bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING FROM DIGITAL FORM (IMAGES) OF TYPICAL INTERVENTIONS TO TEXT INFORMATION (COLOR, TYPE INK, SIGNS, VIDEO CHANGE)
Authors:   Baikal State University, Irkutsk, Russian Federation, ALLABERGANOV AKHMEDZHAN
Published: October 2020

A method has been developed for processing and analyzing the spectral space, obtaining images and recognizing text (textual information) by the video spectral and video microscopic research method, using the Forensic Multifunctional Complex (CMC) with the help of forensic software, which allows to determine the features of objects that are present on the investigated (source) image. At the same time, in the visible region of the spectrum, the optimal method (method) of the algorithmic implementation of transformations depending on the type of their characteristics of the object and their parts can be distinguished. The proposed research method (method), recognition and identification from digital form (image) of typical interventions in text information (color, ink type, signs, modification), highlighting of text elements and recognition of objects and their parts, identification of falsification (fake) of a document, text characters in electronic format (digital form). This method can significantly increase the effectiveness of expert activities in the production of technical and forensic research.
ON THE QUESTION OF THE ORDER OF RELEASE FROM CUSTODY OF PERSONS SENTENCED TO IMPRISONMENT
Authors:   Research Institute of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia, Moscow, Russian Federation, PERVOZVANSKY VALERIY , STROGOVICH YURIY , DROZDOVA ELENA
Published: October 2020

Issues related to the transparency and conciseness of the interpretation of provisions of legislation of the Russian Federation do not cease to be relevant, as in the practice of applying these provisions various questions of interpretation and implementation still arise. This article discusses the issue of the release from custody of persons sentenced to imprisonment in various situations. The need for this consideration is due to the lack of direct action provisions in legislation that provides for an accurate and unambiguous solution to issues related to the need to release prisoners sentenced to imprisonment, the term of punishment of which has been set by the court of first instance expired before the sentence comes into force. The purpose of the article is to describe possible situations and to propose solutions in the frame of ambiguity of interpretation. This study gives an idea of the possible practical situations that arise for various reasons (due to inaccuracy of sentencing, omission in the decision on the pre-trial restriction and other incidents). The work analyzes in detail the provisions governing the indicated issue and defines an exhaustive list of entities authorized, if there are appropriate grounds, to decide on the release of these persons, peculiarities and means of resolving problematic issues. One of the most important situations is when the term of detention expires before the sentence comes into force, and the court of first instance when pronouncing the sentence in violation of the requirements of the Code of Criminal Procedure of the Russian Federation, did not specify that the pre-trial restriction before the sentence takes effect remains the same, thereby not resolving the issue of release of a convicted person. The authors specify the necessary algorithm of actions in such practical situations. In conclusion , the article indicates the misregulating of some issues related to the release from custody of persons sentenced to imprisonment, including due to possible unintentional cases of entities whose competence includes issues about the extension or change of the pre-trial restriction and it is proposed to introduce clarifying provisions into the legislation.
METHODOLOGY AND OBJECTS OF ASSESSMENT OF THE EXPERT’S OPINION BY THE STATE PROSECUTOR
Authors:   Criminal Justice Department of the Prosecutor’s Office of the Moscow Region, Moscow, Russian Federation, PAVLOVA ELENA
Published: October 2020

Purpose of the study. Consideration of the problems existing in the practice of analysis, assessment and use of expert opinions by public prosecutors, and their causes. The study of the methodology for the implementation of this activity as a combination of:a) theoretical principles and practical methods, research methods that the prosecutor applies to assess the relevance, admissibility, reliability of the expert’s opinion; b) a system of principles and methods for studying the laws in accordance with which the process of this assessment proceeds. The author briefly considers the principles of: a) legality; b) science; c) systemic; d) objectivity included in the set of principles on which the assessment of the expert’s opinion is based. The author proposes the sequence of the prosecutor’s decision to analyze and evaluate the expert’s opinion, considered as the most rational way of this activity. The set of questions clarified in this case is considered both as a task and as a set of objects of assessment. These objects are divided into two groups, depending on the nature of the main issues to be solved; 1) concerning the assessment of the possibility of using one or another expert opinion as evidence of a charge in court; 2) relating to the definition of tactics of their submission to the court and participation in their research. The article provides examples of the use of individual research methods and assessment of expert opinions: comparative legal, analogy, analysis and synthesis. The results of the study . The analysis and assessment of the expert’s opinion is a complex cognitive process that requires legal and special knowledge, practical experience, knowledge of the methodology of this work from prosecutors. Its use in compliance with the principles that it is based on is one of the ways to increase the professional level of public prosecutors.
LEGAL STATUS OF ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN IN THE RUSSIAN EMPIRE
Authors:   Institute of Law and National Security FSBEI HE “Tambov State University named after G.R. Derzhavin”, Tambov, Russian Federation, PRIDVOROV NIKOLAI , IVANOVA NELLI
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this article is a historical and legal analysis of the legal status of illegitimate children in the Russian Empire. The article analyzes the concept of "illegitimate" and traces its consolidation in the Russian legislation. The normative legal acts defining the legal status of illegitimate children are studied. The main features of the legal status of illegitimate children in the Russian Empire are shown. It is concluded that the ban on legalizing illegitimate children, dictated not only by the need to protect the class organization of society, but also by the need to strengthen moral principles in society, contributed to the emergence of phenomena in Russian society that are directly opposite to morality and the law. It is noted that some changes aimed at the possibility of legalizing unborn children, as well as improving their situation by the beginning of the XX century were due to the democratization and humanization of legislation under the influence of socio-political struggle, the activity of mass movements, educational activities. The methodological basis of the work consists of dialectical-materialistic, historical, formal-legal, concrete-sociological methods.
An Approach to Assess Early Detection of Periodontal Disease in Young and Adult Individuals in Colombia for Prevention
Authors: Zorro Rodriguez Sandra Viviana , Pérez Flórez Mauricio , Santos Bottacin Fabio , Rengifo Reina Herney , Taba Jr Mario
Published: October 2020

Aim: Studies have shown that the prevalence of the periodontal disease among young people is relatively low; however, periodontitis is a public health problem and prevalence among adults has been increasing. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of periodontitis among young adults and adults in Colombia and to propose an alternative approach for early detection of periodontitis. Objectives: To present an alternative approach for the prevention of periodontitis, two different classifications were used to estimate disease prevalence. In addition, periodontitis severity was associated with sociodemographic and clinical risk factors in a logistic regression model. Material and methods: Selected data from 9150 subjects evaluated in the IV National Oral Health Survey (ENSAB IV) from Colombia were used. The ages ranged from 18 to 79 years old. Statistical analysis: Data were subjected to two different disease definition criteria and were evaluated by bivariate and multivariate analysis using a p-value of 5%. Results: The alternative classification approach elucidated an increase in the prevalence of periodontitis in young individuals (26.1%). According to the previous classification, 20.1% of young individuals and 94.3% of adults had mild to moderate periodontitis. The prevalence of moderate and severe cases was similar. Multivariate analysis of the variables age, gender, enrolment in the subsidized socioeconomic program and health care system, and tooth loss were associated with moderate and severe periodontitis (p<0.05). Conclusions: The early identification of mild cases in young individuals may help to identify potentially vulnerable groups. Early diagnosis of periodontitis and timely intervention in individuals with gingivitis, especially for those presenting risk factors, should be reinforced as an alternative approach to prevent disease progression and reduce the prevalence of adults with periodontitis in the future.
Long Non-Coding RNA SNHG1 Regulates the Wnt/β-Catenin and PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathways via EZH2 to Affect the Proliferation, Apoptosis, and Autophagy of Prostate Cancer Cell
Authors: Chen Junyi , Wang Fubo , Xu Huan , Xu Lingfan , Chen Dong , Wang Jialiang , Huang Sihuai , Wen Yiqun , Fang Longmin
Published: October 2020

Background

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common malignant cancer in western developed countries, which has seriously threatened the life style and life quality of men. Its pathogenesis and causes remain indistinct. Currently, it is found that lncRNA-SNHG1 (SNHG1) is highly expressed in multiple tumors with proto-oncogene effect, but its function and mechanism in PCa need to be further studied.

Methods

The expression of SNHG1 and EZH2 was detected by RT-qPCR in the 20 pairs of PCa tissue, adjacent tissue and PCa cell lines. They were transfected with siRNA NC, SNHG1 siRNA, EZH2 siRNA, SNHG1 siRNA+empty, and SNHG1 siRNA+EZH2 overexpression. Then, MTT and colony formation assay were used to detect the proliferation and cloning ability of PCa cells LNCaP and PC3. Transwell and flow cytometry were used to measure cell migration and invasion ability and apoptosis level respectively. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the LC3 spot formation. Western blot was used to detect the expression of the autophagy-related proteins, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway related proteins. Finally, in vivo nude mice tumorigenesis experiment to explore the effect of SNHG1 expression on PCa.

Results

We found that SNHG1 and EZH2 were up-regulated in PCa tissue and cells. The expression of SNHG1 and EZH2 was positively correlated. RNA pull down and RNA IP assay further confirmed that SNHG1 bound to EZH2. The proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion of LNCaP and PC3 cells were significantly reduced with the interference with SNHG1or EZH2 compared with the control group. The related proteins of Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway were significantly reduced after the interference with SNHG1 or EZH2; after simultaneous interference with SNHG1 and overexpression of EZH2, the functional effects on LNCaP and PC3 cells interfered with SNHG1 were reversed. These results were also confirmed in vivo nude mice tumor formation experiments.

Conclusions

This study reveals that lncRNA-SNHG1 regulates Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways via EZH2 gene to affect proliferation, apoptosis and autophagy of PCa cells. This experiment provides ideas and experimental basis for the improvement and treatment of PCa.
Using Big and Open Data to Generate Content for an Educational Game to Increase Student Performance and Interest
Authors: Vargianniti Irene , Karpouzis Kostas
Published: October 2020

The goal of this paper is to utilize available big and open data sets to create content for a board and a digital game and implement an educational environment to improve students’ familiarity with concepts and relations in the data and, in the process, academic performance and engagement. To this end, we used Wikipedia data to generate content for a Monopoly clone called Geopoly and designed a game-based learning experiment. Our research examines whether this game had any impact on the students’ performance, which is related to identifying implied ranking and grouping mechanisms in the game, whether performance is correlated with interest and whether performance differs across genders. Student performance and knowledge about the relationships contained in the data improved significantly after playing the game, while the positive correlation between student interest and performance illustrated the relationship between them. This was also verified by a digital version of the game, evaluated by the students during the COVID-19 pandemic; initial results revealed that students found the game more attractive and rewarding than a traditional geography lesson.
Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System and a Multilayer Perceptron Model Trained with Grey Wolf Optimizer for Predicting Solar Diffuse Fraction
Authors: Claywell Randall , Nadai Laszlo , Felde Imre , Ardabili Sina , Mosavi Amirhosein
Published: October 2020

The accurate prediction of the solar diffuse fraction (DF), sometimes called the diffuse ratio, is an important topic for solar energy research. In the present study, the current state of Diffuse irradiance research is discussed and then three robust, machine learning (ML) models are examined using a large dataset (almost eight years) of hourly readings from Almeria, Spain. The ML models used herein, are a hybrid adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), a single multi-layer perceptron (MLP) and a hybrid multi-layer perceptron grey wolf optimizer (MLP-GWO). These models were evaluated for their predictive precision, using various solar and DF irradiance data, from Spain. The results were then evaluated using frequently used evaluation criteria, the mean absolute error (MAE), mean error (ME) and the root mean square error (RMSE). The results showed that the MLP-GWO model, followed by the ANFIS model, provided a higher performance in both the training and the testing procedures.
Double Eyelid Tape Wear Affects Anterior Ocular Health among Young Adult Women with Single Eyelids
Authors: Yong Pui Theng , Arif Norlaili , Sharanjeet-Kaur Sharanjeet , Hairol Mohd Izzuddin
Published: October 2020

Many East Asians apply double eyelid tape to create the double eyelid effect temporarily as a means of increasing their beauty. This study evaluated the effects of four-week wear of double eyelid tape on anterior ocular health in young adult women with single eyelids. Twenty-nine participants who met the inclusion criteria were recruited. The participants’ anterior ocular health was examined including blinking characteristics (blink pattern and blink rate), ocular surface health (presence of corneal abrasion, corneal staining, conjunctival staining, corneal curvatures, meibomian gland dysfunction), tear break up time, intraocular pressure, and subjective comfort level. Participants were required to apply the double eyelid tape for at least eight hours a day and five days a week for four weeks. The parameters were re-measured at the end of each week. There was a significant increase in conjunctival staining, corneal staining, and meibomian gland dysfunction, with a significant reduction in tear break-up time and intraocular pressure. By week 3, all participants had incomplete blinks. There was no significant change in symptoms and subjective comfort level reported. Therefore, patients and eye care practitioners should be aware of the potential implications of double eyelid tape wear on ocular health, with no significant change in subjective comfort.
A Methodological Integrated Approach to Analyse Climate Change Effects in Agri-Food Sector: The TIMES Water-Energy-Food Module
Authors: Tortorella Maria Maddalena , Di Leo Senatro , Cosmi Carmelina , Fortes Patrícia , Viccaro Mauro , Cozzi Mario , Pietrapertosa Filomena , Salvia Monica , Romano Severino
Published: October 2020

The European Union’s 2030 climate and energy policy and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development underline the commitment to mitigate climate change and reduce its impacts by supporting sustainable use of resources. This commitment has become stricter in light of the ambitious climate neutrality target set by the European Green Deal for 2050. Water, Energy and Food are the key variables of the “Nexus Thinking” which face the sustainability challenge with a multi-sectoral approach. The aim of the paper is to show the methodological path toward the implementation of an integrated modeling platform based on the Nexus approach and consolidated energy system analysis methods to represent the agri-food system in a circular economy perspective (from the use of water, energy, biomass, and land to food production). The final aim is to support decision-making connected to climate change mitigation. The IEA-The Integrated MARKAL-EFOM System (TIMES) model generator was used to build up the Basilicata Water, Energy and Food model (TIMES-WEF model), which allows users a comprehensive evaluation of the impacts of climate change on the Basilicata agri-food system in terms of land use, yields and water availability and a critical comparison of these indicators in different scenarios. The paper focuses on the construction of the model’s Reference Energy and Material System of the TIMES model, which integrates water and agricultural commodities into the energy framework, and on the results obtained through the calibration of the model β version to statistical data on agricultural activities.
Meconium Exposure to Phthalates, Sex and Thyroid Hormones, Birth Size and Pregnancy Outcomes in 251 Mother–Infant Pairs from Shanghai
Authors: Guo JiaLin , Wu Min , Gao Xi , Chen JingSi , Li ShuGuang , Chen Bo , Dong RuiHua
Published: October 2020

Phthalates are hormonally active pollutants. In-utero exposure to phthalates has been reported to be associated with birth size parameters and pregnancy outcomes. However, previous reports were inconsistent. We examined the associations between meconium exposure to phthalates and the effects on birth size parameters, pregnancy outcomes and sex and thyroid hormones in 251 mother–infant pairs from a Shanghai hospital. We measured 10 metabolites of phthalates in meconium samples collected during the first 24h after delivery. Information on seven birth size parameters (birth weight, birth length, abdominal circumference, head circumference, femur length, biparietal diameter and anogenital distance) and three pregnancy outcomes (gestational diabetes, premature rupture of membrane, and premature birth) was available from the birth record. Concentrations of free testosterone, estradiol (E2), thyroid stimulating hormone, concentrations of total and free thyroxine and triiodothyronine were measured from cord blood. Multivariate linear regression and logistic regression were used to estimate associations between phthalate exposure and health outcomes. mono-iso-butylphthalate (MiBP), mono-n-butylphthalate (MnBP) and mono-2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl phthalate (MEOHP) were positively associated with birth length and femur length which seemed more obvious in female newborn; MiBP, MnBP and mono-2-ethylhexylphthalate (MEHP) were positively associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) only in mothers with male newborns; monomethyl phthalate (MMP), MiBP and MEOHP were positively associated with E2 in male newborns. This study indicates that meconium exposure to phthalates may adversely affect some fetal growth parameters and GDM with a potential gender effect.
Impact of COVID-19 on Dental Emergency Services in Cluj-Napoca Metropolitan Area: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Petrescu Nausica Bianca , Aghiorghiesei Ovidiu , Mesaros Anca Stefania , Lucaciu Ondine Patricia , Dinu Cristian Mihail , Campian Radu Septimiu , Negucioiu Marius
Published: October 2020

This study aimed to assess dental care needs in Cluj region during the State of Emergency, declared due to the COVID-19 pandemic, compared to the same period of the year 2019. A descriptive retrospective analysis was conducted, which retrieved patients seeking emergency dental services at the Emergency Department of County General Hospital and “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, the only dental service available in April 2020. Recorded data cover the month of April 2020 and is compared with the same period of 2019. During April 2020, 724 patients received dental care, whereas only 160 patients were treated in April 2019 in the same facility. The number of patients with acute apical periodontitis, abscess, and acute pulpitis was significantly higher in 2020. The percentage of patients receiving sedative filling for the treatment of acute pulpitis in 2020 was significantly higher than in 2019, while the proportion of patients receiving pulpectomy was higher in 2019. The percentage of patients receiving endodontic drainage for the treatment of acute periapical periodontitis in 2020 was higher. This study demonstrates that the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the use of medical care services and could further impact the oral health and quality of life of patients.
Knowledge on, Attitude towards, and Practice of Sexual and Reproductive Health among Older Adolescent Girls in Bangladesh: An Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zakaria Muhammad , Karim Farzana , Mazumder Subarna , Cheng Feng , Xu Junfang
Published: October 2020

Improving the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) of adolescent girls is one of the primary aims of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Adequate and accurate knowledge, a favorable attitude, safe behavior, and regular practice contribute to adolescent girls’ SRH, maternal health, and child health. Considering this, this study aims to explore the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of SRH among college-going older adolescent girls in Chittagong district, Bangladesh. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted in four colleges among the older adolescent girl age group of 16–17 years old (N = 792) attending a higher secondary grade in Chittagong district. Data were collected using a structured and self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analyses were used to summarize the SRH-related KAP and identify the associated factors, respectively. The level of knowledge about puberty, family planning, maternal health, and HIV/AIDS was not satisfactory among the older adolescent girls. Different myths are common in the rural area with regards to menstruation, which impose several restrictions on adolescent girls and adult women. Standardized coefficients of beta (β) and p value < 0.05 in linear regression analyses demonstrated that being a student of the science group (β = 0.29, p < 0.001) and reading about or watching SRH issues on media (β = 0.21, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with older adolescent girls’ high level of knowledge in this regard. Furthermore, being a student of the science group (β = 0.17, p < 0.001), urban residence (β = 0.20, p < 0.001), regular SRH communication (at least once a month) with a mother/sister/friend (β = 0.10, p = 0.003), and reading or watching any SRH content on media (β = 0.22, p < 0.001) appeared as predictors of adolescent girls’ positive attitude towards SRH issues. Moreover, being a student of the science group (β = 0.07, p = 0.048), urban residence (β = 0.22, p < 0.001), regular SRH discussions with a mother/sister/friend (β = 0.09, p = 0.005), pre-knowledge on periods before menarche (β = 0.12, p < 0.001), and reading or watching any SRH content on media (β = 0.18, p < 0.001) are the most important factors influencing a regular hygienic practice of SRH. This study suggests strengthening SRH-related comprehensive education programs incorporated into the curriculum, the effective use of mass media, and supplying behavioral change communication materials.
Worry and Permissive Parenting in Association with the Development of Internet Addiction in Children
Authors: Lo Barbara Chuen Yee , Lai Romance Nok Man , Ng Ting Kin , Wang Haobi
Published: October 2020

The Internet has experienced a rapid increase in use globally. Specifically, more than 90% of Hong Kong’s citizens use the Internet, and 70% of children in the age group of 6–17 years have daily access to it. However, internet addiction could pose serious social and health issues. Therefore, conducting research to investigate its causes and risk factors is fundamental. The current study examined the relationship between worry and Internet addiction among children in Hong Kong and investigated the moderating effect of the permissive parenting style on such a relationship. The participants consisted of 227 fourth- and fifth-grade students (120 males, 52.9%) with a mean age of 9.55 (standard deviation (SD) = 0.58) in Hong Kong. Each participant was asked to complete the questionnaires, including the Internet Addiction Test for Internet addiction, the Penn State Worry Questionnaire for Children for worry, and the Parental Authority Questionnaire for the permissive parenting style. The results indicated that worry was related to greater Internet addiction among children. Furthermore, there was a moderating effect of the permissive parenting style such that the positive association between worry and Internet addiction was stronger when the permissive parenting style was higher. Our findings imply that parenting styles are influential in the prevention of Internet addiction.
Estimated Treatment Effects of Tight Glycaemic Targets in Mild Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Multiple Cut-Off Regression Discontinuity Study Design
Authors: Song David , Hurley James C , Lia Maryanne
Published: October 2020

Background: We investigated the treatment effects of tight glycaemic targets in a population universally screened according to the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnant Study Groups (IADPSG)/World Health Organisation (WHO) gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) guidelines. As yet there, have been no randomized control trials evaluating the effectiveness of treatment of mild GDM diagnosed under the IADPSG/WHO diagnostic thresholds. We hypothesize that tight glycaemic control in pregnant women diagnosed with GDM will result in similar clinical outcomes to women just below the diagnostic thresholds. Methods: A multiple cut-off regression discontinuity study design in a retrospective observational cohort undergoing oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) (n = 1178). Treatment targets for women with GDM were: fasting capillary blood glucose (CBG) of ≤5.0 mmol/L and the 2-h post-prandial CBG of ≤6.7 mmol/L. Regression discontinuity study designs estimate treatment effects by comparing outcomes between a treated group to a counterfactual group just below the diagnostic thresholds with the assumption that covariates are similar. The counterfactual group was selected based on a composite score based on OGTT plasma glucose categories. Results: Women treated for GDM had lower rates of newborns large for gestational age (LGA), 4.6% versus those just below diagnostic thresholds 12.6%, relative risk 0.37 (95% CI, 0.16–0.85); and reduced caesarean section rates, 32.2% versus 43.0%, relative risk 0.75 (95% CI, 0.56–1.01). This was at the expense of increases in induced deliveries, 61.8% versus 39.3%, relative risk 1.57 (95% CI, 1.18–1.9); notations of neonatal hypoglycaemia, 15.8% versus 5.9%, relative risk 2.66 (95% CI, 1.23–5.73); and high insulin usage 61.1%. The subgroup analysis suggested that treatment of women with GDM with BMI ≥30 kg/m2 drove the reduction in caesarean section rates: 32.9% versus 55.9%, relative risk 0.59 (95%CI, 0.4–0.87). Linear regression interaction term effects between non-GDM and treated GDM were significant for LGA newborns (p = 0.001) and caesarean sections (p = 0.015). Conclusions: Tight glycaemic targets reduced rates of LGA newborns and caesarean sections compared to a counterfactual group just below the diagnostic thresholds albeit at the expense of increased rates of neonatal hypoglycaemia, induced deliveries, and high insulin usage.
Effectiveness of an Adapted Physical Activity Protocol for Upper Extremity Recovery and Quality of Life Improvement in a Case of Seroma after Breast Cancer Treatment
Authors: Mirandola Daniela , Maestrini Francesca , Carretti Giuditta , Manetti Mirko , Marini Mirca
Published: October 2020

Growing evidence indicates that physical activity (PA) interventions may reduce upper limb function-limiting side effects of treatments and improve quality of life (QoL) of breast cancer (BC) survivors. However, the possible effectiveness of PA in cases developing seroma after BC treatment has yet to be demonstrated. Here, we describe for the first time the impact of a structured PA pathway (i.e., two cycles of eight-week adapted PA followed by eight-week adapted fitness) on upper limb disability and QoL in a peculiar case of chronic seroma as complication of reconstructive plastic surgery after left breast mastectomy and lymphadenectomy. A 56-year-old female BC survivor underwent a functional test battery (i.e., shoulder–arm mobility, range of motion, back flexibility and indirect assessment of pectoralis minor muscle) at baseline, during and after ending the structured PA pathway. Upper limb and back pain intensity and QoL were evaluated by numerical rating scale and Short Form-12 questionnaire, respectively. A relevant seroma reduction, an improvement in upper limb mobility and pain perception, and an overall increase in QoL were achieved after the structured PA intervention. Our findings suggest that an adapted PA intervention may represent an effective strategy for seroma treatment in BC survivors.
Investigation of the Importance of Climatic Factors in COVID-19 Worldwide Intensity
Authors: Tzampoglou Ploutarchos , Loukidis Dimitrios
Published: October 2020

The transmission of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the severity of the related disease (COVID-19) are influenced by a large number of factors. This study aimed to investigate the correlation of COVID-19 case and death rates with possible causal climatological and sociodemographic factors for the March to May 2020 (first wave) period in a worldwide scale by statistically processing data for over one hundred countries. The weather parameters considered herein were air temperature, relative humidity, cumulative precipitation, and cloud cover, while sociodemographic factors included population density, median age, and government measures in response to the pandemic. The results of this study indicate that there is a statistically significant correlation between average atmospheric temperature and the COVID-19 case and death rates, with chi-square test p-values in the 0.001–0.02 range. Regarding sociodemographic factors, there is an even stronger dependence of the case and death rates on the population median age (p = 0.0006–0.0012). Multivariate linear regression analysis using Lasso and the forward stepwise approach revealed that the median age ranks first in importance among the examined variables, followed by the temperature and the delays in taking first governmental measures or issuing stay-at-home orders.
Evaluation of QSAR Equations for Virtual Screening
Authors: Spiegel Jacob , Senderowitz Hanoch
Published: October 2020

Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship (QSAR) models can inform on the correlation between activities and structure-based molecular descriptors. This information is important for the understanding of the factors that govern molecular properties and for designing new compounds with favorable properties. Due to the large number of calculate-able descriptors and consequently, the much larger number of descriptors combinations, the derivation of QSAR models could be treated as an optimization problem. For continuous responses, metrics which are typically being optimized in this process are related to model performances on the training set, for example, R2 and QCV2. Similar metrics, calculated on an external set of data (e.g., QF1/F2/F32), are used to evaluate the performances of the final models. A common theme of these metrics is that they are context -” ignorant”. In this work we propose that QSAR models should be evaluated based on their intended usage. More specifically, we argue that QSAR models developed for Virtual Screening (VS) should be derived and evaluated using a virtual screening-aware metric, e.g., an enrichment-based metric. To demonstrate this point, we have developed 21 Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) models for seven targets (three models per target), evaluated them first on validation sets and subsequently tested their performances on two additional test sets constructed to mimic small-scale virtual screening campaigns. As expected, we found no correlation between model performances evaluated by “classical” metrics, e.g., R2 and QF1/F2/F32 and the number of active compounds picked by the models from within a pool of random compounds. In particular, in some cases models with favorable R2 and/or QF1/F2/F32 values were unable to pick a single active compound from within the pool whereas in other cases, models with poor R2 and/or QF1/F2/F32 values performed well in the context of virtual screening. We also found no significant correlation between the number of active compounds correctly identified by the models in the training, validation and test sets. Next, we have developed a new algorithm for the derivation of MLR models by optimizing an enrichment-based metric and tested its performances on the same datasets. We found that the best models derived in this manner showed, in most cases, much more consistent results across the training, validation and test sets and outperformed the corresponding MLR models in most virtual screening tests. Finally, we demonstrated that when tested as binary classifiers, models derived for the same targets by the new algorithm outperformed Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Machine (SVM)-based models across training/validation/test sets, in most cases. We attribute the better performances of the Enrichment Optimizer Algorithm (EOA) models in VS to better handling of inactive random compounds. Optimizing an enrichment-based metric is therefore a promising strategy for the derivation of QSAR models for classification and virtual screening.
Analysis and Multi-Objective Optimization for Reducing Energy Consumption and Improving Surface Quality during Dry Machining of 304 Stainless Steel
Authors: Du Feilong , He Lin , Huang Haisong , Zhou Tao , Wu Jinxing
Published: October 2020

Cutting quality and production cleanliness are main aspects to be considered in the machining process, and determining the optimal cutting parameters is a significant measure to reduce energy consumption and optimize surface quality. In this paper, 304 stainless steel is adopted as the research objective. The regression models of the specific cutting energy, surface roughness, and microhardness are constructed and the inherent influence mechanism between cutting parameters and output responses are analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA). The desirability analysis method is introduced to perform the multi-objective optimization for low energy consumption (LEC) mode and low surface roughness (LSR) mode. Optimal combination of process parameters with composite desirability of 0.925 and 0.899 are obtained in such two modes respectively. As indicated by the results of multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA), genetic algorithm (GA) combined with weighted-sum-type objective function and experiment, the relative deviation values are within 10%. Moreover, the results also reveal that the feed rate is the most significant factor affecting the three responses, while the correlation of cutting depth is less noticeable. The effect of low feed rate on microhardness is primarily related to the mechanical load caused by extrusion, and the influence at high feed rate is determined by plastic deformation.
Characterization of Glass-Ceramic Sealant for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells at Operating Conditions by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Spotorno Roberto , Ostrowska Marlena , Delsante Simona , Dahlmann Ulf , Piccardo Paolo
Published: October 2020

A commercially available glass-ceramic composition is applied on a ferritic stainless steel (FSS) substrate reproducing a type of interface present in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) stacks. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is used to study the electrical response of the assembly in the temperature range of 380–780 °C and during aging for 250 h at 780 °C. Post-experiment analyses, performed by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), and along cross-sections by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, highlight the microstructural changes promoted by aging conditions over time. In particular, progressive crystallization of the glass-ceramic, high temperature corrosion of the substrate and diffusion of Fe and Cr ions from the FSS substrate into the sealant influence the electrical response of the system under investigation. The electrical measurements show an increase in conductivity to 5 × 10−6 S∙cm−1, more than one order of magnitude below the maximum recommended value.
Utilization of Crab Waste for Cost-Effective Bioproduction of Prodigiosin
Authors: Nguyen Van Bon , Nguyen Dai Nam , Nguyen Anh Dzung , Ngo Van Anh , Ton That Quang , Doan Chien Thang , Pham Thi Phuong , Tran Thi Phuong Hanh , Wang San-Lang
Published: October 2020

This study aimed to establish the culture process for the cost-effective production of prodigiosin (PG) from demineralized crab shell powder (de-CSP), a fishery processing byproduct created via fermentation. Among the tested PG-producing strains, Serratia marcescens TNU02 was demonstrated to be the most active strain. Various ratios of protein/de-CSP were used as the sources of C/N for PG biosynthesis. The PG yield was significantly enhanced when the casein/de-CSP ratio was controlled in the range of 3/7 to 4/6. TNU02 produced PG with a high yield (5100 mg/L) in a 15 L bioreactor system containing 4.5 L of a newly-designed liquid medium containing 1.6% C/N source (protein/de-CSP ratio of 3/7), 0.02% (NH4)2SO4, 0.1% K2HPO4, and an initial pH of 6.15, at 27 °C for 8 h in dark conditions. The red pigment was purified from the culture broth and then quantified as being PG by specific Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and UV spectra analysis. The purified PG demonstrated moderate antioxidant and effective inhibition against four cancerous cell lines. Notably, this study was the first to report on using crab wastes for PG bioproduction with high-level productivity (5100 mg/L) in a large scale (4.5 L per pilot) in a short period of fermentation time (8 h). The salt compositions, including (NH4)2SO4 and K2HPO4, were also a novel finding for the enhancement of PG yield by S. marcescens in this report.
Polynomial Based Fuzzy Vault Technique for Template Security in Fingerprint Biometrics
Authors: Mehmood Reza , Selwal Arvind
Published: October 2020

In recent years the security breaches and fraud transactions are increasing day by day. So there is a necessity for highly secure authentication technologies. The security of an authentication system can be strengthened by using Biometric system rather than the traditional method of authentication like Identity Cards (ID) and password which can be stolen easily. A biometric system works on biometric traits and fingerprint has the maximum share in market for providing biometric authentication as it is reliable, consistent and easy to capture. Although the biometric system is used to provide security to many applications but it is susceptible to different types of assaults too. Among all the modules of the biometric system which needs security, biometric template protection has received great consideration in the past years from the research community due to sensitivity of the biometric data stored in the form of template. A number of methods have been devised for providing template protection. Fuzzy vault is one of the cryptosystem based method of template security. The aim of fuzzy vault technique is to protect the precarious data with the biometric template in a way that only certified user can access the secret by providing valid biometric. In this paper, a modified version of fuzzy vault is presented to increase the level of security to the template and the secret key. The polynomial whose coefficients represent the key is transformed using an integral operator to hide the key where the key can no longer be derived if the polynomial is known to the attacker. The proposed fuzzy vault scheme also prevents the system from stolen key inversion attack. The results are achieved in terms of False Accept Rate (FAR), False Reject Rate (FRR), Genuine Acceptance Rate (GAR) by varying the degree of polynomial and number of biometric samples. It was calculated that for 40 users GAR was found to be 92%, 90%, 85% for degree of polynomial to be 3, 4 and 5 respectively. It was observed that increasing the degree of polynomial decreased the FAR rate, thus increasing the security
La presunción de laboralidad
Authors: Sanguineti Raymond Wilfredo
Published: October 2020

La «crisis de eficacia» que afecta en la actualidad al Derecho del Trabajo en el Perú constituye el telón de fondo sobre el que se construye el presente trabajo, cuyo propósito es reflexionar sobre la utilidad de la denominada «presunción de laboralidad», institución de naturaleza eminentemente procesal dirigida a facilitar la prueba de la existencia del contrato de trabajo en supuestos dudosos, para superar tal estado de cosas. Para ello se trae a colación el debate que esta peculiar institución ha suscitado desde sus orígenes hasta nuestros días y se presta atención a las propuestas que últimamente han puesto sobre el tapete la posibilidad de su introducción dentro de nuestro ordenamiento jurídico.
El título de crédito hipotecario negociable
Authors: Sánchez-Palacios Paiva Manuel
Published: October 2020

El artículo se inicia con los antecedentes legislativos del ahora desaparecido Sistema de Ahorro y Crédito para Vivienda, formado por las Mutuales de Vivienda y su organismo central el Banco de la Vivienda, luego trata la naturaleza de la hipoteca en nuestra legislación y su carácter accesorio, sigue con la hipoteca independiente del Derecho Germano, cuya naturaleza examina y entrando en materia desarrolla el concepto del Título Hipotecario Negociable y su Mercado.
Expertos, burocracias y política de masas en Argentina
Authors: Palermo Silvana , Silva Jeremías
Published: October 2020

Este dossier reúne artículos de Ricardo Salvatore, Ignacio Allevi y Andrés Stagnaro con el propósito de reﬂ exionar sobre la renovación en los estudios de la historia del Estado y, en particular, explorar la cuestión del vínculo entre los expertos, las burocracias y la política de masas en el amplio y turbulento período que media desde la consolidación de la Argentina moderna hasta el peronismo clásico.
La institucionalización del sistema estadístico chileno: debates y problemas prácticos (1843-1851)
Authors: Estefane Andrés
Published: October 2020

El período 1843-1851 comprende la fase de organización de la primera Oficina de Estadística en Chile. Durante esos años se puso en marcha un detallado plan de investigación orientado a conocer y medir los recursos nacionales en medio de un ciclo de estabilidad financiera y expansión económica. En ese lapso también tuvieron lugar debates cruciales respecto al presupuesto, la fisonomía institucional y el grado de articulación de esta nueva repartición con la estructura administrativa provincial, espacio clave para el levantamiento de datos. La implementación de dicho plan y el desarrollo de tales debates dejaron al descubierto una serie de desajustes en el anclaje territorial del Estado, el comportamiento de sus cuadros administrativos y la respuesta de la población frente a este tipo de empadronamientos. Esos fueron algunos de los problemas que delinearon los límites operativos que enfrentó la Oficina de Estadística en esta fase inicial de institucionalización. La revisión de dichos obstáculos permite aproximarnos de manera compleja a la configuración de las estructuras burocráticas que posibilitaron la producción de saberes estatales y, asimismo, explorar los nudos críticos que definieron el proceso de configuración del Estado chileno a mediados del siglo XIX.
¿El valor de la vida y del trabajo? Las compañías de Seguros de vida, México a fines del s. XIX
Authors: Cházaro García Laura
Published: October 2020

El negocio de asegurar es un asunto relativamente reciente; en México, fueron compañías norteamericanas las que empezaron a vender seguros de vida, a mediados del siglo XIX. Actualmente, nuestras prácticas en seguridad social están íntimamente conectadas a estas historias de aseguramiento. Los seguros generalmente se estudian en relación a operaciones actuariales y cálculos de probabilidades de vida de una población. En este texto, me intereso por las medidas de la vida que los actuarios y médicos de esas compañías, la mayoría extranjeras, obtenían para los clientes de países como México. Siguiendo los casos de la New York Life Co., la Mutua de Nueva York y la Fraternal, entre otras, he encontrado que el valor de la vida de los mexicanos asegurables supuso otras medidas, no derivadas del cálculo de probabilidades, como la capacidad de trabajar (cuánto ahorro) de la “raza latina”, la capacidad de preservarse sano (cuánta salud). Así, un trabajador de origen mexicano no era igual a uno norteamericano en tanto que uno producía menos trabajo que otro, por razones raciales. Las compañías de seguros decían cobrar primas a los mexicanos con base a mediciones que aseguraban la equidad y evitaban especulación. Lo que aquí discuto es cómo la “igualdad matemática”, defendida por los actuarios, en la práctica suponía mediciones que hacía desiguales a los clientes, como eran las medidas del cuerpo, la propensión a enfermarse o la capacidad de ahorrar.