional therapists. This study aimed to investigate the potential of self-guided VR as an alternative to high-cost treatment.

Objective

The main goal of this study was to offer data about the efficacy of a mobile app-based self-led VR CBT in the treatment of panic disorder.

Methods

A total of 54 subjects with panic disorder were enrolled in this study and randomly assigned to either the VR treatment group or waitlist group. The VR treatment was designed to be total 12 sessions for 4 weeks. The VR treatment consists of 4 steps in which patients are gradually exposed to phobic stimuli while learning to cope with panic symptoms in each stage. The effectiveness of treatment was assessed through the Panic Disorder Severity Scale, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, Body Sensations Questionnaire, Albany Panic and Phobia Questionnaire, Anxiety Sensitivity Index, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Korean Inventory of Social Avoidance and Distress Scale, Korean Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology, and Perceived Stress Scale. In addition, physiological changes using heart rate variability were evaluated.

Results

In within-group analyses, the VR treatment group exhibited improvements in panic disorder symptoms, anxiety, and depression after 4 weeks, while the waitlist group did not show any significant improvement. Compared to the waitlist group, the VR treatment group showed significantly greater improvements in the Panic Disorder Severity Scale in both completer analysis and intention-to-treat analysis. Heart rate variability in the VR treatment group showed improvement in normalized high frequency from baseline to postassessment with no significant differences in any outcome measure between groups.

Conclusions

The self-guided, mobile app-based VR intervention was effective in the treatment of panic symptoms and restoring the autonomic nervous system demonstrating the validity of the use of VR for self-guided treatment. VR treatment can be a cost-effective therapeutic approach.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04985019; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04985019
Author's Response to Peer Reviews of “Risk Factors of SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Global Epidemiological Study” (Preprint)
Authors: Barletta William Alphonse
Published: August 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

These are the author's responses to peer review.
Assessment and Evaluation of Social Engagement in Dermatology Residency Programs on Instagram: Cross-sectional Study (Preprint)
Authors: Wei Chapman , Bernstein Sophie , Adusumilli Nagasai , Marchitto Mark , Chen Frank , Rajpara Anand
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Without traditional in-person experiences due to COVID-19, dermatology residency applicants and programs had to search for new ways to get to know one another. Thus, many programs created or enhanced their social media accounts, specifically Instagram, providing an avenue for applicants. The Instagram Engagement Score (IES) is a tool that quantifies an Instagram account’s engagement.

OBJECTIVE

We assessed the factors that influence a dermatology residency program Instagram account's total followers count and IES.

METHODS

Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education-accredited dermatology residency programs in the United States were identified and evaluated on 3/6/2021-3/7/2021. Posts were categorized into educational, departmental, academic and professional, social, or other posts.

RESULTS

78 residency programs have Instagram accounts. 69 accounts were active, or posting after November 2020. Other than posts, Instagram Stories was used most frequently (51%). 60 accounts opened in 2020. University of Miami had the most followers (N=2260) while University of Kansas had the highest IES (IES=23.76). Program location and affiliation did not affect total followers or IES. Utilizing Instagram TV (p=0.019) significantly increased total followers, but not IES. Using linear correlation, total posts and departmental posts correlated with increased total follower count (p<0.001, p=0.018 respectively) and IES (p<0.001, p=0.008 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Instagram is a valuable platform for a dermatology residency program’s self-promotion and recruitment following COVID-19. We recommend dermatology residency programs to open an Instagram account and make more posts, especially departmental content.

CLINICALTRIAL
An analysis of the application of “WeChat + micro-courses” in different majors of medical university students (Preprint)
Authors: Yu Qiurun , Liu Lu , Tang Qiuqin , Wu Wei
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

WeChat and micro-courses have become important tools for improving medical education. However, most research just focused on one of them, and investigations about “WeChat + micro-courses” teaching mode were still lacking.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the use of WeChat and micro-courses in different majors of medical university students and to analyze the possibility of “WeChat + micro-courses” teaching mode.

METHODS

This investigation was conducted among 534 full-time undergraduates in Nanjing Medical University. A self-reported questionnaire was adopted to collect data. Data were entered and checked with EpiData 3.0 and were analyzed with STATA 13.

RESULTS

A total of 534 participants successfully completed the questionnaires. Most students in all majors used WeChat. More students in preventive medicine subscribed to OAs (Official Accounts) related to other majors (χ2 = 28.49, P < 0.01). In three majors, almost 80% of students spent less than 10 minutes or 10-30 minutes browsing OA articles every day. As for micro-courses, using frequency in biostatistics was significantly higher than that in preventive medicine and hygienic analysis and detection (χ2 = 16.68, P < 0.01). Plenty of students complained about the lack of interactions while learning with micro-courses.

CONCLUSIONS

It was promising to apply “WeChat + micro-courses” mode in medical education.
El fin de la esperanza: los homicidios como causa de la expectativa de vida perdida
Authors:   Universidad El Colegio de México, Ordorica Mellado Manuel , Cervantes-Salas Mauricio Pablo ,   Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de Información Geoespacial
Published: August 2021

Este trabajo tiene por objetivo general, realizar un análisis de la dinámica de la violencia en México y sus entidades federativas, y su efecto en los niveles de la mortalidad. Las siguientes preguntas orientaron y dieron forma a la narrativa seguida en este documento: ¿Cómo se ha comportado la violencia en México a lo largo del siglo pasado y del siglo actual? ¿Es el clima de violencia referido un hecho inédito en estos años, o ha sido una constante en la historia mexi-cana? ¿Cómo ha cambiado este fenómeno en los territorios del país? ¿Cuál es el impacto de la violencia en los niveles de la mortalidad general? Los resultados muestran que el fenómeno de la violencia no es inédito, sin embargo, el número de muertes violentas sí, lo cual ha afectado de manera importante el incremento en la esperanza de vida al nacer, sobre todo entre los hombres, reflejo de una mayor tasa de homicidios en este grupo poblacional. Otro resultado importante del trabajo es que la esperanza de vida al nacer en México se ha mantenido sin cambios durante el siglo XXI, en alrededor de 75 años, hecho por el cual nuestro país pasará a la historia.
Acontecimientos vitales estresantes en la infancia y adolescencia de personas sentenciadas en España
Authors:   Universidad de Guadalajara, Estrada-Pineda Cristina , Rodríguez-Díaz Francisco Javier ,   Universidad de Oviedo, Bringas-Molleda Carolina ,   Universidad de Extremadura, Morales-Martínez Mario Alberto ,   Universidad de Guadalajara
Published: August 2021

Es un estudio cualitativo de registros autobiográficos de internos sentenciados por algún delito en un Centro Penitenciario de España; se estudian 23 historias mediante el análisis de narrativas para indagar las experiencias vividas de los Acontecimientos Vitales Estresantes, recurrentes en esta población, y cómo se van entrelazando en su desarrollo de vida; estos hechos son considera-dos sucesos que impactan la vida, e incluso, la identidad de los individuos (Sanz Rodríguez et al., 2009). Los resultados permitieron configurar un mapa donde destacan tres grandes categorías re-currentes de AVE en las autobiografías, integradas cada una por dos elementos afines: presencia de adicciones y delito, trayectoria escolar y estilo educativo/relacional, y por último, violencia intrafamiliar y ruptura de pareja.
La mita minera de Huancavelica y el despoblamiento durante los siglos XVI-XVIII. El caso de la provincia de Chumbivilcas, Perú
Authors:   Universidad Nacional San Agustín de Arequipa, Rendón-Cusi Sisko Fernando
Published: August 2021

El debate en torno a la reducción poblacional en la historia demográfica de Perú provoca po-siciones divergentes. Por un lado, la hipótesis de la “leyenda negra española” ocasionada por las características de la invasión y, por el otro, se esgrime la teoría de la conquista biológica. El objetivo de este estudio es caracterizar la evolución poblacional y el impacto de la política de la mita minera que, durante los siglos de su establecimiento, diezmó a la población aborigen de Chumbivilcas. La metodología ha consistido en la revisión de los informes eclesiásticos y otros conteos poblacionales durante dicho periodo. El resultado se expresa en la información estadística y, entre algunas de las conclusiones destacan la disminución de la población a causa de esclavitud del sistema de la mita minera.
Realtime Face-Mask Detection on Raspberry Kit
Authors: M Kalyan Chakravarthi.
Published: August 2021

Abstract: Recognition from faces is a popular and significant technology in recent years. Face alterations and the presence of different masks make it too much challenging. In the real-world, when a person is uncooperative with the systems such as in video surveillance then masking is further common scenarios. For these masks, current face recognition performance degrades. Still, difficulties created by masks are usually disregarded. Face recognition is a promising area of applied computer vision . This technique is used to recognize a face or identify a person automatically from given images. In our daily life activates like, in a passport checking, smart door, access control, voter verification, criminal investigation, and many other purposes face recognition is widely used to authenticate a person correctly and automatically. Face recognition has gained much attention as a unique, reliable biometric recognition technology that makes it most popular than any other biometric technique likes password, pin, fingerprint, etc. Many of the governments across the world also interested in the face recognition system to secure public places such as parks, airports, bus stations, and railway stations, etc. Face recognition is one of the well-studied real-life problems. Excellent progress has been done against face recognition technology throughout the last years. The primary concern to this work is about facial masks, and especially to enhance the recognition accuracy of different masked faces. A feasible approach has been proposed that consists of first detecting the facial regions. The occluded face detection problem has been approached using Cascaded Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). Besides, its performance has been also evaluated within excessive facial masks and found attractive outcomes. Finally, a correlative study also made here for a better understanding.
Ethical Assessment of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Guidelines in Sexual Assault Patients Suspected of Hepatitis B Viral Infection
Authors: Mond Jimmy , Gruenglas Jeffrey
Published: August 2021

More than 400,000 sexual assaults are reported annually in the United States in females and males above the age of 12. Victims are likely to include members of vulnerable populations such as the disabled, homeless persons, and immigrants. Victims of such assaults are at heightened risk of contracting the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) from their assailant. Unfortunately, approximately two-thirds of people with chronic HBV are unaware of their own status, exposing for victims the risk viral transmission, disease-related cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Victims are also at increased risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although immediate vaccination of the assaulted victim is recommended, protective levels of antibody are not present for fourteen days post vaccination. Complementary treatment with a Hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG), however, may provide immediate protective serum concentrations. Prompt prophylactic therapeutic intervention may not only protect patients from risk of infection but may also prevent the effects of PTSD by providing victims with psychological and emotional benefit. Yet, existing Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) recommendations for suspected HBV infection in sexual assault patients recommend initiating immunoprophylaxis only in cases where the perpetrator’s HBsAg status is known, a guideline that perpetuates inequities and injustice for those equally subject to the harms of sexual assault. This paper presents an ethical assessment of prophylactic treatment for sexual assault patients suspected of HBV exposure. In the absence of equitable guidelines, we argue for the clinician’s duty to rescue sexually assaulted patients from future harm and to protect the public through mitigation of transmission using currently available and evidence-based treatment modalities. The paper concludes with an ethical foundation to advocate for modification of current guidelines in view of existing prophylactic regimens.
Valores Lean Management como Suporte para a Gestão de Processos: uma Avaliação sobre Efetividade e Maturidade de Processos
Authors: Klein Leander Luiz , Mendes Vieira Kelmara , Schirmer Feltrin Thiago , Pissutti Matheus
Published: August 2021

Objetivo: Este trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar os valores Lean e sua relação e sua variação diante de medidas de maturidade e de efetividade da Gestão de Processos. Método: O método do trabalho consiste em uma pesquisa quantitativa caracterizada como survey, na qual a coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de um questionário. Obteve-se uma amostra válida de 1003 respostas da instituição estudada. A análise de dados foi realizada por meio de estatísticas descritivas, da análise fatorial exploratória (AFE), da correlação de Pearson, da análise de cluster e do teste t e do teste Mann-Whitney. Resultados: Os resultados permitem identificar uma relação positiva entre a melhoria contínua e o pensamento a longo prazo e a maior efetividade e maturidade de processos. Pode-se verificar, também, que a efetividade é maior no cluster em que a maturidade é maior. Contribuições: Como conclusãodeste trabalho, pode-se afirmar que os valores Lean funcionam como fundamentos para a gestão baseada em processos. Os valores Lean são elementos basilares para gerar melhorias operacionais e organizacionais na condução e na realização das atividades de uma organização pública. Além disso, os resultados deste artigo contribuem para que os gestores trabalhem na consecução de parâmetros de padronização e de melhoria de processos.
Correlation of lithofacies and depositional environment using Markov chain analysis in Sambipitu formation at Ngalang river, Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Rizqi Al Hussein Flowers , Purnomo Hendri Tri
Published: August 2021

The research area is located at Ngalang river, Gedangsari sub-district, Gunungkidul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta. The research area is part of southern mountain area which is composed of lithology of Sambipitu calcareous sandstone. The depositional process phase in the Sambipitu formation has a unique pattern and is relevant to the previous lithology. As a result, the stratigraphic position and lithological repetition pattern were reviewed using the statistical method (Markov chain). The aim of this research is to use geostatistics to examine the sedimentation trend in order to predict the existence of rock facies in the Sambipitu Formation. In each unit of lithology cycle, geostatistics is expected to assist, to predict and to interpret the significance of subsequent lithology appearances. The research method used was measured stratigraphy, determination of rock age and depositional environment based on fossil identification. In addition, this research used probability matrix in Markov chain analysis. The results of the Markov chain analysis showed that lithology of rock in the upper Sambipitu formation had a non-random transition pattern. The results of statistical calculation showed that the calculation value was greater than the Chi-square table value (333.9>34.38) that the H0 component was rejected. Lithofacies and depositional environment are correlated to several geological aspects such as distribution of rock facies, source of rock, paleobtahymetri, trace fossils and sedimentation process.
Changes and proposals to boost business productivity and competitiveness in Riga planning region
Authors:   Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Azena Ligita , Rivza Baiba ,   Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies
Published: August 2021

The result of the wider application of new digital skills is an increase in productivity as a basis for the growth of Latvian companies in the global market and an increase in material well-being in the market as a whole. In turn, the growth and competitiveness of companies is based on the ability to create and sell demanded, knowledge-intensive products and services on the basis of science, integrating into increasingly higher value-added global chains. Many companies are facing economic difficulties during the COVID- 19 crisis and have to suspend or significantly reduce their operations and staff. However, for some companies, the crisis has also given them the opportunity to reorient their operations to the digital environment, both in serving customers and in organizing the company's operations. The data obtained during the study show that the majority of entrepreneurs predict a decline in customer solvency and the emergence of new digital technologies in the market. Entrepreneurs think they should make more use of the latest technologies (forms of digital sales and communication with customers), new forms of cooperation in company communication (forms of digital communication with employees) and plan to introduce remote and / or semi-remote work. Entrepreneurs expect that the biggest challenges after the crisis caused by the pandemic will be the acquisition of new leadership skills and the acquisition of new digital technologies, as well as attracting investment. Unfortunately, the data of the study show that the majority of entrepreneurs did not use the support programs of state and local government institutions, but assessed the support measures developed by the government as very fragmented. The aim of the research: to assess the changes in the planning region at companies in different sectors in Riga planning region and to develop proposals to increase business productivity and competitiveness. Research methods: statistical data collection, business survey and in-depth interview.
ABO blood type analysis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Petricevic Blazenka , Pesut Dragica
Published: August 2021

Tobacco smoking is major risk factor for development of chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD), which appears in 15-20% of smokers. Apart from
smoking, exposure to polluted air and various noxae, and several genetic
factors influence its development as well. The ABO blood type distribution
varies among populations in the world, but also within subpopulations. A
large number of studies have shown a correlation between blood types and the
pathology of various diseases. These markers, used in population genetic
research, have mainly shown deviations in the representation of blood groups
in different diseases, compared to the general population. The aim of this
study was to determine the ABO blood types distribution in patients with
COPD compared to the general population, and their possible association with
COPD stage, patients? nutritional status and lung function impairment. This
observational, prospective study included 150 patients (68.7% men and 31.3%
women), average age 64.80 ? 8.38 years, diagnosed with COPD. Data were
collected at the Clinical Center of Montenegro in Podgorica and at the
Special Hospital for Lung Diseases Brezovik in Niksic. Determination of
blood types of the ABO system and Rh factors for all subjects was performed
at the Blood Transfusion Center in Podgorica. Apart from patients? tobacco
smoking status (duration of smoking and the number of cigarettes smoked per
day expressed in pack/years for current smokers and former smokers), we also
analyzed their exposure to various other noxae, their body mass index, and
lung function in correlation to ABO blood type and Rh factor, and performed
statistical analysis. We found a significant difference in the distribution
of ABO blood types in patients with COPD compared to the general population.
The highest frequency of blood type A was found in patients with COPD. We
also found the lowest average values of spirometry parameters in that group,
which represented majority of those patients with respiratory insufficiency
having the most severe stage of the disease. Combined blood types A, B and
were significantly more common in patients with COPD in comparison to
blood type O, which is the least represented (23.3%). The least obstructive
disturbance of pulmonary ventilation was found in the patients with B type.
Respiratory insufficiency showed differences in gender representation, found
in 40.4% of women, and in 25.2% of men with terminal phase of COPD. The
prevalence of AB, higher than expected, decreases with the severity of the
disease.
Delineating multivariate divergence, heritability, trait association and identification of superior omega-3-fatty acid specific genotypes in linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.)
Authors: Kumar Mithlesh , Patel Manubhai , Chauhan Ravindrasingh , Tank Chandresh , Solanki Satyanarayan
Published: August 2021

Present investigation was undertaken to evaluate 50 linseed genotypes for
three consecutive years for seed yield, oil content and agro-morphological
traits using multivariate approach. Higher range, large value of
Shannon-weaver diversity index for both traits and genotypes and large
differences in mean values for most of the characters showed that a wide and
significant variation existed among the genotypes and traits. Pooled
analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences (p<0.001) among
the genotypes for all the characters studied. The magnitude of the
phenotypic coefficient of variation was somewhat higher than the genotypic
coefficient of variation, indicating that the environment had little impact
on the expression of these traits. Cluster analysis for yield and
agro-morphological traits using unweighted pair group method of arithmetic
averages (UPGMA) grouped the genotypes into nine clusters with varied
number. Clustering of linseed genotypes from different geographical
locations or source/origin into same cluster has confirmed that they are
genetically related, and possibly from the same progenitor. The principal
component analysis (PCA) revealed that most of the variation (76.41%) was
accounted by first four PCA and indicated role of traits that contributed
significantly towards a wide variation among the genotypes. The positive
associations of seed yield per plant and oil content with component trait
implies that improving one or more component traits could result in genetic
enhancement of seed yield and oil content in linseed. The significant
negative association of seed yield per plant and oil content with days to
flowering and days to maturity has great advantages in breeding short
duration linseed cultivars for hot and water stress climatic conditions of
semi-arid regions. Trait specific genotypes namely, Shival, Sharda, IC54970,
Mukta, IC56363, T-397, IC53281 and RLC-92 were identified for the
development of short duration and dwarf cultivars with higher omega-3-fatty
acid content.
Palyno-morphology of Hedera L. (The ivy genus, araliaceae) and their systematics implications
Authors: Fallah Fahimeh , Ghahremaninejad Farrokh
Published: August 2021

The palynomorphological characteristics of 5 species belonging to Hedera of
the Araliaceae family were studied in detail. These plant species were
collected from various phytogeographical regions of Iran and Hungary. The
palynological investigation was accomplished using Transmission Electron
Microscope (TEM) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Pollen grains of
the species are reticulate, prolate, sub-prolate, tricolporate, isopolar,
radially symmetrical, and monad. The largest pollen grain was in the Hedera
colchica species (72.24?1.6 ?m) and the smallest pollen grain was in Hedera
helix (28.63?2.1 ?m). The research carried out by the TEM showed that the
species were different in terms of exine thickness, tectum thickness, foot
layer thickness, the diameter and length of the Columella, the thickness and
shape of the Caput, the tectum to foot layer )T/F( ratio, the absence or
presence of the Endexine and the thickness of the Intine layers. The main
purpose of this study was the importance of the relationship between pollen
grain size and the number of chromosomes and ploidy level in Hedera species.
Study on powder dynamics of ultrahigh-speed laser cladding
Authors: Song Yuyan , Li Xiang , Hu Cong , Luo Xizhao , Ma Haojie , Tang Xiahui
Published: August 2021

In view of the key technical problems of ultrahigh-speed laser cladding, this paper has studied the influence of different laser power, powder feeding rate, and carrier gas velocity on the formation of the cladding layer. A theoretical model of the powder flow field in the laser cladding process has been established. An energy attenuation algorithm based on the powder shading ratio has been designed, and the particle thermal field has been analyzed. We verified their feasibility with four radially symmetrical powder flow nozzles and extended them to the annular cladding nozzles. It is found that the powder spot temperature can be increased by increasing the laser power and setting powder focus point 0–2 mm above the laser focus point, and the utilization of laser energy in powder can be improved by reducing the particle size and increasing the powder feeding rate and carrier gas velocity. The results provide theoretical references for the application of ultrahigh-speed laser cladding on the surface strengthening of shaft components.
Surgical Treatment of Heart Mixomas: the Analysis of 10 Years’ Experience
Authors: Vladimirov V. V. , Kovalev A. I. , Redkoborody A. V. , Sokolov V. V. , Bikbova N. M. , Galankina I. E. , Muslimov R. Sh.
Published: August 2021

Introduction. Primary cardiac tumors are rare, and the autopsy detection rate does not exceed 0.003%. Approximately 80% of primary heart tumors are benign, 50% of them are myxomas. Diagnosis of cardiac tumors at present in the presence of transesophageal echocardiography is not difficult in most cases. Surgical treatment of mixomas became possible after the introduction of open-heart surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass into clinical practice. After verification of the tumor, its surgical removal is indicated. In the practice of large cardiac surgery clinics, the experience of radical treatment of heart neoplasms is relatively small; therefore, the analysis of tactical approaches and results of operations in this pathology is of absolute interest.

Aim of study. To present an analysis of 10 years’ experience in surgical treatment of cardiac mixomas. Material and methods The results of treatment of 58 patients with myxomas who underwent surgical removal of the neoplasm of the heart are presented.

Results. Hospital mortality after surgical removal of myxoma was 1.7%, 1 patient died. All patients, we have the long-term period data about, noted a significant improvement in well-being, a decrease or disappearance of dyspnea at rest and/or during exertion, and no recurrence of myxoma was noted. Conclusion. The data obtained indicate, on the whole, good immediate results and high quality of life of patients in the long-term period operated on for heart mixomas.
Long-term Result of Surgical Correction of Ischemic Mitral Insufficiency in a Patient With Posterior Basal Post-Infarction Left Ventricular Aneurysm
Authors: Sapunov V. A. , Boldyrev S. Y. , Pavlenko I. P.
Published: August 2021

The article presents a long-term result of surgical correction of ischemic mitral valve insufficiency, left ventricle inferior wall reconstruction.
The Effect of Problem Based Learning (PBL) Models Containing Science Literacy On Student’s Learning Competencies In Digestive System Human Material at Junior High School 29 Padang
Authors: Utami Yanti Srinita , Chatri Moralita , Yogica Relsas , Syamsurizal Syamsurizal
Published: August 2021

This research is based on the problems that exist at junior high school 29 padang, namely the learning model that is less varied, students' learning competencies are still low. Efforts that can be done are applying the learning model problem based learning (PBL) with scientific literacy in the digestive system material at 29 Padang Junior High School. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the application of the learning model that Problem Based Learning (PBL)contained scientific literacy to the learning competencies of Grade VIII students of 29 SMP Negeri Padang. This research is an experimental research with randomized control group posttest only design. The study population is the students of class VIII Junior high school 29 padang 2018/2019 academic year which spread into nine classes. Sampling research using simple random sampling. The results were selected class VIII.3 as experimental class and class VIII.4 as a control class.The hypothesis in this study was tested using the t-test. The results of the study using the t-test it can be concluded that the competency of students' knowledge of the value of tcount3,34> ttable 1.67, in the competency attitude the value of tcount4.26> ttable 1.67, and the competence of value skills tcount 4.21> ttable 1.67. This shows that the hypothesis is accepted. So, it can be concluded that the application of PBL models with scientific literacy can improve the competency of knowledge, attitudes, and skills of class VIII students of junior high school 29 Padang. Keywords: Problem Based Learning, Sains Literation, Learning Competency