bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Community Outreach and Ethics Services
Authors: Lesandrini Jason , Bertino Joseph ,   The National Catholic Bioethics Center
Published: October 2020

The core functions of health care ethics committees are consultation, education, and policy development. In order to better function in these areas, it is necessary for committees to take a proactive approach in relationships with the surrounding community. Local universities provide an opportunity for committee members to teach ethics courses as well as find new members with practical experience through internships and mentorships. Reaching out to local health care organizations regarding ethics consultations for patients and physicians is also beneficial. Community organizations may be interested in classes or consultations and can give ethics organizations an opportunity to learn more about recurring problems and concerns of the surrounding community. Finally, working with the local diocese builds lasting relationships that can increase understanding and respect between the committee, clergy, and lay people in the community.
Recent Challenging Cases in Genetic Engineering
Authors: Wilger Kevin ,   The National Catholic Bioethics Center
Published: October 2020

Genetic engineering is a rapidly evolving field of research with potentially powerful therapeutic applications. The technology CRISPR-Cas9 not only has improved the accuracy and overall feasibility of genome editing but also has increased access to users by lowering cost and increasing usability and speed. However, recent applications of genetic engineering technology have raised ethical concerns in the scientific community. An investigator in China announced the birth of twins whose genome had been edited as embryos to increase resistance to HIV. These germline genetic modifications were illicit because they both posed potential risks to the children and future progeny and used in vitro fertilization. In addition, a team of US and Spanish researchers travelled to China to perform human–animal chimera research. In light of these events, health care institutions should consider what steps can be taken to prevent or slow rogue science.
The Incoherence of Gender as a Social Construct
Authors: Skalko John ,   The National Catholic Bioethics Center
Published: October 2020

People can certainly attempt to create new words, convince others that certain words have taken on new meanings, or advocate that new meanings should supplant the older, more common ones. However, the introduction of a new definition does not invalidate a word’s older meaning. Today, many have begun using the word gender in a novel way because they claim that gender is a social construct. This article questions the coherence of that usage with other popularly accepted views about the reality of persons who identify as transgender.
Ethical Concerns with COVID-19 Triage Protocols
Authors: Ethicists NCBC ,   The National Catholic Bioethics Center
Published: October 2020

As one of the primary resources for Catholics concerned about moral issues in health care, the ethicists of The National Catholic Bioethics Center have received many questions regarding triage protocols in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many protocols emphasize utilitarian principles that are incompatible with a principled approach to Catholic health care. Others expressly discourage appeals to ethical principles that are religious in nature or connected to systems of religious belief. This exclusion is arbitrary given the long history of Catholic health care. The ethicists also have concerns about patient priority scores that include disqualifying criteria based on age, disability, or medical condition. These criteria constitute unjust forms of discrimination. Finally, the withdrawal of care should occur only after consultation with the family, and in no case should physicians unilaterally assign do-not-resuscitate status to critically ill patients with COVID-19.
The Gift of the Apostolic Pardon
Authors: Hilliard Marie ,   The National Catholic Bioethics Center
Published: October 2020

Meeting the right of the faithful to receive the sacraments can be difficult, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Church needs opportunities to minister to the faithful, especial when there is a danger of death. Remission of sins is of vital importance in these cases. To gain a plenary indulgence, three specific conditions must be met: sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion, and prayer according to the Holy Father’s intentions. A special kind of plenary indulgence, the apostolic pardon, is administered to someone who is in danger of death. It is advantageous because it can be done without making physical contact with the sick or impaired, but also because in times of great need, an apostolic pardon can be prayed for in absence of a priest. Family members and health care professionals can help a patient pray for the apostolic pardon even if he or she is not fully conscious.
Social Shutdowns as an Extraordinary Means of Saving Human Lives
Authors: Paprocki Thomas John ,   The National Catholic Bioethics Center
Published: October 2020

The effects of the novel coronavirus have raised questions about the extent to which social shutdowns are appropriate. We have a responsibility to protect the lives of others and an obligation to maintain our lives and health when possible, but there are circumstances when it is just to decline certain measures that are considered extraordinary to the situation. Measures taken to protect life must be proportionate. That is, they must offer a reasonable hope of benefit and not impose excessive burdens on individuals, families, or the community. The measures enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic are not proportionate. Restrictions on family and religious activities are disproportionate to the benefit they provide, particularly to the extent that they obstruct the Church in its duty to tend to the health of souls and salvation of its members.
Who are you, Professor N.W. Timofeeff-Ressovsky, – zoologist, genetics, radiobiologist, ecologist, evolutionist...?
Authors: Gudkov I. M.
Published: October 2020

To the 120th anniversary of the birth, information about the basic dates of life and creativity, as well as about the basic scientific achievements of the outstanding biologist Nikolay W. Timofeeff-Resovsky (1900–1981) is presented. The data on his contribution to genetics, radiation biology, ecology, the doctrine of microevolutionary processes are given. His works have played a major role in the development of molecular-physical approaches to the problems of genetics. He is regarded as one of the founders of radiation and population genetics. He is one of first who used the ionizing radiation, including a dense-ionizing radiation, for obtain of experimental mutations. He formulated a “hit-principle” and a “target theory” – the basis of modern quantitative radiobiology; a “principle of amplifier”, which explains how a single change, such as a gene mutation that can occur for energies of only a few electron-volts, activates forces that are several orders of magnitude larger and change the properties of the whole individual. He elaborated whole doctrine about microevolution – the emergence of new biological species, identified the elementary object of microevolution – population, elementary material – mutations, elementary factors – mutational process, elementary evolutionary phenomenon – stable change in the genotypic composition of the population. Based on the huge experimental material about migration of radionuclides in the environment and their uptake to living organisms, he formulated the main foundation of radiation ecology. The author summarizes the memories of meetings with scientist.

Keywords: N.W. Timofeeff-Resovsky, radiation genetics, population genetics, radiation biology, radiation ecology, microevolution.
Amino acid replacements of the polymorphic locuses of the hemaglutinin, neuraminidasa and nucleoprotein genes of the influenza virus A strains H1N1 and H7N9
Authors: Buriachenko S. V. , Stegniy B. T.
Published: October 2020

Aim. Significant variability contributing to the formation of highly virulent variants, widespread distribution in natural reservoirs, the ability to overcome interspecific barriers and the ease of the airborne pathway contribute to the development of epidemics and pandemics of respiratory infections. Determination of polymorphic sites and type of polymorphism of the investigated virus subtype gene sequences will allow to determine amino acid substitutions and to establish RNA targets for genotyping. Methods. The analysis was performed on the nucleotide sequences of genes HA, NA and NP of strains H1N1 and H7N9 of avian influenza A virus obtained from the NCBI base. Amino acid sequences of genes were obtained by translation of nucleotide gene sequences using MEGA 6. Polymorphic loci and cluster analysis were performed using MEGA 6 using the ClustalW algorithm.Results. The nucleotide sequences of HA, NA and NP genes were investigated, as well as their translation products inavian influenza A strains H1N1 and H7N9. The polymorphic regions and type of polymorphism of the sequences were determined. Conclusions. Polymorphism regions were detected on the nucleotide sequences of the HA, NA, and NP genes (H1N1 and H7N9 strains) and their translation products. The polymorphism of the HA, NA, and NP genes (strain H1N1) is shown to be higher than the polymorphism of HA, NA, and NP (strain H7N9) due to the presence in the first significant number of synonymous triplets.

Keywords: influenza A virus, hemagglutinin, neuraminidase, nucleoprotein, polymorphism.
Lactoferrin and plant resistance to phytopathogens
Authors: Yemets A. I.
Published: October 2020

.
Organization of the 5s rDNA intergenic spacer of Quercus rubra L. and its relationship to the ukrainian Quercus species
Authors: Tynkevich Yu. O. , Bushyla K. D. , Volkov R. A.
Published: October 2020

Aim. Quercus rubra L. is a representative of the North American section Lobatae, which has naturalized in Ukraine and becomes an invasive species in some places. Accordingly, elucidation of its relationship with the Ukrainian species of section Quercus is relevant to assess the possibility of interspecific hybridization. The 5S rDNA intergenic spacer (IGS) represents a convenient molecular marker to address this question. Methods. DNA isolation, PCR amplification, cloning and sequencing. Results. The IGS of Q. rubra was cloned and sequenced. It was shown that after the divergence of the Lobatae and Quercus sections, the IGS sequences evolved mainly by accumulation of nucleotide substitutions. A high level of IGS similarity was found for species within the Labatae and Quercus sections, while the genetic distances between the representatives of these two sections appeared significantly higher. Conclusions. The high level of nucleotide substitutions indicates a considerable genetic distance between the Lobatae and Quercus sections and calls into question the possibility of spontaneous hybridization between Q. rubra and Ukrainian native species of the section Quercus. At the same time, the close genetic relationship between other North American species, Q. lobata and Ukrainian "white oaks" indicate that introduction of representatives of this group may create conditions for their spontaneous crossing with the native species, which could be undesirable for the conservation of Ukraine's natural forest-steppe communities. Sequencing of the 5S rDNA IGS can be used for molecular genotyping of the Quercus species and for identification of interspecific hybrids.

Keywords: 5S rDNA, molecular evolution, Quercus, Lobatae.
Interaction of chronic ultraviolet radiation and cytokinin in adaptive reactions of pea plants
Authors: Zhuk V. V. , Mikheev A. N. , Ovsyannikova L. G.
Published: October 2020

Aim. The goal of this study was to study the interaction of chronic ultraviolet (UV-B) radiation and cytokinin 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) in the adaptation of pea plants (Pisum sativum L.) to the effect of chronic UV-B irradiation. Methods. Pea plants cultivar Aronis were sprayed by BAP solution in concentration 10-5 M before the effect of chronic UV-B radiation at doses of 6 kJ/m2 per day with a power of 1 W/m2 for 12 days. During this time, the growth of plants and their mass were measured, the content of photosynthetic pigments and endogenous hydrogen peroxide (HP) were determined in the leaves. Results. It was established that the effect of chronic UV-B radiation at a dose of 6 kJ/m2 per day on pea plants caused a delay in plant mass accumulation, synthesis of photosynthetic pigments and increasing HP content in leaves. Treatment plants by BAP increased mass, stimulated synthesis of photosynthetic pigments, reduced the content of HP in the leaves of pea plants during the UV-B radiation. Conclusions. It was shown that treatment of pea plants by BAP caused the adaptation of pea plants at the beginning of UV-B radiation. Cytokinins are capable to detoxify reactive oxygen spices, stimulate formation of photosynthetic complex that promotes growth of pea plants under chronic UV-B radiation.

Keywords: UV-B, BAP, Pisum sativum L., photosynthetic pigments, adaptation.
Peculiarities of the metabolic activity of mesenchimal stem cells under oxidative stress
Authors: Kovalchuk M. V. , Shuvalova N. S. , Kordium V. A.
Published: October 2020

Aim. Oxidative stress is considered to be one of the major damaging factors that limits the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The purpose of our work was to study the metabolic activity of Wharton jelly-derived MSC of different donor origin under oxidative stress conditions induced by hydrogen peroxide. Methods. MSC were obtained by the explant method and cultured according to standard methods. Oxidative stress was caused by treating cells with different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. The metabolic activity of MSCs was evaluated using the MTT test. Results. Analysis of the MTT test showed a biphasic dependence of the MSC response to the concentration of H2O2. Concentrations of hydrogen peroxide from 6.25 to 50 μM increased the level of metabolic activity of MSCs, and concentrations from 50 to 440 μM inhibited metabolic activity. The maximum stimulating effect was observed at concentrations of 12.5 μM and 25 μM depending on the donor. Conclusions. The response of cells to oxidative stress corresponded to the hormetic dependence, and the points of critical concentration and maximum stimulation were individual for each donor. Processes such as preconditioning MSCs with hydrogen peroxide to increase their survival rate during transplantation also require personalization of the approach depending on the points of maximum stimulation.

Keywords: mesenchymal stem cells, hydrogen peroxide, oxidative stress.
In silico analysis of MGMT gene orthologous in the most ancient mammals Strepsirrhini
Authors: Pidpala O. V. , Lukash L. L.
Published: October 2020

Aim. To analyze the evolution of the MGMT gene with using the example of primitive primates with an emphasis on the participation of mobile genetic elements (MGE) in this process. Methods. The homology between nucleotide sequences was determined by BLAST 2.6.1. The results of the search and identification of MGE were performed using the CENSOR program. Results. It was shown on the the example of variable exons, that non-coding sequences can play a coding role at various stages of gene evolution. In the case of the P.coquereli MGMT gene, it was found that exon sequences could be a source of an additional microintron. Based on a comparison of the sequences of Strepsirrhini primates and H.sapience, it can be assumed that fragmented sequences of the endogenous retrovirus HERV-Fc1 could participate in the formation of the coding region of human exon 5 and 3’UTR. Conclusions. The evolutionary changes in the MGMT gene occur at the level of various structural units (exons and introns), and the MGE can be not only components of introns, but also components of exons in the form of fragmented sequences which could not be identified as mobile genetic elements.

Keywords: Strepsirrhini, MGMT gene, MGE, HERV-Fc1.
Ideal evolution and evolution of ideality
Authors: Mikhyeyev A. N.
Published: October 2020

On the basis of meta-scientific approaches, the legitimacy of considering the processes of biological evolution using the notions of attributiveness of the ideality of objects is substantiated. Ideal evolution is defined as the evolution of an object in the direction of the realization of its current and necessarily changing potentials, and the evolution of the ideality - as the evolution of forms, processes and functions. Thus, it is proposed that evolution must be considered as the realization of potentials and as a change in the ideal attribute of objects. Taking into account the ideal «component» allows to use almost all meta-scientific approaches to solve evolutionary problems – the theory of information, systems, fractals, risks etc. It is shown that memetics explores the general principles of information inheritance, regardless of its substrate, on which the genetic, epigenetic or memetic information itself. It is argued that in systemogenesis a certain potency (opportunity) is realized, generating a new potency, plan, idea or goal. Thus, it is impossible to describe all stages of evolution with one law. Each stage has its own substantial and organizational (actually «ideal», informational) component (attribute), the description of which requires appropriate laws. In Man, the role of the ideal or rather, informational, attribute is growing in the process of its progressive evolution, which turns into practically a «pure» informational evolution, isomorphic to its carrier.

Keywords: meta-scientific approaches, ideal, information, progressive evolution, memetics, systemogenesis, emergence.
Lektier uden didaktik
Authors: Gregersen Annette Søndergaard
Published: October 2020

-
Pédagogie culturellement responsable et herméneutique dans Demetrioff de Gabrielle Roy
Authors: Bolivar Bathélemy
Published: October 2020

Gabriel Roy propose dansDemetrioff,Ces enfants de ma vie, une vision inclusive du fait pédagogique qui invite à s’ouvrir sur l’autre. Dans cette démarche quasi-autobiographique, l’enseignante/narratrice présente un élève russe immigrant vivant au Manitoba qui subit des sévices corporels à la maison. L’enseignante utilise un prétexte scolaire pour inviter la famille et la communauté scolaire à découvrir les prouesses de l’élève. Les théories de la réception, de l’intelligence émotionnelle et celle de Bronfenbrenner informent cette critique du topo pédagogique, haut lieu d’inclusion et d’anti-oppression. Demetrioff devient dans notre modernité cet élève nouvel arrivant typique qui doit cesser d’être vu sous un angle de déficits de compétences et qui n’attend que des communautés ouvertes pour briller de son plein potentiel.
alias ROSSEL VIEN
Authors: Léveillé J.R.
Published: October 2020

L’article explore la venue à l’écriture de l’auteur Russel Vien qui a publié sous nom de plume tout au cours de sa vie. Que cache et que révèle cette course fuyante vers l’anonymat qui a produit un auteur salué par la critique, connu en histoire et méconnu en fiction? Les différentes sections de l’article analysent chaque pseudonyme, ainsi que la réception critique initiale d’une oeuvre « inconnue » où nous découvrons les enjeux de la personnalité mystérieuse d’un pionnier de l’écriture homosexuelle et d’une modernité formelle.
La rhétorique de la surconscience de l’altérité dans les deux premières nouvelles de Rossel Vien
Authors: Gaboury-Diallo Lise
Published: October 2020

En 1960, alors qu’il a 31 ans, Rossel Vien publie sous le pseudonyme Gilles Delaunière, dans lesÉcrits du Canada français,son récit à saveur autobiographique « Un homme de trente ans ». L’année suivante, dans la même revue, et toujours sous le même nom de plume, paraît le récif fictif « L’auberge des trois lacs ». Dans ses deux premières nouvelles, Vien met en scène des personnages marginalisés et non conventionnels. En partant du concept théorique que développe Emir Delic sur la conscience altéritaire du minoritaire (2014), je postule que le sentiment généralisé de malaise que vivent les personnages clés de ces deux histoires naît d’un profond sentiment de rejet. Leur questionnement ontologique se double d’une prise de conscience (ou crise identitaire) de l’être social et discursif face à l’Autre, mais aussi face à soi. Ces constats entraînent un glissement progressif vers ce que j’appelle une surconscience du soi qui découvre avec désarroi que sa ‘différence’ est inacceptable aux yeux de la majorité. D’intérêt particulier sont les nombreuses stratégies littéraires qu’exploite Vien pour permettre à ses lecteurs d’entrer de plain-pied dans l’univers de ces êtres atypiques qui se sentent constamment en porte-à-faux, non seulement avec de leur communauté, mais aussi avec leur propre image de soi. Je me focaliserai sur l’étude de quelques procédés rhétoriques qu’emploient les narrateurs et certains personnages, tels que les oppositions binaires, les images choc, le non-dit, etc., et qui révèlent à la fois une surconscience altéritaire ainsi qu’une perceptionautrede la réalité.
Louise Campbell. Une médiatrice dans l’être
Authors: Bertomeu Fanny
Published: October 2020

Musicienne et clarinettiste de formation, Louise Campbell est aujourd’hui médiatrice de la musique. Basée à Montréal, elle exerce sa profession au Québec comme au Canada anglophone, à travers plusieurs structures et pour des publics variés (scolaires, professionnels, personnes en situation de handicap...). Dans cet entretien, Louise Campbell raconte son expérience de médiatrice, sa (non-)formation à cette profession ainsi que les aspects de sa pratique. Avec l’objet musical et la création au coeur de ses ateliers, Louise Campbell cherche toujours à établir une relation d’échange « horizontale » avec chacune des personnes qu’elle rencontre. Médiatrice dans l’être, Louise Campbell est aussi une médiatrice de l’être.
De Shakespeare à Diam’s en passant par George Lucas et pnl. Kenny Thomas, intervenant social et médiateur
Authors: Fortant Elsa
Published: October 2020

Après s’être évertuées à démocratiser l’accès à la culture, les politiques culturelles développées au Québec et en France depuis la fin des années 1980 mettent l’emphase sur les pratiques amateurs et sur la participation citoyenne. Pour rejoindre ces publics et dans des objectifs d’émancipation des populations, les programmes d’action culturelle ont recours à la médiation culturelle, souvent définie comme une approche qui permet de faire le pont entre des pratiques artistiques et des publics. À travers le parcours de Kenny Thomas, travailleur social qui est aussi musicien et rappeur, cet article met en lumière les liens qui existent entre les différents champs auxquels sa pratique se rattache, autrement dit l’intervention sociale et la médiation. Il démontrera que les frontières entre ces mondes sont malléables au point parfois de se confondre.
Isabelle Ronzier « à la croisée des chemins »
Authors: Renaudin Sophie
Published: October 2020

Médiatrice culturelle indépendante, Isabelle Ronzier retrace dans cet entretien son parcours et évoque les différents milieux artistiques dans lesquels elle a évolué – la musique, la danse, le théâtre, mais aussi l’écriture et la marionnette. Son expérience et ses réflexions nous amènent à concevoir la médiation comme une forme créatrice, tant pour celle ou celui qui la met en oeuvre que pour ceux qui la partagent. Cet article est ainsi l’occasion de découvrir les différents formats de médiation mis en place par Isabelle Ronzier et les multiples projets qu’elle a réalisés. Pour compléter ce portrait, l’annexe propose trois documents qui présentent, sous différents formats (notes et photographies), plusieurs étapes du projet de création Le pont sur le monde (2017-2019).
Rīgas Politehnikuma studenta Alfona Eihvalda (1862–1923) ieguldījums Tukuma pilsētas un sabiedriskās dzīves attīstībā
Authors: Ozola Agrita
Published: October 2020

Raksts ir pirmais plašākais pētījums par uzņēmēju, bankas darbinieku, Tukuma pilsētas pašvaldības vadītāju (1907–1915; 1918–1920) un sabiedrisko darbinieku Alfonu Eihvaldu. Tajā atspoguļota A. Eihvalda dzīvesdarbība 19. gadsimta beigās / 20. gadsimta sākumā, viņa loma Tukuma pilsētas pārvaldībā, ekonomiskajā un sabiedriskajā dzīvē – Tukuma Viesīgajā (latviešu) biedrībā un evaņģēliski luteriskajā draudzē. Pētījumā izmantots Tukuma muzeja un bibliotēku krājums, Latvijas Nacionālā arhīva dokumenti.The article is the first comprehensive study on businessman, bank employee, Mayor of the Tukums town municipality (1907–1915; 1918–1920) and public employee Alfons Eihvalds. It reflects the life of A. Eihvalds at the end of the 19th century / beginning of the 20th century, his role in the management of Tukums town, its economic and social life – Tukums Sociable (Latvian) Society and Evangelical Lutheran Congregation. The research uses the collection of Tukums Museum and Libraries, and documents of the Latvian National Archives.
Frīdrihs Augusts Nauks (1855–1913), Rīgas Politehnikuma absolvents, kontrolbiļešu drukas aizsācējs Rīgā
Authors: Gudro Ilze , Zigmunde Alīda
Published: October 2020

Rīgas Politehnikuma (RP) absolvents (1878) Frīdrihs Augusts Nauks (Friedrich August Nauck; 1855–1913) bija RP pirmā direktora Ernsta Nauka (Ernst Nauck; 1819–1875) dēls, inženieris, sabiedriskā transporta un dažādu ieejas kontrolbiļešu drukas aizsācējs Rīgā. Pētījuma mērķis ir atspoguļot F. A. Nauka tipogrāfijas darbību un kontrolbiļešu drukas pirmsākumus, kā pierādījumu apzinot kontrolbiļetes, kas dažādos arhīvos un muzeju krājumos ir saglabājušās līdz mūsdienām. F. A. Nauka 1888. gadā Rīgā izveidotā tipogrāfija darbojās līdz 1939. gadam. Tipogrāfijas sekmīgai darbībai inženieris izgudroja dažādas ierīces. F. A. Nauks aktīvi darbojās Rīgas Tehniskajā un Rīgas Amatu biedrībā, lasot referātus par dažādiem tematiem, kā arī bija viens no Rīgas zirgu dzelzceļa sabiedrības direktoriem (1885–1889). Pētījumā nozīmīga vieta atvēlēta F. A. Nauka ģimenei un tās pēctečiem līdz mūsdienām.A graduate of Riga Polytechnicum (RP) (1878), Friedrich August Nauck (1855–1913) was a son of the first director of RP, Ernst Nauck (1819– 1875), an engineer, the initiator of public transport and various entrance control-ticket printing in Riga. The aim of the research is to reflect the activities of F. A. Nauck’s Printing House and the beginnings of control-ticket printing, identifying control-tickets that have survived to the present day in various archives and museum collections. The Printing House established by F. A. Nauck in 1888, in Riga, operated until 1939. The engineer invented various devices for a successful operation of the Printing House. F. A. Nauck was an active member of Riga Technical and Riga Craft Society, he presented reports on various topics and was one of the directors of the Riga Horse Railway Society (1885–1889). In the research, great attention is payed to the family of F. A. Nauck and its descendants to the present day.
Rīgas Tehniskās universitātes konferenču un sporta centrs «Ronīši»
Authors: Gudro Ilze
Published: October 2020

1958. gadā, atjaunojot Rīgas Politehnisko institūtu (RPI), radās ideja izveidot sporta un atpūtas, arī veselības bāzes/nometnes studentiem, kurās pēc sesijām atpūsties un sacensties dažādos sporta veidos. RPI bija viena no pirmajām Latvijas augstskolām, kas šādas bāzes izveidoja. Rakstā pirmo reizi apkopota un aprakstīta Rīgas Tehniskās universitātes (RTU) konferenču un sporta centra «Ronīši» attīstība no 20. gadsimta sešdesmitajiem gadiem līdz mūsdienām.In 1958, when the Riga Polytechnic Institute (RPI) was renovated, the idea arose to create a sports and recreation camps, as well as a health camps for students, where after sessions they could relax and compete in various sports. RPI was one of the first Latvian higher education institutions to establish such bases. For the first time, the article summarizes and describes the development of the Riga Technical University (RTU) Conference and Sports centre «Ronīši» from the 1960s to the present day.
Identifying and Isolating Zombie Attack in Cloud Computing
Authors: Agbedemnab Peter Awon-natemi , Abdul-Mumin Salifu , Abdulrahim Zakaria
Published: October 2020

The cloud computing architecture is a berth in which third party, virtual machine and cloud service providers are involved in data uploading and downloading. A major challenge in this architecture, however, is the security of the data as there exist various forms of attacks from malicious peopleand devices. Among these security attacks, the zombie attack is the most advance type of attack. The zombie attack reduces network performance in terms of delay and bandwidth consumption. With zombie attack, some malicious users may join the network which, in turn takes off the data of legitimate users and at the same time enable zombie nodes to communicate with a virtual machine on behalf of the legitimate user. In this paper, a technique based on strong authentication which, is able to detect malicious users from a network and isolates them from the cloud architecture is proposed.
Comparing the Effect of Continuous Care Model and Partnership Care Model on the Sleep Quality: A Systematic Review
Authors: Meshkani Somayeh , Shahrabady Sana , Borji Milad , Fakhreazizi Shahla
Published: October 2020

Background: Sleep quality is one of the important variables that effectson the individual health status. For this reason, the present study aims to investigate the effect of CCM and PCM on the patients’sleepquality.

Methods: All interventional articles about the effect of CCM and PCM on sleep quality status were searched with the keywords of CCM, PCM, partnership care model, continuous care model and sleep quality at the Iranian scientific databases such as SID, Magiran, IranMedex and ISC, and the international databases such as Pubmed, Science Direct, Cochrane, Scopus and Web of Science. Then, after reviewing the entry and exit criteria and qualitative evaluation of the articles, Excel software was used to analyze the data.

Results: In this study, all published article about CCM, PCM and Sleep quality were reviewed.  All of the articles were conducted as clinical trial and the diagnostic tool of them were Pittsburg, in this instrument lower rate indicate less sleep disorder. The sample size of the study was 540 patients. According to the findings, the implementation of both models of CCM and PCM improved the sleep quality of patients.

Conclusion: Considering the more positive effect of CCM and PCM in improving the status of sleep quality in patients, so the implementation of this model is recommended to improve the patients’ sleep quality.
Probabilistic Non-Suppression Model of Electrical Fire in Nuclear Power Plant Using Maximum Likelihood Estimation Method
Authors: Kim Sunghyun , Lee Sungsu
Published: October 2020

Electrical fire is the most significant fire-induced risk in nuclear power plants. In this study, we developed a probabilistic non-suppression model of electric fire by estimating the relevant parameters using the Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) method to secure and improve the realism in Fire PRA in application to the Risk Informed Fire Protection Program. Based on the results of fitting 32 continuous probability distributions into fire incident data, 3-Parameter Weibull probability model was selected as the best fitted and adequate model and was compared with the existing exponential probability model. The comparison shows that the level of model adequacy is improved with decreases in BIC by 17.7%, in RSS by 24.4%, and in MSE by 58.2%. The 3-Parameter Weibull probability model drawn in this study is expected to contribute to the enhancement of the Fire PRA realism for supporting risk-based decision by reflecting real fire event experiences.
Study on Selection of Optimal Installation Positions of Fire Dampers to Secure Fire Safety Performance
Authors: Seo Heewon , Choi Dongho , Kang Eunsoo , Kim Daehoi , Park Sooyoung , Lee Seungjea
Published: October 2020

Building regulations in recent times require that fire dampers be automatically closed when detecting smoke or flame in the event of a fire. However, they may be vulnerable to fire themselves because they contain combustibles, such as motors. Therefore, the optimal installation locations of fire dampers for securing fire safety performance were selected through performance verifications in this study. Thus, it was found that fire dampers installed in contact with the fire compartment wall surfaces would be advantageous for securing the required fire safety performance.
Evaluating of Electromagnetic Shielding Characteristics of Reinforced Concrete Using Reinforcing Details
Authors: Choi JinSeok , Yuan TianFeng , Hong SeHee , Yoon YoungSoo
Published: October 2020

In this study, experimental tests were performed to determine the electromagnetic shielding characteristics of reinforced concrete based on the thickness of concrete and rebar. In addition, the electromagnetic shielding characteristics based on the steel-fiber volume ratio and rebar spacing of fiber-reinforced concrete were evaluated. Concrete showed significant Shielding Effectiveness (SE) in a high-frequency band with increasing thickness, but the rebar exhibited significant SE in the low-frequency band with increasing diameter, decreasing rebar spacing, and increasing layer. The SE increased with the steel fiber volume ratio, and it also increased owing to the decrease in the rebar spacing for 1.5 vol.% steel fibers.
Development of a Cyberattack Detection Model for a Water Distribution System using Water Quality and Hydraulic Criteria
Authors: Min Kyoung Won , Choi Young Hwan , Kim Joong Hoon
Published: October 2020

In recent years, Cyber-Physical Systems (CPSs) have been applied to Water Distribution Systems (WDSs) to facilitate efficient operation and maintenance. Since data are transmitted through the network in such systems, a cyberattack can disrupt the operation of WDSs, for example, by causing water supply reduction, water pollution, and economic losses. In the past few years, cyberattack detection algorithms and various cyberattack scenarios have been proposed. These studies considered either hydraulic factors, such as pipe velocity, nodal pressure, or tank level, or water quality factors. However, an algorithm which considers only one factor cannot prevent the various problems that may arise, such as water quality issues, and the hydraulic and quality factors have a correlation. Therefore, in this study, a framework was developed by considering both hydraulic and water quality factors. The proposed approach was applied to an artificial neural network model. Performance indicators were used to examine the detection performance according to the parameters of the artificial neural network. By comparing the detection performance when only hydraulic factors were considered and the performance when both hydraulic and water quality factors were considered, the effectiveness of the algorithm that consider both hydraulic and water quality factors was demonstrated. A cyberattack detection algorithm that considers both hydraulic and water quality criteria can be applicable in more realistic scenarios and contribute to the establishment of safe infrastructure for the entire process of designing and operating WDSs with CPSs.
Mechanisms Underlying Mutational Signatures in Human Cancer
Authors: Baez‐Ortega Adrian
Published: October 2020

The somatic mutations in a cancer cell's genome are the outcome of a collection of mutational processes which have operated at various intensities, continuously or intermittently, during the patient's lifetime. Such processes include DNA damage by endogenous and exogenous agents, as well as errors and defects in DNA replication and repair systems. Each mutational process gives rise to one or more distinctive patterns of mutations, known as mutational signatures. These patterns reflect both the mechanisms whereby damage is inflicted on DNA and the repair or replication mechanisms that interact with this damage. Over the last decade, computational analyses of thousands of cancer genomes have led to the construction and refinement of comprehensive catalogues of mutational signatures. By opening a window into the inner biology of individual tumours, mutational signatures have transformed our understanding of carcinogenesis, and have provided the basis for new approaches to clinical assessment and treatment of cancers.

Key Concepts

The somatic mutations in a cancer genome are the product of a collection of mutational processes which have operated on the organism's cells since the moment of fertilisation.

The mechanisms of mutation identified in human cancers include DNA damage by endogenous processes and exogenous mutagens, as well as errors and defects in DNA repair and replication processes.

A mutational signature represents a characteristic pattern of mutations that is imprinted on the genome by a particular mutational process.

Catalogues of consensus mutational signatures, compiled through the analysis of thousands of cancer genomes, can be exploited to determine the mutational processes that are (or have been) active in a particular tumour.

The study of mutational signatures can yield insights into the aetiology of individual tumours, informing about the mechanisms that have actively caused damage to DNA, or prevented the repair of this damage; such mechanisms may include preventable carcinogenic exposures, as well as disruption of potentially targetable cellular processes.
Membrane Potential
Authors: Elmslie Keith S
Published: October 2020

A thin lipid bilayer membrane with embedded proteins surrounds all cells. The potential difference across this membrane depends on the ion concentrations on either side of this membrane and the permeability of the membrane to those ions. The permeability of the membrane is controlled by ion channel proteins that span the plasma membrane. These proteins form water‐filled pores that permit ions to cross the hydrophobic membrane. The ion concentration gradient is formed by ion pumps that use energy from adenosine triphosphate (ATP) hydrolysis to move ions against their concentration gradients. The ionic gradient forms a chemical force, while selective permeability of the membrane via ion channel regulation generates an electrical force. Together these forces govern the movement of ions across the plasma membrane to generate the membrane potential.

Key Concepts

All cells generate and maintain a membrane potential.

The membrane potential is essential for cell viability, since all cells use the energy of the membrane potential to transport essential molecules (e.g. amino acids) across the plasma membrane.

The membrane potential is generated by the combination of chemical and electrical forces.

Ion pumps use cellular energy to transport ions across the cell membrane to establish the ionic gradients that form the chemical force.

Ion channels form selective ion pathways across the plasma membrane to help form the electrical force.

Neurons and other excitable cells regulate ion channel activity to alter the membrane potential and produce electrical signals such as the action potential.
Reptilia (Reptiles)
Authors: Benton Michael J
Published: October 2020

Reptiles are a diverse group of vertebrates, including turtles, crocodiles, lizards and snakes, as well as the extinct dinosaurs, pterosaurs, plesiosaurs and ichthyosaurs. Reptiles lay cleidoic eggs (adapted to dry land), and they include the ancestors of birds and mammals.

Key Concepts

The ‘Reptilia’ is a paraphyletic group that includes turtles, lizards, snakes and crocodilians but excludes descendant birds and mammals.

Reptiles include the majority of members of clade Amniota, the tetrapod group that lays eggs and are distinguished from amphibians by not having to lay eggs in water and by not having a larval stage for the young.

The amniotic egg, with extraembryonic membranes and an allantois to collect waste, is shared by all modern reptiles, birds and mammals.

Amniotes fall into two main clades based on their skull structure: diapsids with a double‐arched skull pattern and synapsids with a single, lower temporal opening; some amniotes either did not have temporal openings, or later lost them, the anapsid condition.

Diapsid amniotes arose in the Carboniferous, and include modern lizards, snakes, crocodilians, birds, plus extinct dinosaurs and pterosaurs.

Synapsid amniotes arose at the same time and include many extinct groups of so‐called mammal‐like reptiles, as well as mammals.

There are over 11 050 species of living reptiles, mainly living in the tropics because of their ectothermic (externally regulated) thermophysiology.
Plant Mitochondria
Authors: Ghifari Abi S , Murcha Monika W
Published: October 2020

Plant mitochondria, like the mitochondria of other eukaryotes, originated from an endosymbiotic event and have retained their own genome. Over a billion years of evolution, most mitochondrial genes are laterally transferred to the nucleus. Consequently, most proteins required for mitochondrial biogenesis and activity are synthesised in the cytosol and imported via specific protein import machineries. Mitochondria are energy‐generating organelles that via electron transfer chain (ETC), create a proton gradient and generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy chemical used by the cell for numerous biochemical reactions. Energy production can come at a cost as reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated as by‐product. Plant mitochondria have alternative ETC pathways to regulate mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) through modulating the rate of redox reactions, proton gradient and ATP production. Although excessive ROS can damage cellular components and lead to programmed cell death, mtROS also play an important role as signalling molecules. mtROS are involved in nucleus–mitochondria communications (anterograde–retrograde signalling), mitochondrial autophagy (mitophagy) and play a role in the plant response to various environmental stimuli. Considering the pivotal roles of mitochondria in energy generation and cellular signalling, perturbation of mitochondrial biogenesis and activity renders plants to be more susceptible to various stresses and ultimately compromises plant growth, development and reproduction.

Key Concepts

Plant mitochondria are small (1–2 μm long) rod‐shaped organelle that undergo frequent fusion and fission events.

The plant mitochondrial inner membrane houses protein complexes involved in the electron transfer chain (ETC) that creates a proton‐motive gradient across the intermembrane space to drive the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through ATP synthase.

The majority of plant mitochondrial proteins (approximately 2000) are encoded in the nuclear genome, whereas the plant mitochondrial genome contains around 50 genes encoding for ETC subunits, mitoribosomal translation machinery and transfer ribonucleic acids (tRNAs).

The abundance of mtROS produced by the ETC is proportionally linked with the efficiency and rate of electron transfer and ATP production.

Plant mitochondria have alternative ETC pathways to modulate ROS homeostasis, proton gradient and ATP production.

mtROS can damage mitochondrial macromolecules and ultimately organelle function but are also important signalling molecules in various pathways, including stress response and anterograde–retrograde signalling.

The nucleus controls mitochondrial gene expression through anterograde signalling, yet the mitochondria can also influence nuclear gene expression through retrograde signalling.

Disrupted plant mitochondrial function often causes enhanced sensitivity to a number of stresses, disrupted pollen development in cytoplasmic male sterility and affects normal plant growth and development.
Mesozoic Birds
Authors: Chiappe Luis M , Bell Alyssa
Published: October 2020

Birds are living dinosaurs, an evolutionary transition increasingly well documented in the abundant fossil record of Mesozoic birds. The avian fossil record begins 150 Ma (million years ago) in the late Jurassic, and for the next 85 million years, birds experienced an evolutionary radiation resulting in a wide range of body forms and lifestyles, occupying all continents and many different environments. This Mesozoic radiation culminated in the appearance of modern birds, Neornithes, in the late Cretaceous, and the loss of several archaic groups during the mass extinction event at the end of this period.

Key Concepts

Birds evolved from maniraptoran theropod dinosaurs during the middle of the Mesozoic Era, over 150 Ma (million years ago).

Many unique adaptations of modern birds, from flight feathers to coloured eggs, evolved amongst their dinosaurian predecessors.

A broad diversity of pre‐modern birds lived during the Cretaceous Period, their fossil record is well known from about 131 to 66 Ma.

The Mesozoic radiation of pre‐modern birds paralleled many aspects of the biology of their living counterparts.

Neornithes, or modern birds, originated in the late Cretaceous, were the only group of birds to survive the extinction event at the end of this period, and went on to diversify into the abundant forms seen today.
Mollusca (Molluscs)
Authors: Haszprunar Gerhard
Published: October 2020

Mollusca are comprised by about 120 000 species (80% Gastropoda, 15% Bivalvia) and thus is the second most diverse animal phylum occurring in all major environments except the aerospace. It is also the leading phylum concerning endangered and vulnerable species.

Mollusca is bilateral (or secondarily asymmetrical) Protostomia (Lophotrochozoa). Though quite distinct, their diversity in all aspects of morphology, physiology, behaviour, genetics and ecology is remarkable. Most species are equipped with external spicules or shell (plates) and a foot, a mantle cavity with gills, a ciliary or muscular gliding sole (foot), a visceral portion with heart and excretory organs and alimentary tract with rasping tongue (radula). The body cavity is mesenchymate with a gonopericaridal coelomatic system. Development starts with a spiral cleavage, mostly followed by (often modified) a trochophore‐like larva. Most freshwater and terrestrial taxa show direct development, however. Both the phylogenetic position of the Mollusca among the Lophotrochozoa and the internal relationships of the eight extant classes still are under debate.

Key Concepts

Mollusca is the second most diverse phylum.

Gastropoda (limpets, snails, whelks, winkles, slugs) comprise 80%, Bivalvia (mussels, scallops, clams, cockles), about 15% of the diversity of extant Mollusca.

There is also a huge body of fossil record throughout all ages.

Many continental molluscan species are critically endangered.

Mollusca combines a quite strict body plan with tremendous variability in all aspects.

The relationships between molluscs and mankind may be positive (food, jewellery and art, research models) or but negative (marine or agricultural pests, vectors of severe diseases).