bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The derepression of transposable elements in lung cells is associated with the inflammatory response and gene activation in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Rostami Mahboubeh R , Bradic Martina
Published: September 2020

Background Transposable elements (TEs) are repetitive sequences of viral origin that compose almost half of the human genome. These elements are tightly controlled within cells, and if activated, they can cause changes in both gene regulation and immune viral responses that have been associated with several chronic inflammatory diseases in humans. As oxidants are potent activators of TEs, and because oxidative injury is a major risk factor in relation to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), we hypothesized that TEs might be involved in the regulation of gene expression and so contribute to inflammation in cases of IPF. IPF is a fatal lung disease that involves the gradual replacement of the alveolar tissue with fibrotic scars as well as the accumulation of inflammatory cells in the lower respiratory tract. Although IPF is known to occur as a result of the complex interaction between environmental risk factors (i.e., oxidative stress) and genetics, the relative contributions of these factors to the disease remain unclear. To determine whether TEs are associated with IPF, we compared the transcriptional profiles of the genes and TEs of lung cells obtained from both healthy donors and IPF patients. Results We quantified the TEs and gene expression levels using a published bulk RNA-seq dataset concerning 24 subjects (16 donors and eight IPF patients), including three lung-cell types per subject, as well as a scRNA-seq dataset concerning 16 subjects (eight donors and eight IPF patients). We found evidence of TE dysregulation in the alveolar type II lung cells and alveolar macrophages of the IPF patients. In addition, the activation of the LINE family of elements in IPF is associated with the increased expression of TE cellular regulators (MOV10, IFI16, SAMHD1, and APOBECG3), interferon-stimulating genes (ISG15, IFI6, IFI27, IFI44, and OAS1), chemokines (CX3CL1 and CXCL9), and interleukins (IL15RA). We also demonstrated that TE derepression might be involved in the regulation of previously reported IPF candidate genes (MUC5B, CHL1, CCL22, and MMP7). Conclusion Based on our findings, we propose that TEs derepression play an important role in the regulation of gene expression and can also prompt both the recruitment of inflammatory processes and the disruption of the immunological balance, which can lead to chronic inflammation in IPF.
Across Regions: Are Most COVID-19 Deaths Above or Below Life Expectancy?
Authors: Malik Rondy
Published: September 2020

Life expectancy varies across geographical and political landscapes for a multitude of reasons. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for the 2020 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and pandemic, is present in 215 countries, and is described as a pathogen that is most deadly to individuals 65 years and older. However, it is unclear if the majority of COVID-19-related deaths are targeting individuals above or below life expectancy. Through seven months of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, an association between life expectancy and COVID-19 related deaths were assessed. The reported age of those suffering from COVID-19-related death was evaluated across seven countries (United States, Germany, Hungary, Poland, South Africa, Sweden, and Switzerland), and placed into one of two categories depending on whether the death occurred above or below the country’s life expectancy. Among the seven countries included in this survey, it was observed that there was greater proportion of deaths above life expectancy (M = 65.35%, SD= 6.58) versus death below life expectancy (M = 34.65% , SD= 6.58), and these difference were significant (95%CI [18.51876, 42.88199], p = 0.0008349). Across countries, the disparity, or percent difference in deaths occurring above versus below life expectancy, was greatest in the countries with life expectancies of 80+ (Sweden, Switzerland, Germany). Given priorities that may need to be made in terms of hospital capacity, considering life expectancy may be an appropriate approach for reporting COVID-19-related deaths.
C1orf61 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis and affects the therapeutic response to sorafenib
Authors: Yu You , Wang Zhimeng , Huang Zan , Tang Xianying , Li Wenhua
Published: September 2020

Background

C1orf61 is a specific transcriptional activator that is highly up-regulated during weeks 4–9 of human embryogenesis, the period in which most organs develop. We have previously demonstrated that C1orf61 acts as a tumor activator in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumorigenesis and metastasis. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of tumor initiation and progression in HCC remain obscure.
Methods

In this study, we demonstrated that the pattern of C1orf61 expression was closely correlated with metastasis in liver cancer cells. Gene expression profiling analysis indicated that C1orf61 regulated diverse genes related to cell growth, migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
Results

Results showed that C1orf61 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis by inducing cellular EMT in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, C1orf61-induced cellular EMT and migration are involved in the activation of the STAT3 and Akt cascade pathways. We also found that C1orf61 was associated with HBV infection-induced cell migration in HCC. In addition, C1orf61 expression improved the efficacy of the anticancer therapy sorafenib in HCC patients. For the first time, we report a regulatory pathway by which C1orf61 promoted cancer cell metastasis and regulated the therapeutic response to sorafenib.
Conclusions

These findings increased our understanding of the molecular events that regulate metastasis and treatment in HCC.
An Artificial Intelligence-based Multimodality-Integration for Precise Prediction of Prostate Cancer Lymph Node Metastasis: A Retrospective Two-center Study
Authors: Hou Ying , Bao Jie , Song Yang , Bao Mei-Ling , Jiang Ke-Wen , Zhang Jing , Yang Guang , Hu Chun-Hong , Shi Hai-Bin , Wang Xi-Ming , Zhang Yu-Dong
Published: September 2020

BackgroundAccurate identification of pelvic lymph node metastasis (PLNM) in patients with prostate cancer (PCa) is crucial for determining appropriate treatment options. However, there is no clear consensus on the integration of clinicopathological and imaging findings available to predict PLNM. Therefore, we built a Prostate Cancer Risk (PRISK) tool using an artificial intelligence-based multimodality-integration to obtain a precisely informed decision about whether to perform extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND). MethodsPRISK provides a novel precise risk assessment tool to reduce unnecessary ePLNDs while controlling PLNM missing rate. It was developed in 280 patients and verified in 71 patients internally and in 50 patients externally by integrating a set of radiologists’ interpretations, clinicopathological factors and newly refined imaging indicators from MR images with radiomics machine learning and deep learning algorithms. Its clinical applicability was compared with Briganti and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) nomograms.ResultsPRISK yielded the best diagnostic performance with areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.932 (95% CI, 0.895-0.958), 0.924 (95% CI, 0.837-0.974) and 0.758 (95% CI, 0.616-0.868) in the training/validation, internal test and external test cohorts. If the No. of ePLNDs missed for risk assessment is controlled at < 2%, PRISK can provide both higher No. of ePLNDs spared (PRISK 59.6% vs MSKCC 44.9% vs Briganti 37.7%) and lower No. of false-positives (PRISK 59.3% vs MSKCC 70.1% and Briganti 72.7%) as compared with MSKCC and Briganti score. In follow-up, patients stratified by PRISK showed significantly different biochemical recurrence rate after surgery.ConclusionsPRISK offers a noninvasive clinical biomarker to predict PLNM for patients with PCa. It shows improved accuracy of diagnosis support and reduced overtreatment burdens for patients with findings suggested of PCa.
Low Quality of Life (QoL) in Indian Breast Cancer Patients : A Critical Analysis of Up
Authors: Srivast Sanjiv , Srivast Alpana , Tiwari Sandeep
Published: September 2020

BackgroundBreast cancer is the commonest of all cancers among women across the world and India being no exception to this deadly disease. There may be many symptoms due to cancer, some are complex but some are not complex. Measuring quality of life (QoL) is important to measure overall burden of disease. It is important to evaluate cancer specific QoL which is associated to all stages of this disease. Also Quality of Life is a term that adds various dimensions of quality of life such as physical, psychological, socio-economical, spiritual, cognitional & social dimensions. Balance between all the four domains (i.e. Physical, Psychological, Social and Spiritual) means good quality of life, but in India QoL in general is not good and if we talk of cancer patients its worst.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is assessment of QoL in breast cancer patients undergoing treatment through various modalities at different stages of disease.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study, a total of 150 breast cancer patients were included. Patients quality of life were assessed by Ferrel‘s Quality of Life Instrument-Breast Cancer patient version and the instrument is already validated by Ferrel BR et al (2012). These questionnaires consist of general well-being, psychological well-being, distress, fearfulness, social concerns and spiritual well-being. The data obtained gives Cronbach alpha value of 0.642 which is reliable enough for further study. The QoL in for most subjects was around 50% and is a cause of concern as this is quite low as compare to global standards. ResultsA significant relationship between type of cancer, amount of pain, and fatigue (tiredness) was found. However, none of the demographic variables (age, marital status, income) were significantly related to QoL. Education and type of treatment were found to be correlated with QoL. The physical well-being score was found to be Mean = 4.82, SD = 2.19. The Psychological well-being score was found to be Mean=4.95, SD=2.02. For social well-being score was found to be Mean=4.98, SD=1.94. The highest score was for spiritual well-being Mean = 5.32, SD = 2.46.ConclusionInfluencing quality of life (QoL) is an important issue in Breast cancer patients. Apart from effect of treatment there are other factors like socioeconomic status, psychological well-being, fear of recurrence etc., Which plays a pivotal role in patients wellbeing and if counseled at various levels like family, hospital and society can improve QoL.
Sterile Field Contamination by Elastomeric Respirators Versus Surgical Masks and N95s
Authors: Howard Brittany , Thorwarth Ryan , Karam Karam , Snider Sam , Forzani Erica , Hentz Joseph , Graf Erin , Patel Bhavesh , McKay Kelly , Hinni Michael , Lal Devyani
Published: September 2020

Background: Elastomeric respirators are reusable and reliable protection from infectious aerosol particles such as SARS-CoV-2. There is a lack of safety data for use in sterile fields limiting application to operating room settings where high-risk aerosol generating procedures are performed. We hypothesized an equivalent reduction in sterile field contamination would be achieved using an elastomeric respirator covered by a surgical mask as compared to a standard surgical mask or N95.Methods: Randomized controlled crossover experiment with repeat measurement comparing microbial and aerosol contamination of operating room surfaces for elastomeric respirators, elastomeric respirators covered by a surgical mask, N95, surgical mask, and no mask. 80 experiments were performed by participants with randomized order and balanced crossover to all masking groups (n=16 per masking group). Participants executed droplet and aerosol generating procedures while wearing: (Group 1) elastomeric respirator with mask, (Group 2) elastomeric respirator only, (Group 3) N95, and (Group 4) surgical mask. Positive control was established with the participant unmasked (Group 5). Contamination was measured by microbial growth on settling plates and optical particle counters (0.2+ and 2 um+ particles).Results: There was a reduction in microbial contamination at the sterile field (p<0.001) for all masks (Groups 1-4) compared to unmasked (Group 5). The mean colony forming units (CFU) at the sterile field was 0 CFUs for elastomeric respirator (+/- mask), N95, and surgical mask versus unmasked growing 1.875 CFUs. Compared to the unmasked control, the elastomeric respirator (+/- mask), N95, and surgical masks all resulted in a -0.75 difference in contamination (95% CI -0.91 to -0.48, p < 0.001). No significant difference in contamination between the elastomeric respirator (+/- mask) and a surgical mask was detected. No significant difference in particle counts (0.2 µm+ and 2.0 µm+) between the elastomeric respirator (+/- mask) and a standard surgical mask.Conclusion and Relevance: Elastomeric respirators with or without mitigation are as effective as a surgical mask and N95 for reducing contamination at the sterile field in an operating room. Consideration should be given to expanding the use of elastomeric respirators to operating rooms during high-risk aerosol generating procedures.
Compound Dihuang Granule Attenuates the Da Neuron Loss and Motor Deficits in 6-OHDA  Induced Parkinson’s Disease Rats
Authors: Wang Li , Bi Dian-yong , He Zhu-qing , Zhang Lei , Yang Yu-fang , He Jian-cheng
Published: September 2020

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and the presence of Lewy bodies (LBs) consisting of misfolded α-synuclein protein in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). Compound Dihuang Granule (CDG), a famous traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been clinically used in PD therapy with curative effects. However, the specific functions and the mechanism of action remained unclear. This paper study assesses the preventive and therapeutic effect of CDG on motor deficits and DA neuron loss of PD induced by 6-OHDA and the underlying mechanisms.Methods: PD rat model was induced by unilaterally stereotactic injection of 6-OHDA into the SNpc of midbrain then the motor deficits were evaluated with apomorphine (APO) induced abnormal rotational behaviors. The striatal contents of neurotransmitters were detected by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD). The number of DA neurons were determined with immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. Protein expression levels were determined with Western blotting assay. Indicators of oxidative stress were determined with colorimetric method. Apoptotic cells were detected by Transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The expression of neurotrophic factors was examined with IHC staining.Results: With a 6-week treatment, CDG significantly attenuated the 6-OHDA induced abnormal rotational behaviors and alleviated the loss of DA neurons in the nigrostriatal axis. Consistently, the striatal contents of DA and its metabolites including DOPAC and HVA of PD rats were all significantly increased with CDG treatment. The 6-OHDA induced oxidative stress indicated with decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and increased malondialdehyde (MDA)was also suppressed by CDG. Moreover, CDG treatment inhibited the 6-OHDA induced cell apoptosis indicated with decreased apoptotic cells in the SNpc and increased protein expression ratio of Bcl-2/Bax in the striatum. The expression levels of neurotrophic factors including nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF)in the SNpc of PD rats were also increased by CDG.Conclusion: CDG could ameliorate the 6-OHDA induced brain injuries and motor symptoms mainly by inhibition of the oxidative stress and cell apoptosis in the nigrostriatal axis, and enhancing the expression of neurotrofic factors in the midbrain of rats.
Biological Cadmium Detoxification in Rice Using the Fungus Trametes Pubescens: A Promising and Feasible Approach
Authors: Liu Jing , Wang Li , Lin Xiuying , Enayatizamir Naeimeh , Fu Pengcheng
Published: September 2020

Background: Cadmium is a widely dispersed metal element that may be released to the environment with accelerated anthropogenic activities. Rice with high cadmium content is a serious threat to food safety and human health. Results: A heavy metal-resistant white rot fungus Trametes pubescens MB 89 with remarkable ability to prevent rice from cadmium toxification has been investigated in this study. We have assessed the biosorption of this ectomycorrhizal fungus with high concentrations of Cd2+. Results indicate that the maximum removal rate of Cd2+ from aqueous solution (10 mg/L) by T. pubescens MB 89 was 53.13%. A biofilm was formed on the cell surface of mycelium with Cd (II) been reduced to Cd (0) in the form of nanoscale particles in aqueous solution. It was found that the functional groups of –OH, –NH, C-H, C=O, C-O, S=O on the surface of T. pubescens MB 89 participated in the Cd2+ detoxification process. The effect of rice plant colonization with T. pubescens MB 89 was investigated with the pot experiments showing that it could significantly promoted rice seedlings growth and reduced cadmium accumulation on rice tissues. Moreover, the fungal colonization could decrease the cadmium transport to the rice roots, ameliorate cadmium toxicity and ensure the normal absorption and transportation of nutrients by the roots. Conclusion: This study showed a promising potential for T. pubescens MB 89 to prevent cadmium toxification for the rice grains in paddy fields. To further investigate the mechanism of T. pubescens to protect and promote rice growth, our next research focus will be on the beneficial interactions of ectomycorrhizal fungi and the rice root system with the aid of the root-fungal interactome analysis.
Gendering COVID-19: Impact of the Pandemic on Women's Burden of Unpaid Work in India
Authors: Chauhan Priyanshi
Published: September 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the already existing gender inequalities with substantial implications on women. With the closure of offices and educational institutions, and the emerging norm of work from home and online education, along with the lack of services of domestic worker, the need to perform unpaid chores in the household has increased. Simultaneously, the requirements of social distancing and sanitization have created new unpaid chores. Owing to the sexual division of labour, and gendered roles and social norms of performing domestic and care work, the burden of unpaid work falls disproportionately on women. In this context, the objective of the paper is to study the impact of COVID-19 on time spent on unpaid work and the underlying gender differences in the urban centres in India. Specifically, the paper will do a comparative analysis of the gender differences in time spent on unpaid work before and during the lockdown, and analyse the reasons for the same.
Clinical and laboratory differences in patients with local and generalized forms of Kaposi sarcoma
Authors: Renev V. D. , Karamov E. V. , Veselova E. I. , Lovacheva O. V. , Tyulkova T. E. , Kaminskiy G. D.
Published: September 2020

The objective: to evaluate clinical and laboratory parameters in local and generalized forms of Kaposi sarcoma (KS) in HIV infected patients to detect predictors of generalized forms of the disease.

Subjects and methods. Case histories of 58 HIV infected patients with KS at the age from 28 to 80 years old were respectively analyzed; they all received treatment in National Medical Research Center of Phthisiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases of the Russian Ministry of Health in 2018-2020. Cases were divided into 2 groups depending on KS manifestations. LF group (local form of KS, n = 28) included the patients with skin lesions; GF group (generalized form of KS, n = 30) included patients with skin lesions and one or several lesions in the other sites: the mucous membrane of gastrointestinal tract, the mucous membrane of tracheobronchial tree, and lung parenchyma.

Results. Patients with the generalized form of KS had a higher frequency of skin lesions on the body (pχ2 = 0.036), face (pχ2 = 0.033), and multiple sites (pχ2 = 0.018). Patients from both groups had low CD4+ count, but it was more severe in GF group (pχ2 = 0.027) with a significant increase of the viral load (pχ2 = 0.047). The predictors of the generalized form of KS are the following: the presence of specific lesions on the skin of body, face and multiple localizations, CD4 level below 125 cells/mcL, increase in the viral load above 5.3log10 copies/ml, reduction of erythrocytes level below 3.1 × 1012 cells/L. Among 24 patients with KS who had 4-6 predictors, 19 (79.2%) had the generalized form. Among KS patients with not a single predictor, there were no cases of generalized form, as well as there were no cases of local forms among patients who had 5 and 6 predictors.
The multicenter observational non-interventional study of combination anti-tuberculosis drugs used in treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis patients
Authors: Tyulkova T. E. , Mokhireva I. V. , Starshinova A. A. , Yablonskiy P. K. , Аkhilgova L. I. , Baronova O. D. , Gromov A. V. , Otpuschenikova O. N. , Oganezova G. S. , Levchenko M. V. , Panova I. A. , Trushina O. A. , Yasinetskaya N. V. , Sakharitova E. A.
Published: September 2020

The objective of the study:to run a multicenter non-interventional observational study to assess treatment outcomes in tuberculosis patients receiving combination drugs with fixed doses, and to evaluate tolerability and safety of these drugs.

Subjects and methods.13 TB units participated in this study which lasted from 2016 to 2018. The primary population (PP) included of 489 patients, after applying the exclusion criteria – the subpopulation (subPP) included 267 patients with newly detected pulmonary tuberculosis and relapses who received treatment as per chemotherapy regimen I or III. Descriptive statistics methods were used for statistical data processing.

Results.Of all PP, 267 (54.6%) completed the main course of chemotherapy. (subPP). Out of 489 patients, treatment was discontinued in 118 (24.1%) of them. Primary drug resistance was detected in 30 (6.1%) patients out of 489 patients, secondary drug resistance – in 74 (15.1%) of 489. In subPP, by the end of the intensive phase the sputum conversion was achieved in 78 (96.3%) of 81 patients. Clinical and X-ray changes had been observed in this subgroup for 106.2 to 63.3 days (median 90). The duration of the intensive phase in the subPP made 107.9 ± 50.5 days. In safety assessment, 191 adverse events (AE) were registered in 149 (30.5%) of 489 patients. By severity, most AEs were minor (164 out of 191), moderate AEs were less frequent (20 out of 191), and there were 7 cases of serious AEs. 61 AEs in 57 (38.2%) out of 149 patients were confidently associated with in-take of the studied drugs. The structure of those AEs, transient transaminase level elevation prevailed (45 (73.8%) of 61 AEs, but there was a single case (1.6%) drug-induced hepatitis). Among the serious AEs, two cases were safely resolved by the end of the protocol, two of them were fatal in TB/HIV co-infection, and three cases were diagnosed with cancer.
Biomarkers and immunological tests. Experimental and clinical parallels of latent tuberculosis infection
Authors: Kuday D. A.
Published: September 2020

The article presents the review of 94 publications. It describes experiments on latent tuberculosis infection on Cynomolgus macaques. It has been noted that in recent years, PET-CT has been used to identify thoracic lymph nodes (LN) infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). It has been demonstrated that FDG-PET-CT allows concluding about the presence of viable MTB in thoracic LNs in case of latent tuberculosis infection which is confirmed by detection of live MTB in granulomas of these LNs by culture. The preventive therapy contributes to a significant reduction of pathology visible on PET-CT. The review analyzes publications that experimentally show the spectrum of the immune response to MTB-specific proteins ESAT-6 and CFP10 in case of tuberculosis infection, in particular, the relationship between the cytokine response and bacterial load.
Pravo slobodne volje
Authors: Vranešević Goran
Published: September 2020

U članku se ističe uloga vlasništva u uspostavljanju slobodne volje. Ljudska sloboda obično se shvaća kao sposobnost pojedinca za proizvoljno donošenje odluka. Iako se čini da se radi o svjesnim akcijama, akcijama u kojima smo najbliže sebi, ipak nismo svjesni uzroka kojim se utvrđuju ove akcije. Ipak, umjesto da izgladimo vrijednosnu podjelu između slobode i nužnosti, naš je cilj objasniti kako je logika slobode imanentno vezana za nužnost izlaska izvan sebe. Hegel nije prvi koji je pokazao tu logiku, ali bio je najdosljedniji u iznošenju ideje slobode kao postajanje drugim. Za njega, biti slobodnom osobom, subjektom, znači eksternalizirati našu volju u neovisne vanjske stvari i time steći vlasništvo nad njima. Sloboda, dakle, nije individualna kvaliteta, već društveni princip, jer vlasnička prava mogu postojati samo u intersubjektivnim odnosima. U tom kontekstu, postavlja se pitanje: kako je u okolnostima gdje je subjektivnost proizvod vlasništva i dalje moguće stvoriti nešto iz ničega?
Urban Development around Spanish High-Speed Rail Stations: Plans, Realized Development and Lessons
Authors: Ribalaygua Cecilia , Sánchez Francisco García , de Ureña José M.
Published: September 2020

The article describes the evolution of urban development plans around stations in the Spanish High-Speed Rail network and addresses their eff ectiveness. The research analyses in detail six High-Speed Rail stations which have in common abundant land in their surroundings and some type
of plan: two central stations, two city-edge stations and two cases located in peripheral areas. Comparing the implementation of developments planned around stations in these six cases, three potential developing factors have been analysed (structural, socio-economic conjuncture and local
strategies) to find similarities and determinants. The article demonstrates that HighSpeed Rail is a good catalyser for urban development and restructuring, but that local conditions are crucial for harnessing its possibilities. High-Speed Rail can strengthen existing tendencies or potentials,
while it is much weaker when launching new urban spatial processes.
Las familias en la investigación sobre el ciberacoso
Authors: Yot-Domínguez Carmen , Cotán Fernández Almudena
Published: September 2020

La investigación realizada sobre la incidencia de la familia en las situaciones de ciberacoso tradiconalmente ha estado basada esencialmente en medidas de autoinforme directamente obtenidas de los jóvenes. En la actualidad esta tendencia está cambiando. Así, nos proponemos realizar una revisión sistemática de los trabajos disponibles en la base de datos Scopus que directamente las consultan. Se pretende caracterizar esta línea de investigación y evidenciar los principales hallazgos.
La competencia digital de la ciudadanía, una necesidad creciente en una sociedad digitalizada
Authors: Silva Quiroz Juan Eusebio , Lázaro-Cantabrana José Luis
Published: September 2020

La sociedad de la información ha generado una nueva alfabetización de carácter digital que por sus aristas e implicancias en la educación, la formación y el ámbito laboral, se ha acuñado el término de competencia digital. Este artículo aborda la problemática de la competencia digital en la ciudadanía, entendida como un elemento clave para desenvolverse en la sociedad del conocimiento y aprovechar las potencialidades de la tecnología digital y las oportunidades que estas brindan en diferentes ámbitos del desarrollo profesional y personal de las persona. Para tal efecto se aborda la problemática de la competencia digital, la brecha digital que es un elemento que dificulta el desarrollo y  se propone un conjunto de recomendaciones que facilitarían el desarrollo de la competencia digital en la ciudadanía.
Quercetin and its Relative Therapeutic Potential Against COVID-19: A Retrospective Review and Prospective Overview
Authors: Bastaminejad Saiyad , Bakhtiyari Salar
Published: September 2020

COVID-19 is an emerging disease that is a major threat to the global
community. The main challenge in this disease is the lack of proper or proven
medication. The drugs used to treat this disease are only for symptomatic treatment.
Studies of other coronaviruses, such as SARS and MERS, suggest that quercetin has
sufficient potential to treat COVID-19. Previous studies have shown that quercetin
reduces the entry of the virus into the cell by blocking the ACE2 receptor, as well as
reducing the level of interleukin-6 in SARS and MERS patients. Therefore, the aim of
this review was to scrutinize the potential of quercetin as a drug in the treatment of
COVID-19 from a molecular perspective.
Study of Online Taxi Choice Model in Indonesia
Authors: Sitinjak Tarita Aprilani , Djakfar Ludfi , Wicaksono Achmad
Published: September 2020

Background:

Online taxis, a travel mode with personalized comfort based on mobile Internet technology, are now rapidly expanding in Indonesia.

Objectives:

This study aims to analyze the influence of the personal characteristics and travel characteristics on the choice of an online taxi or conventional taxi and to analyze the online taxi performance in the cities of Surabaya and Malang, Indonesia.

Methods:

A Stated Preference questionnaire was designed and a Google Forms survey was conducted to obtain data; 200 responses were collected. The binary logit model was employed to analyze the influence of the personal characteristics and travel characteristics on the choice modal. Importance-Performance Analysis was proposed to understand the performance of online taxis.

Results:

By applying the binary logit model, it was found that for variables based on a personal characteristic, age and occupation are the most influential variables that affect the decision to use an online-taxi, while for travel characteristic variables, travel cost is the most influential factor in traveler’s choice-making. According to the sensitivity analysis, the midpoint for travel cost was found to be Rp 9.606,20, and 13,43 minutes for pick up time. Through Importance-Performance Analysis, it was found that no attributes need to be improved.

Conclusion:

The estimated logit model can describe the personalized travel mode choice well. The users of an online taxi are people of young age and non-working group. If the gap price and the gap pick up time more than midpoint, the majority of travelers will most likely shift to conventional taxis. The online taxi performance has already met passenger satisfaction.
Effect of Gravel-sand Ratio on Physico-mechanical, Thermal and Macrostructural Properties of Micro Epoxy Polymer Concrete based on a Mixture of Alluvial-dune Sand
Authors: Kerrida Zineb , Berkak Hichem , Makhloufi Zoubir , Bederina Madani , Ferhat Ahmida
Published: September 2020

Introduction:

In the Polymer Concrete (PC) composites, aggregates are the most important constituent, which considerably affect their performance. The purpose of this experimental study is to examine the effect of Gravel-to-Sand (G/S) ratio on the physico-mechanical, thermal and microstructural properties of epoxy micro-polymer concrete made up of local aggregates.

Materials & Methods:

The Micro Epoxy Polymer Concrete (MEPC) studied consists of epoxy resin as a binder and a mixture of two types of sands (alluvial (0/0.63 mm) and dune (0/4 mm) sands), as well as crushed limestone gravel (3/8 mm). Six compositions were prepared with two epoxy resin contents (10% and 14% of the total weight of mixture) and three G/S ratios (0.25, 0.50 and 0.75). The studied properties are density, water absorption, compressive and flexural strengths, thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, specific heat and macrostructure.

Results & Discussion:

The obtained results show that the G/S ratio, as well as the epoxy resin content, has a significant influence on the properties of MEPC. In addition, 14% epoxy resin and the G/S ratio of 0.75 can be considered as optimal values, which lead to very interesting physico-mechanical performances (denser and less porous material, more resistant with almost similar thermal conductivity). Moreover, the density, the water absorption and the optical microscopic observation confirm that mixes containing 14% epoxy are more impermeable, compact and homogeneous than those containing 10% epoxy.

Conclusion:

Finally, it should be noted that the incorporation of aggregates being relatively coarse decreases the grains’ specific surface and reduces the porosity of the granular mix, which enable the epoxy product to completely cover the surface of mineral grains. A perfect covering of aggregate grains with a bender improves the adhesion between the aggregates and the polymer matrix.
La información en la era de Internet. El caso de las fake news
Authors: Sánchez Miguel J. Arjona
Published: September 2020

El fenómeno de las fake news ha puesto sobre la mesa el problema de la desinformación. Un problema enfrentado de forma muy distinta en los Estados Unidos y en Europa; el primero a favor de una muy liberal concepción del mercado de las ideas, y el segundo con una concepción más limitadora del derecho de expresión e información. Pero detrás de las fake news se esconden también las dificultades de enfrentar un nuevo espacio que no es otro que el ciberespacio, donde la información se mueve en flujos difícil de aprehender. Un nuevo espacio que nos interroga sobre si está legitimado un cambio en el paradigma constitucional, especialmente si se considera que está generando una nueva elite social (la netocracia) que reclama un nuevo tratamiento jurídico (the code).
DIRITTI FONDAMENTALI E NUOVE TECNOLOGIE: una mappa del dibattito italiano
Authors: Olivetti Marco
Published: September 2020

La rivoluzione digitale ha inciso profondamente sui diritti fondamentali. Essa ha aperto nuove prospettive per l’esercizio di diritti fondamentali già riconosciuti. Ha fatto emergere nuovi diritti fondamentali e nuovi limiti e nuove minacce ad essi. La cultura giuridica italiana ha concettualizzato queste sfide attorno ad una serie di temi: la libertà informatica, il diritto fondamentale di accesso ad Internet, il diritto all’oblio, il diritto a non essere oggetto di una decisione amministrativa totalmente automatizzata, i nuovi problemi della libertà di espressione. La Camera dei deputati ha elaborato una “dichiarazione dei diritti su Internet”, senza efficacia normativa. E l’uso di Internet ha modificato profondamente il sistema politico. Questo saggio tenta un primo bilancio generale di questi problemi, che in generale sono ancora tutti aperti.
A SUSPENSÃO DA PRESCRIÇÃO DA PRETENSÃO PUNITIVA NOS TRIBUNAIS DE CONTAS PELA LEI DA COVID-19
Authors: Rodrigues Ricardo Schneider
Published: September 2020

Neste artigo é investigada a aplicação aos Tribunais de Contas da nova hipótese de suspensão do prazo prescricional da pretensão punitiva prevista na Lei da Covid-19 (art. 6º-C, parágrafo único, da Lei nº 13.979/20 c/c MP nº 928/20). O método indutivo e a pesquisa documental foram utilizados para identificar a ratio decidendi dos julgados do STF sobre o tema da prescrição no âmbito dos TCs e, a partir daí, fazendo uso também de revisão bibliográfica, apurar se as razões invocadas pela Suprema Corte autorizam a aplicação da nova regra. Os achados da pesquisa demonstram que a suspensão da prescrição, embora configure restrição ao princípio da prescritibilidade, é medida razoável e proporcional, aplicável, por analogia, a todos os Tribunais de Contas. É também solução que se amolda ao princípio da segurança jurídica, impedindo a aplicação analógica das Leis nº 9.873/99 e nº 13.979/20 de forma desuniforme, a partir de atos infralegais.
PROTEÇÃO DE DADOS PARA ALÉM DO CONSENTIMENTO: tendências contemporâneas de materialização
Authors: Mendes Laura Schertel , Fonseca Gabriel C. Soares da
Published: September 2020

O presente artigo tem como objetivo debater o enfoque no consentimento do titular dos dados como instrumento regulatório nuclear da proteção de dados pessoais. Para tanto, são brevemente abordados três aspectos que demonstram as insuficiências do paradigma do consentimento: (i) as limitações cognitivas do titular dos dados pessoais para avaliar os custos e benefícios envolvidos quanto aos seus direitos; (ii) a lógica binária “take it or leave it”, que reflete a ausência de uma vontade livre em razão da assimetria de poderes entre ele e o agente responsável pelo tratamento, bem como a sua dependência a muitos serviços da sociedade da informação; e (iii) as modernas técnicas de tratamento e de análise dos dados pessoais, que possibilitam a agregação de informações e que dificilmente podem ser gerenciadas pelo titular de dados no momento da coleta dos dados. Para superar essas insuficiências, tendências contemporâneas de materialização da proteção de dados apresentam-se como soluções interessantes, tornando-a mais responsiva tanto aos riscos gerados pelo tratamento, como aos obstáculos concretos a uma decisão livre e autônoma. Neste texto, exploraram-se três caminhos nesse sentido: (i) estratégias a partir da tecnologia e do desenho dos sistemas informacionais (privacy by design) a fim de auxiliar o titular no controle de seus dados; (ii) implementação da regulação pautada na prestação de contas pelos agentes de tratamento (accountability), dimensionando os riscos prévios ao tratamento de dados pessoais; e (iii) o controle contextual do consentimento.
Systematic review of bibliometric studies on SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Silva Thainá Ferreira , Melo Amanda Alves de , Santos Dener Lucas Araújo dos , Vaz Elisa Carvalho , Corvalan Leonardo Carlos Jeronimo , Ribeiro Marcela de Lacerda , Rodrigues Flávia Melo
Published: September 2020

Objective: To perform a systematic review of articles that evaluated the scientific production on SARS-CoV-2 through bibliometric analyzes. Methods: Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases were used. After applying the pre-established inclusion criteria, 30 articles were included. Results. The total number of articles found in the bibliometric studies on SARS-CoV-2 varied widely from 153 to 21,395 articles and an average equal to 4,279 (± 5,510). A total of 17 countries published within the scope of this study, but only six published more than one article, emphasizing authors from Chinese institutions (17%). Scopus was the most used database in bibliometric studies (50%, n = 15). The articles used 72 different keywords with emphasis on: COVID-19 (15%), SARS-CoV-2 (12%) and 2019-nCoV (9%). Conclusion. We are facing an unprecedented scenario of information about SARS-CoV-2 and this has required a collective scientific effort reflected in the daily publication of hundreds of studies (articles, pre-prints, clinical guides, protocols). Bibliometric methods are being increasingly used by the scientific community to systematize this information. Therefore, the systematic review carried out in this study provided an overview of the bibliometric literature on the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Entornos de aprendizajes autoorganizados para el desarrollo de competencias básicas en ciencias naturales
Authors: Cancio Nisperuza María Angélica , Montes Miranda Geiner De Jesús , Rojas Doria Mary Luz
Published: September 2020

La educación en Colombia presenta diferentes problemáticas en lo referente a calidad, cobertura e infraestructura escolar; específicamente, en el área de las ciencias naturales se evidencian métodos poco creativos y obsoletos que no estimulan el aprendizaje. Motivados por contribuir al cambio, se diseñó una investigación cuyo objetivo fue analizar el efecto de la implementación de la metodología Self Organized Learning Environment (SOLE) como modelo de trabajo para la indagación, la explicación y la aplicación de lo aprendido en ciencias en los estudiantes del grado octavo “A” de la Institución Educativa El Siglo del municipio de Ciénega de Oro, departamento de Córdoba (Colombia). Con un diseño metodológico de corte cuantitativo y de tipo cuasiexperimental seleccionando un grupo control y un grupo experimental. La investigación pretendió contribuir a la enseñanza de las ciencias naturales en contexto, poniendo en práctica procesos cognitivos, procedimentales y personales. Se evidenciaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre el grupo control y el grupo experimental, en las clases tradicionales de ciencias naturales hubo poca participación mientras que con SOLE los estudiantes fueron gestores de su aprendizaje, trabajaron en equipo y se apoyaron para lograr el objetivo; además, se mejoró el nivel de desempeño, pasando de mínimo a satisfactorio; mientras que el grupo control inició y se mantuvo en insuficiente.
KONUT SATIN ALIMINDA ALTERNATİF BİR KARAR DESTEK SİSTEMİ ÖNERİSİ
Authors: AYDEMİR Emrah , AKTÜRK Cemal , YALÇINKAYA Mehmet Ali
Published: September 2020

Barınma ihtiyacı, eski çağlardan günümüze kadar insanların en temel ihtiyaçları arasındaki yer almıştır. İnsanların barınma ihtiyacını karşılamak için kullanılan evler, yaşanan coğrafya, kullanılan malzeme vb. açısından çeşitli farklılıklar göstermektedir. Bu farklılıklar, yapısal, güvenlik, ısınma, donanım ve yakınlık olarak beş ayrı kategori altında toplanabilir. Her bir kategori ise kendi alt gruplarına sahiptir. Mevcut konut satın alma sistemleri, konut özelliklerinin varlık ya da yokluk durumunu dikkate alarak ilanları sıralamaktadır. Fakat her alıcı için özellikleri sadece lojik 0 ya da lojik 1 ile ifade etmek uygun değildir. Bu gibi sorunları çözmek için alıcıların her bir kategoriye ve altındaki özelliklere -1 ile +1 arasında bir değer vermesinden oluşan bir model ortaya çıkarılmıştır. Bu sorunu çözmek için alıcıların kategoriler ve alt kategorilere -1 ile +1 arasında bir değer verilmesine dayanan bir model oluşturulmuş ve sunulmuştur. Bu model kullanılarak oluşturulan listede her konutun bir puanı oluşmakta ve alıcıya sıralanarak gösterilmektedir. Böylece alıcı için karar almada mevcut sistemlere kıyasla daha gerçekçi bir liste oluşturulmaktadır. Bu çalışmada İstanbul ilinin 39 ilçesindeki toplam 34844 konut incelenmiş ve 29 kriterden oluşturulan model geliştirilmiştir. Geliştirilen model, 40 adet örnek için test edilerek karar destek sisteminin yeterliliği gösterilmiştir. Ayrıca kişiye özel olarak sunulan alternatif bir karar destek sistemi ile sıralama tablosu gösterilmiştir.
SU KAYNAKLARINDA VE ŞEBEKELERDE ÇÖZÜNMÜŞ ORGANİK AZOTUN MEVSİMSEL DEĞİŞİMİNİN İZLENMESİ
Authors: ÖZGÜR Cihan , BARIŞ Deniz , KAÇIKOÇ Meltem , KAPLAN BEKAROĞLU Şehnaz Şule
Published: September 2020

Yüksek sitotoksik ve genotoksik özelliğe sahip azotlu dezenfeksiyon yan ürünlerinin (A-DYÜ) oluşumunda etkisi olduğu için, çözünmüş organik azot (ÇOA) su temininde ve arıtımında son yıllarda önem kazanmıştır. Yapılan uluslararası çalışmalarda tarımsal faaliyetler, evsel ve endüstriyel atıksu deşarjları, alg faaliyetlerinin artması gibi nedenlerle içme suyu kaynaklarında organik azot konsantrasyonlarının arttığı tespit edilmiştir. Çalışmanın ana amacı farklı su kaynaklarında ve içme suyu şebekelerinde ÇOA’nın mevsimsel değişiminin izlenmesidir. Eğirdir Gölü ve Karaağaç Su Kaynağı olmak üzere 2 farklı içme suyu kaynağı ve Isparta, Konyaaltı ve Kumluca içme suyu şebekeleri olmak üzere 3 farklı su şebekesinde bir yıl süre ile aylık olarak azot türleri izlenmiştir. Eğirdir Gölü için en yüksek ve en düşük ÇOA değerleri sırasıyla 0,74 ve 0,15 mg/L olarak ölçülmüştür. Karaağaç doğal su kaynağı için en yüksek ve en düşük ÇOA değerleri sırasıyla 0,58 ve 0,09 mg/L olarak ölçülmüştür. Eğirdir Gölü için sonbahar aylarında ÇOA değeri daha yüksektir ve 0,74 mg/L’dir. Şebekelerde en yüksek ÇOA değeri Isparta, Konyaaltı ve Kumluca için sırasıyla 0,37; 0,39 ve 0,14 mg/L’dir. A-DYÜ oluşum potansiyeli düşük ÇOK/ÇOA oranına sahip sularda yüksek olduğu rapor edilmiştir. Çalışma kapsamında test edilen kaynaklarda ÇOK/ÇOA oranı oldukça düşüktür. A-DYÜ oluşumuna sebep olmasının yanı sıra, membranların tıkanmasına sebep olduğu ve konvansiyonel arıtma işlemleri ile giderilemediği için ÇOA değerlerinin içme suyu kaynaklarında ve şebekelerde izlenmesi önem kazanmaktadır.
BETONDA CFRP SARGI UYGULAMASININ DENEYSEL VE ANALİTİK OLARAK KARŞILAŞTIRILMASI
Authors: USTABAŞ İlker , GÜRBÜZ Ali , KURT Zafer , DEŞİK Fatih
Published: September 2020

Karbon fiber takviyeli kumaşlar (CFRP) gibi çeşitli polimer kompozitlerin deprem dayanımı yetersiz yapıların güçlendirilmesinde kullanımı yaygınlaşmaktadır. Bu yeni güçlendirme yöntemi sargı etkisiyle betonarme elemanların basınç dayanımını artırırken sünek davranışa da önemli ölçüde katkı sağlamaktadır. Bu çalışma kapsamında; mevcut bir yapıdan karot numuneler alınmıştır. Bu karot numuneler CFRP ile sarılarak güçlendirilmiş ve basınç dayanımları ölçülmüştür. Aynı zamanda karot numuneler ANSYS yazılımıyla bilgisayar ortamında modellenerek bu model üzerinden teorik basınç dayanımları hesaplanmış ve bu teorik değerlerin deneysel dayanımlarla kıyaslanması yapılmıştır. Elde edilen teorik ve deneysel basınç dayanımları konuya ilişkin literatürle karşılaştırılmıştır. Bu çalışma sonucunda tek kat ve iki kat CFRP sarılarak güçlendirilen numunelerin gerilme deformasyon sonuçları literatürdeki çalışmalarla örtüşen sonuçlar elde edilmiştir. Deneysel ve teorik değerlerin birbiriyle uyumlu olduğu bir modelleme yaklaşımı ortaya koyulmuştur.
Development and Evaluation of an Accelerometer-Based Protocol for Measuring Physical Activity Levels in Cancer Survivors: Development and Usability Study (Preprint)
Authors: Crane Tracy E , Skiba Meghan B , Miller Austin , Garcia David O , Thomson Cynthia A
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

The collection of self-reported physical activity using validated questionnaires has known bias and measurement error.

OBJECTIVE

Accelerometry, an objective measure of daily activity, increases the rigor and accuracy of physical activity measurements. Here, we describe the methodology and related protocols for accelerometry data collection and quality assurance using the Actigraph GT9X accelerometer data collection in a convenience sample of ovarian cancer survivors enrolled in GOG/NRG 0225, a 24-month randomized controlled trial of diet and physical activity intervention versus attention control.

METHODS

From July 2015 to December 2019, accelerometers were mailed on 1337 separate occasions to 580 study participants to wear at 4 time points (baseline, 6, 12, and 24 months) for 7 consecutive days. Study staff contacted participants via telephone to confirm their availability to wear the accelerometers and reviewed instructions and procedures regarding the return of the accelerometers and assisted with any technology concerns.

RESULTS

We evaluated factors associated with wear compliance, including activity tracking, use of a mobile app, and demographic characteristics with chi-square tests and logistic regression. Compliant data, defined as ≥4 consecutive days with ≥10 hours daily wear time, exceeded 90% at all study time points. Activity tracking, but no other characteristics, was significantly associated with compliant data at all time points (P<.001). This implementation of data collection through accelerometry provided highly compliant and usable activity data in women who recently completed treatment for ovarian cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

The high compliance and data quality associated with this protocol suggest that it could be disseminated to support researchers who seek to collect robust objective activity data in cancer survivors residing in a wide geographic area.