bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Convolutional networks for segmentation of large vein images
Authors: Егоров А.А. , Лысенкова С.А. , Мазайшвили К.В.
Published: July 2022

В статье представлены результаты работы по сегментации изображений отдельных снимков магнитно-резонансной томографии забрюшинного пространства. Рассматриваются вопросы обнаружения и сегментации объектов магистральных вен забрюшинного пространства на основе свёрточной архитектуры нейронной сети для семантической пиксельной сегментации. Предлагается автоматический, точный и надежный метод с использованием свёрточной нейронной сети U-Net для извлечения сосудов вен из МРТ изображений. Глубокое обучение сети с большим рецептивным полем U-Net позволяет достичь значительных результатов даже при наличие не качественных исходных данных, на малых обучающих выборках. Стратегия расширения данных представляется эффективным способом уменьшения степени переобучения в распознавании медицинских образов — вен.

The article presents the results of work on image segmentation individual images of magnetic resonance imaging of the retroperitoneal space. The issues of detection and segmentation of objects the main veins of retroperitoneal space based on the convolutional architecture of a neural network for semantic pixel segmentation are considered. An automatic, accurate and reliable method using the convolutional neural network U-Net for extracting vein vessels from MRI images is proposed. Deep network training with a large receptive field U-Net allows you to achieve significant results even with the presence of low-quality source data, on small training samples. The data expansion strategy seems to be an effective way to reduce the degree of retraining in the recognition of medical images — veins
Preliminary results of analysis of variations of the beta background of the surface atmosphere due to cloudburst
Authors: Яковлева В.С. , Нагорский П.М. , Яковлев Г.А. , Зелинский А.С. , Пустовалов К.Н. , Смирнов С.В. , Беляева И.В.
Published: July 2022

Представлены результаты экспериментальных исследований влияния количества и интенсивности атмосферных ливневых осадков на формирование β-фона в поверхностном слое атмосферы. Показано, что β-фон является чувствительным индикатором ливневых осадков. Экспериментально установлено, что увеличение плотности потока β-излучения совпадает с периодами выпадения ливневых осадков, и коррелирует с текущим значением количества осадков. По форме отклика β-фона можно определять начало и конецвыпадения ливневых осадков. Производная от отфильтрованной плотности потока β-излучения по времени коррелирует с интенсивностью ливневых осадков.

The results of experimental studies of the influence of the amount and intensity of atmospheric rainfall on the formation of β-background in the surface layer of the atmosphere are presented. Beta-background is shown to be a sensitive indicator of rainfall. It was experimentally established that an increase in the flux density of β-radiation coincides with the periods of rainfall and correlates with the current value of the amount of precipitation. By the shape of the response of the beta background, it is possible to determine the beginning and end of rainfall. The time derivative of the filtered beta radiation flux density correlates with the intensity of rainfall
The planning of the trajectory of UAV group with the performance of Pythagorean Hodograph and Bernstein-Bezier composite curves in the plane
Authors: Винокурский Д.Л. , Ганьшин К.Ю. , Мезенцева О.С. , Самойлов Ф.В.
Published: July 2022

В работе представлен метод построения траектории движения группы беспилотных летательных аппаратов (БПЛА) апроксимацией годографа Пифагора составными многочленами Бернштейна-Безье на плоскости.

In this article, the method of trajectory building of motion of unmanned aerial vehicles group by approximation of Pythagorean Hodograph and Bernstein-Bezier composite polynomials has been presented.
Conformity of vein merging angles to the rules of Roux in the mathematical interpretation of Murray
Authors: Урманцева Н.Р. , Галкин В.А. , Мазайшвили К.В. , Шушаев М.А. , Гавриленко Т.В.
Published: July 2022

Разработан алгоритм проверки статистической гипотезы, утверждающей, что правило Roux W. в математической интерпретации Мюррея выполняется для слияний вен, расположенных в одной плоскости между листками фасции передней брюшной стенки, использующий критерии Фишера и Стьюдента. С помощью авторской методики изучено 100 слияний поверхностных вен передней брюшной стенки у 50 пациентов (без венозной патологии) на снимках магнитно-резонансной томографии. Впервые было показано, что слияние поверхностных вен, как и ветвление артерий, происходит в соответствии с принципом минимальных затрат и эмпирическими правилами Roux, пользуясь которыми, можно выявлять анатомически варианты строения вен, предрасположенных к явным заболеваниям, в т.ч. тромбозам. Однако область применимости данных правил ограничивается 2D-геометрией и требует доработки методики измерения для трехмерного случая

An algorithm has been developed to test the statistical hypothesis, which states that the Roux W. rule in Murray’s mathematical interpretation is performed for merging veins located in the same plane between the fascia sheets of the anterior abdominal wall, using the Fisher and Student criteria. Using the author’s technique, 100 fusions of the superficial veins of the anterior abdominal wall were studied in 50 patients (without venous pathology) on magnetic resonance images. For the first time, it was shown that the merging of superficial veins, as well as branching of arteries, occurs in accordance with the principle of minimum costs and the rules of thumb of Roux, using which, it is possible to identify anatomically the structure of veins predisposed to obvious diseases, including thrombosis. However, the range of applicability of these rules is limited by 2D geometry and requires refinement of the measurement procedure for the three-dimensional case
PENGARUH PEER ASSESSMENT TERHADAP KETERAMPILAN KOMUNIKASI DALAM PRAKTIKUM ASAM BASA DAN GARAM
Authors: Rahmawati Siti , Hairida Hairida , Sahputra Rachmat
Published: July 2022

This study aims to determine whether the differences in communication skills of students who use the Peer Assessment technique with students who use Teacher Assessment and how much the influences to students. The research method was using pre-experimental design with Intact-Group Comparison. The sample of this research is grade VII students of SMP Negeri 19 Pontianak. The results of observational data analysis of students' communication skills in the experimental class and the control class using the Independent Samples T-test, showed the differences in communication skills between the class using Peer Assessment technique and the class using Teacher Assessment. The result obtained, the average communication skills of students who use the Peer Assessment technique is 66.6 % with a good category and students who use Teacher Assessment is 59.3 % with a fairly good category. Based on the calculation of the effect size obtained results indicate that there is an effect of Peer Assessment on students' communication skills by 0.9 with a high category. Keywords: Students' communication skills, peer Assessment.
Do large language models know chemistry?
Authors: White Andrew D. , Hocky Glen M. , Gandhi Heta A. , Ansari Mehrad , Cox Sam , Wellawatte Geemi P. , Sasmal Subarna , Yang Ziyue , Liu Kangxin , Singh Yuvraj , Peña Ccoa Willmor J.
Published: July 2022

Mostly yes. We systematically evaluate machine learning large language models (LLMs) that generate code in the context of chemistry. We produce a benchmark set of problems, and evaluate these models based on correctness of code by automated testing and evaluation by experts. We find recent LLMs are able to write correct code across a variety of topics in chemistry and their accuracy can be increased by 30 percentage points via prompt engineering strategies, like putting copyright notices at the top of files. These dataset and evaluation tools are open source which can be contributed to or built upon by future researchers, and will serve as a community resource for evaluating the performance of new models as they emerge. We also describe some good practices for employing LLMs in chemistry. The general success of these models demonstrates that their impact on chemistry teaching and research is poised to be enormous.
Biocatalytic cascades towards iminosugar scaffolds reveals promiscuous activity of shikimate dehydrogenases
Authors: Swanson Christopher , Ford Grayson , Mattey Ashley , Gourbeyre Lea , Flitsch Sabine
Published: July 2022

Protecting group-free chemoenzymatic and biocatalytic cascade synthesis of iminosugars from sugar aminopolyols has been achieved using Galactose oxidase F2 and chemical or enzymatic imine reduction. Putative iminosugar oxidoreductases were identified through genome mining, with several shikimate dehydrogenases (SDH) found to effect iminosugar formation. The SDH catalysed transformation is the first example of such activity on an iminosugar scaffold, and provides support for the reduction of iminosugar intermediates by endogenous enzymes in iminosugar biosynthesis.
Tuning Ionic Screening to Accelerate Electrochemical CO2 Reduction in Ionic Liquid Electrolytes
Authors: Liu Beichen , Guo Wenxiao , Gebbie Matthew
Published: July 2022

Electric double layer formation often governs the rate and selectivity of CO2 electrochemical reduction. Ionic correlations critically define double layer properties that are essential to electrocatalytic performance, including capacitance and localization of potential gradients. However, the influence of ionic correlations on CO2 electro-reduction remains unexplored. Here, we use electrochemical conversion of CO2 to CO in ionic liquid-based electrolytes to investigate how the emergence of ionic correlations with increasing ion concentration influences reaction rates and selectivity. Remarkably, we find substantial acceleration of potential-dependent CO2 reduction rates and notable enhancement of faradaic efficiency to CO at intermediate concentrations of 0.9 M ionic liquid in acetonitrile, a concentration regime that has not been studied previously. We find that onset potentials for CO2 reduction remain relatively unchanged at -2.01 V vs. Ag/Ag+ from 0.025 M up to 1.1 M and increase to -2.04 V vs. Ag/Ag+ in the limit of neat ionic liquids. Hence, the acceleration of CO2 reduction we observe originates from the amplification of potential-dependent driving forces, as opposed to changes in onset potential. Importantly, our findings are general across co-catalytic and non-catalytic ions. We propose that concentrations of maximum reactivity correspond to conditions where electric double layers exhibit the strongest screening, which would localize electric fields to stabilize polar intermediates. Our study demonstrates that tuning bulk electrostatic screening lengths via modulation of ionic clustering provides a general approach to accelerating both inner sphere and outer sphere electrochemical reactions.
Metabolites of Cannabigerol (CBG) Generated by Human Cytochrome P450s are Bioactive
Authors: Roy Pritam , Dennis David G. , Eschbach Mark D. , Anand Shravanthi D. , Xu Fengyun , Maturano Jonathan , Hellman Judith , Sarlah David , Das Aditi
Published: July 2022

The phytocannabinoid cannabigerol (CBG) is the central biosynthetic precursor to many cannabinoids, including Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Though the use of CBG has recently witnessed a widespread surge because of its beneficial health effects and lack of psychoactivity, its metabolism by human cytochrome P450s is largely unknown. Herein, we describe comprehensive in vitro and in vivo cytochrome P450 (CYP)-mediated metabolic studies of CBG, ranging from LC-MS/MS-based primary metabolic site determination, synthetic validation, and kinetic behavior using targeted mass spectrometry. These investigations revealed that cyclo-CBG, a recently isolated phytocannabinoid, is the major metabolite that is rapidly formed by selected human cytochrome P450s (CYP2J2, CYP3A4, CYP2D6, CYP2C8, and CYP2C9). Additionally, in vivo studies with mice administered with CBG, supported these studies, where cyclo-CBG is the major metabolite as well. Spectroscopic binding studies along with docking and modeling of CBG molecule near the heme in the active site of P450s confirmed these observations, pointing at the preferred site-selectivity of CBG metabolism at the prenyl chain over other positions. Importantly, we found out that CBG and its oxidized CBG metabolites reduced inflammation in BV2 microglial cells stimulated with LPS. Overall, combining enzymological studies, mass spectrometry, and chemical synthesis, we showcase that CBG is rapidly metabolized by human P450s to form oxidized metabolites that are bioactive. The study reveals the structure-activity relationship of CBG metabolites and analogs to their anti-inflammatory activity.
Materials discovery and design limits in MDABCO perovskites
Authors: Gale Samuel D. , Lloyd Harry J. , Male Louise , Warren Mark R. , Saunders Lucy K. , Anderson Paul A. , Yeung Hamish
Published: July 2022

We report the structures of three new materials in the MDABCO-based perovskite family. Analysis of the Goldschmidt tolerance factor and octahedral factor enable us to propose compositional limits for pseudo-cubic perovskite phase formation and suggest directions for further materials discovery in this family of new ferroelectrics.
Data-driven Generation of Perturbation Networks for Relative Binding Free Energy Calculations
Authors: Scheen Jenke , Mackey Mark , Michel Julien
Published: July 2022

Relative binding free energy (RBFE) calculations are increasingly used to support the ligand optimisation problem in early-stage drug discovery. Because RBFE calculations frequently rely on alchemical perturbations between ligands in a congeneric series, practitioners are required to estimate an optimal combination of pairwise perturbations for each series. RBFE networks constitute in a collection of edges chosen such that all ligands (nodes) are included in the network, where each edge represents a pairwise RBFE calculation. As there is a vast number of possible configurations it is not trivial to select an optimal perturbation network. Current approaches rely on human intuition and rule-based expert systems for proposing RBFE perturbation networks. This work presents a data-driven alternative to rule-based approaches by using a graph siamese neural network architecture. A novel dataset, RBFE-Space, is presented as a representative and transferable training domain for RBFE machine learning research. The workflow presented in this work matches state-of-the-art programmatic RBFE network generation performance with several key benefits. The workflow provides full transferability of the network generator because RBFE-Space is open-sourced and ready to be applied to other RBFE software. Additionally, the deep learning model represents the first machine-learned predictor of perturbation reliability in RBFE calculations.
CORPORATE CRIMINAL LIABILITY POST ELIMINATION OF COAL FABA WASTE STATUS FROM B3 WASTE CATEGORY IN INDONESIA
Authors: Febriyani Nur Hidayah , Hartiwiningsih Hartiwiningsih
Published: July 2022

This study analyzes legal issues related to the elimination of fly ash and bottom ash (FABA) coal waste status from the hazardous and toxic waste category (B3) as a result of the promulgation of Governor Regulation No. 22 of 2021 on the Implementation of Environmental Protection and Management. This applied prescriptive study aims to explain the consequences of the legal policy on the concept of corporate criminal liability when corporation is committing criminal acts in the field of coal FABA waste management in Indonesia, which now is no longer belonged to the hazardous and toxic waste category (B3). The result showed that the implementation of penal sanctions on coal FABA waste management throughout 2014 to 2020 did not show any significant restoration nor reclamation in the location of contaminated area. At this time, the concept of coal FABA waste management mechanism which is no longer use strict B3 waste standards potentially raise problems related to environmental sustainability threats in the power plant zone. Moreover, the provisions of Article 88 UUPPLH is unapplicable to FABA waste corporate liability. This legal research belongs to normative legal research with statutory approach, conceptual approach. Data collection techniques are carried out with library study methods.
Computer Game Design: A Code of Ethics
Authors: Church Bryony
Published: July 2022

This paper examines ethical issues involved in the production of computer games. A review of the current literature available is conducted to understand the work that has been completed on this subject and to identify any areas that require more analysis. The learnings from this review are used to inform a code of ethics for computer game design, based on a number of key principles. This is then tested with a case study of a computer game in production to demonstrate its use.
Code of Ethics for Facial Recognition
Authors: Fisher Caitlin
Published: July 2022

Facial Recognition is a big part of surveillance and security in recent years. Along with any technology there are ethical issues that need to be considered when designing, creating, and using the system. This paper reviews the literature and their codes of ethics and ethical issues surrounding facial recognition to draw conclusions about the most important principles. Issues discussed include bias, collection of data, transparency, vulnerable population, security, and accountability. With these conclusions a code of ethics is introduced to improve or justify the current literature. Elaborations are made on each principle to justify the issue and inform specific ways to make the system ethical. This new code of ethics is then used to analyse the ethics around facial recognition in schools.
Facial Recognition Technology Code of Ethics
Authors: Thoms Michaiah
Published: July 2022

Facial recognition technology (FRT) is a tool used to identify individuals by scanning their face and comparing it to a database of facial images. In the last decade, the use of FRT has rapidly increased and is now used all around the world. This has resulted in many ethical issues caused by taking an individual’s images without consent to train FRT programs, FRT misidentifying individuals, and using FRT to classify individuals as part of specific groups based on appearance alone. Because of these issues, a new code of ethics is proposed to provide a guideline for the creation and use of FRT. The code of ethics will prevent images of individuals from being taken and used without their consent and prevent FRT from being used unethically.
A Code of Ethics for Self-Driving Vehicles
Authors: Gleadow Magdalene
Published: July 2022

As self-driving technology advances, relevant ethical frameworks must be developed to guide the engineering profession. This paper provides a deeper understanding of the ethical issues associated with self-driving vehicles. It reviews the relevant literature which makes it clear that there are several key ethical issues which must inform the development of a code of ethics specific to this field. These can be grouped into the four key principles: responsibility, safety, transparency and sustainability. The proposed code of ethics is then applied to a specific case study to evaluate it. The case study introduced is that of self-driving cars as rental cars with specific reference to the New Zealand context. This case study provides a complex real-world situation for the proposed code to be evaluated with. Applying the code of ethics to this case study indicates that the proposed code of ethics offers a relevant ethical framework to guide the engineering profession in self-driving vehicles.
Code of Ethics: A Transoral Robotic Surgery Case Study
Authors: Zhou Yun
Published: July 2022

Robotics is a high technology that integrates various disciplines such as computer engineering, artificial intelligence, mechanics, bionics, and so forth. Due to its interdisciplinary nature, multiple fields such as engineering, medical, computer and Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) are reviewed in order to satisfy the objective that to develop a code of ethics for robotics. For the main outcomes of the paper, a code of ethics that combines multiple fields is produced. In total, there are five essential ethical principles that are outlined in the code of ethics. In addition, the paper also proposes the idea that there can be a concise ethical risk assessment to apply to any robotic product or service in order for any stakeholders to intervene in time to calibrate its ethical value, such that the robotic technology can truly be beneficial to human society.
Code of Ethics for Facial Recognition Systems: A Case Study
Authors: Narayan Jaya
Published: July 2022

The integration of Facial Recognition Systems (FRS) in society is increasing. A key factor in adequate performance for FRS is the reliance on user data. Hence it is important not only to understand the ethical issues surrounding FRS but also to ensure that a proper code of ethics is established. This paper analyses and discusses the ethical issues with existing FRS as well as ethical conducts that are already put in place. Additionally, a new code of ethics will be created for FRS. Furthermore, a case study of a specific project involving FRS is conducted. Each principle listed in the newly created code of ethics is applied to the selected project.
Case Study: Code of Ethics for Facial Recognition Technology
Authors: Tomaz Ketley Isabella
Published: July 2022

Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) is a way of identifying an individual by comparing their facial signature to a database of known faces. It has many current uses, and this is only expected to grow due to its many potential and promising applications. However, this technology presents a lot of ethical issues that need to be addressed. This paper examines current literature to find the current ethical issues of FRT such as its usage to infringe on one’s privacy, use an individual’s data without their consent and misidentify individuals. Based on these issues, a code of ethics will be created that will ensure an individual's privacy and data security and minimize the biases and misidentifications in FRT. This code of ethics is applied and assessed via a case study about the usage of live facial recognition technology in the New Zealand Police.
Characterizing the Effect of Arginine Deprivation on Autophagic Response in Breast Cancer cells. (c2021)
Authors:   ,   Lebanese American University, Haidar Fatemah
Published: July 2022

The metabolism of arginine, a semi-essential amino acid, is required for homeostasis and deregulated in various diseases. When deprived of arginine, several types of cancers can modulate arginine synthesis mediated by the enzyme ASS1 or employ broader response mechanisms such as autophagy. The co-regulation of arginine metabolism and autophagy in breast cancer is poorly understood. In this project, we first inspected ASS-1 expression in human breast cancer patients and found that it decreases progressively with tumorigenesis and metastasis. Residual ASS1 tumor expression corelated with increased metastasis and decreased survival in patient luminal A, Her2+ and triple-negative breast cancer. We then utilize a pharmacological-grade formulation of human recombinant arginase (HuArgI(Co)-PEG5000) to characterize the effect of arginine deprivation in one luminal (MCF-7) and two triple negative (MDA-MB-231 and UACC-2087) models of breast cancer. Western blot analysis revealed that arginine deprivation was not sufficient to trigger a compensatory upregulation of ASS1 expression in any of the tested cell lines. However, arginine deprivation induced varying autophagic response in MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 and UACC-2087. Altogether, our findings suggest that the activation of autophagy could be a plausible mechanism for breast cancer cells to overcome arginine depletion. Future functional studies will reveal whether HuArgI(Co)-PEG5000-induced autophagy sustains long-term cancer cell survival, and whether combination with autophagy inhibitors constitutes a viable therapeutic strategy in breast cancer.
Palladin is a Positive Regulator of Astrocytoma Cell Migration. (c2021)
Authors:   ,   Lebanese American University, Jabbour Caren
Published: July 2022

Astrocytomas are characterized by uncontrolled proliferation and high invasion to adjacent normal regions of the brain. They originate from the normal glial cells, astrocytes. Astrocytomas are also referred to as glioblastoma, a rapidly dividing glioma. The invasion of astrocytomas to nearby sites requires cell migration which has been shown to be highly dependent on the small family of Rho GTPases. Cell motility has been extensively studied and several signaling pathways are involved in the process. In our study, we focused on the newly discovered phosphoprotein Palladin. It has been shown that it is implicated in the cell migration, invasion and adhesion of many other types of cancers as well as playing a role in the activation of Rho GTPases. Adequately, we were interested to unravel the role of palladin on the 2D cell migration of astrocytomas. In addition, we compared and tested the effect of palladin on two important Rho GTPases: Cdc42 and Rac1. The results of our investigation evidenced that palladin is a positive regulator of astrocytoma cell migration.
Second-Generation Lebanese–Venezuelan Return Migration. (c2021)
Authors:   ,   Lebanese American University, Denison Andrew
Published: July 2022

This dissertation will first introduce the concepts of return migration, re-emigration, and provide an outline of the related theoretical frameworks and their limitations including return preparedness and migration cycles. Generational migration cycles are proposed to capture the nuances of second-generation returnees, specifically their directionality. This research adopts a mixed-methods approach to assess the return preparedness and generational migration cycles of second-generation Lebanese–Venezuelan return migrants to Lebanon. Re-emigration is examined with a focus on the decision-making process undertaken by the returnees upon return. This research reveals the existence of a unique childhood mobility, compelled-youth returnees, and it dispels the bias surrounding re-emigration, specifically it being a failure of reintegration. Finally, second-generation Lebanese–Venezuelans returnees are uniquely adept at managing the current political and socioeconomic crises occurring in Lebanon. Their prior experiences in Venezuela, along with their fluid conceptions of identity and ‘homes’; dynamic transnational links; transnational consciousness/ease of mobility; strong familial and community networks; and assuredness from their faith in God has provided many returnees with a sense of calm in the context of concurrent crises.
A Risk-Based Multi-Objective Modeling Approach to the Preventive Maintenance Process of Roof Waterproofing System at Airports. (c2020)
Authors:   ,   Lebanese American University, Shehab Bahaa
Published: July 2022

This study adopted a mixed research design in order to derive a risk-minimizing preventive maintenance strategy for structural roofing leakage problems. The purpose of this study is to: (a) determine current waterproofing systems and components of concrete roofs at airports, (b) explore frequently used techniques to design optimal preventive maintenance policies, and (c) derive an optimal preventive multi-objective risk-based maintenance strategy via simulation that can diminish failure costs, thereby decreasing the system’s overall maintenance costs. Unique to the simulation presented in this thesis is the inclusion of external influences on failure probability via a predictive model derived using a random forest machine learning strategy. A case study on a prototype airport serves as the platform to test this simulation methodology. The results of the simulation reveal the prognostic influence of several maintenance strategies on the total risk-based cost of the waterproofing system. These outcomes showed a negative impact on the reduction of the failure-risk costs, and eventually augmented the overall cost. Thus, demonstrating that for assets whose failure is primarily dictated by external factors, a corrective maintenance strategy can be optimal.
The Gender Attitude of the Lebanese October Revolution. (c2020)
Authors:   ,   Lebanese American University, Al Alieh Ayah
Published: July 2022

The Lebanese political landscape has long been dominated by an underlying confessional balance of power. In 2019 and 2020, however, the October 17 Revolution emerged to challenge the status quo, exerting pressure on the Lebanese government to push for systemic reform, thereby bringing a decade-long political structure to the verge of collapse. Among the structural challenges brought against the confessional regime are women taking the lead in the reform and revolutionary movement. A role that exposed confessionals not only as a communitarian share of power, but also as a male order regime. More importantly, however, the protest has set in motion an irreversible momentum that shaped a new public attitude toward politics and society in rejection of women subjugation. This thesis explores the fundamentals of Lebanese gender perspective that is being reshaped by the public protest movement. It surveys diverse online and phone samples of respondents to highlight common gender-based themes and emerging perceptions as they relate to women and political representation. The findings demonstrate that a convergence is developing across political divide in support of gender quotas as well as in reforming civil status laws. The findings are indicative of an overwhelming bottom-up, cross confessional, and politically diverse drive, undermining patriarchal elites’ reluctance to women’s civil and political equality. They also stipulate that 2022 elections’ support will be highly formulated by candidates’ adoption to women political and civil rights.
Migration, Demographic Changes, and Politics in Lebanon. (c2020)
Authors:   ,   Lebanese American University, Fakhreddine Zeina
Published: July 2022

Migration and its political and social impacts have always been subjects to numerous ongoing research. In migration studies, there are host countries and sending countries, and researchers found these countries as rich fields to investigate and study. A country like Lebanon is considered a country of both immigration and emigration. This makes it an even richer case to study. This research focuses on Lebanon, and its aim is to discuss how migration affected its demography. Demography in Lebanon primarily means the numerical size of each sect, and the political formation in Lebanon has sectarian basis. Hence, the aim of this research is study how migration affected the Lebanese demography, and how this in turn might affect the political formation of each sect. In this qualitative research, Pierre Bourdieu’s social capital theory is used for the analysis.
Association Between Dietary Patterns and Prevalence of Frailty in Community-Dwelling Lebanese Older Adults. (c2020)
Authors:   ,   Lebanese American University, Daou Tracy
Published: July 2022

Background and aims: The older adult population has been on the rise lately, especially in developing countries. Along with aging, a common geriatric syndrome occurs often, that is frailty. Healthy dietary patterns can contribute to successful aging through reducing risk of frailty. In this study, we aimed to identify the prevalence of frailty, and to explore the potential association between frailty and apriori patterns. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 112 community-dwelling older adults aged ≥65 from Beirut and Jbeil governorates. Demographic and clinical characteristics were collected through interviews. A 61-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to collect dietary intake data, and adherence to the Lebanese Mediterranean diet (LMD) and Mediterranean diet (MeDi) was calculated. Frailty was defined by the presence of three out of the five criterion developed by Fried et al. (2001): weight loss, weakness, exhaustion, slowness, and low activity. Binary logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between LMD and MeDi adherence and frailty. Results: In general, older adults in this sample did not meet the recommendations of the Lebanese Cedar food guide, and had low adherence to the LMD. Sixteen (14.3%) individuals were identified as frail. Frail individuals were significantly older (p=0.001), depressed (p<0.001), at risk of cognitive impairment (p=0.006), and reported polypharmacy (p=0.003). No associations were found between LMD adherence and frailty, however, middle adherence to MeDi diet was associated with lower prevalence of frailty (OR=0.034, 95% CI 0.001-0.904, p=0.043). Conclusion: Larger, randomized, longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the relationship between LMD and frailty in Lebanese older adults. Nonetheless, interventions should be aimed towards promoting a Mediterranean-type diet among the Lebanese population.
The Anti-Tumor Effect of Flaxseed Lignan Derivatives on Different Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cancer Cells. (c2020)
Authors:   ,   Lebanese American University, Tannous Stephanie
Published: July 2022

Flaxseeds have recently become a main food on the “superfoods” list. They contain many different compounds that make them beneficial for human health. The most abundant plant lignan ingested through flax, secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), is metabolically converted into two mammalian lignan derivatives, namely Enterodiol (END) and Enterolactone (ENL). Some studies have reported the anti-cancerous effect of these flaxseed derivatives in mice for some cancer types. In this study, we investigated the effect of SDG, END and ENL on the proliferation of acute myeloid leukemia cells (AML) in vitro. Cytotoxicity assays, using WST-1, revealed dose- and time- dependent effects in various AML cell lines with the most prominent cytotoxicity exhibited by ENL. Interestingly, no effects were detected in normal cells affirming the selectivity of ENL in promoting death of leukemic cells only. Annexin V staining confirmed the abundance of phosphatidylserine on the outer membrane leaflet in KG1 cells treated with ENL, indicating the activation of apoptotis. Moreover, Cell Death ELISA analysis showed a dose-dependent increase in apoptosis, as revealed by an increase in DNA fragmentation. Pro-apoptotic proteins expression was assessed using Western blot analysis which further confirmed the activation of apoptotic mechanisms upon ENL exposure. In conclusion, ENL which was revealed to be the most cytotoxic lignan against AML cells, trigger cell death via the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Subsequent investigations need to be performed to confirm the anti-tumor effect of ENL in vivo.
TEACHERS’ FEEDBACK ON ESSAY WRITING. (c2020)
Authors:   ,   Lebanese American University, Hamade Reem
Published: July 2022

This study aimed at identifying English language teachers’ perspectives of middle-school L2 learners’ challenges when receiving feedback on their writing essays, and exploring cycle 3 English language teachers’ feedback practices to help learners overcome these challenges in Lebanon. To achieve this aim, a mixed-method research design was employed. 60 cycle 3 English language teachers in private and public schools in Lebanon participated in this study. The quantitative part consisted of a teacher questionnaire regarding teachers’ perceptions of and practices in the process of feedback giving. The qualitative component involved 11 teacher interviews, a review of 6 documents from actual written feedback by an English language teacher on cycle 3 learners’ essays, and finally a personal diary based on the researcher’s experience in feedback giving. Findings of the study revealed that learners’ low language proficiency, low self-confidence, obsession with grades, inability to understand the feedback provided, and getting overwhelmed with feedback are the obstacles that hinder L2 learners from benefitting from the feedback they receive on their essays. Teachers’ feedback practices did not align with learners’ feedback preferences as identified in published studies presented in the literature review. The study also revealed that teachers prefer indirect-selective feedback but they provide direct-selective feedback on surface errors while learners prefer receiving indirect-comprehensive feedback. Finally, limitations, recommendations, and suggestions for further research were also presented.
The effects of Social Determinants of Health on Type 2 Diabetes Outcomes (A1C). (c2020)
Authors:   ,   Lebanese American University, Awad Nathalie
Published: July 2022

Background: Diabetes Mellitus is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in Lebanon and understanding its underlying risk factors beyond the scope of diet and lifestyle is imperative for proper diabetes management. Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the social and psychological determinants of diabetes control in Lebanese patients with type 2 diabetes. Design: A convenience sample of 300 Lebanese patients with type 2 diabetes (56±11 years; 48% Females; Median A1C: 7%) were recruited from several primary health care centers in Lebanon (Beirut, Mount Lebanon and North Lebanon) and surveyed. Data concerning their demographics, social determinants of health (subjective diabetes self-care activities, quality of life, depression, fatalism, food security, health literacy, diabetes knowledge, and adverse childhood experience), as well as anthropometric and other measures (weight, height, waist circumference, blood pressure, and A1C) were collected. Results: The primary outcome A1C was dichotomized into controlled (A1C< 7%) (n=131) and uncontrolled (A1C≥7%) (n=164) groups. Results of bivariate analyses showed significant differences between the controlled and uncontrolled groups for the independent risk factors: availability of certain house facilities (p<0.05), diabetes duration (p=0.00), diabetes complications (p<0.05), quality of life score (p=0.002), and self-monitoring of blood glucose (p=0.003).After multivariate analysis, only diabetes duration of 5-10 years remained significant in explaining the variability in HbA1C (OR=3.79; CI: 1.5-9.57; p=0.005, R2=0.342). To explore possible mediators in this relationship, a path analysis was conducted based on a hypothetical model derived from the literature. Significant direct and indirect relationships were obtained between several risk factors (socioeconomic factors, depression, fatalism emotional distress, diabetes duration of 5-10 years, diabetes self- care activities, self-monitoring of blood glucose, diabetes medication and/or insulin therapy, quality of life, and diabetes complications) and A1C. Discussion: Patients with controlled A1C had better household and living conditions, took higher doses of medication, and were surrounded with a supportive environment that enhances diabetes management. Diabetes duration of 5-10 years increased the odds of having uncontrolled A1C by more than 3 folds. Moreover, results of the path analysis showed a significant interrelation between independent risk factors, mediators, and A1C. Conclusion: Better understanding interlinked causal pathways and upstream factors underlying diabetes is imperative to drive novel and effective approaches for effective diabetes management and prevention of its debilitating health and psychological consequences.
Advocating for the Rights of Sexual Minorities within a Sectarian System. (c2020)
Authors:   ,   Lebanese American University, Abdel Khalek Mazen
Published: July 2022

Despite the tolerant attitude towards same sex desire and homoerotism in pre-colonial Arab/Islamic societies, postcolonial Arab countries, unanimously condemn homosexuality. It is argued that this rejection resulted from multilayered elements such as Western colonialism and the patriarchal foundations of religious societies. With respect to Lebanon, an additional element needs to be considered: its consociational political system. In Lebanon, it is believed that the only way to ensure peace and stability is to provide political and institutional representation to the sectarian communities under a sectarian power-sharing governing framework. This sectarian system, where politics and religion are intertwined, imposes a patriarchal model of life where the only acceptable standard or norm is heterosexuality, thus legitimizing the oppression of society’s segments that do not subscribe to the patriarchal system. The blend of patriarchy and sectarianism marginalizes and discriminates against sexual minorities. This thesis shows how political sectarianism, in addition to a fragmented LGBTIQ+ community, the communitarian/minority discourse used by LGBTIQ+ NGOs and a penal code that criminalizes “unnatural-sex”, all hinder the advancement of the rights of LGBTIQ+ individuals. Given the low probability to find an alternative to the sectarian system, the LGBTIQ+ advocacy movement is obliged to navigate this system by implementing a number of strategies: moving away from identity politics, implementing an intersectional approach to include LGBTIQ+ issues in a broader social movement, and establishing alliances with political factions.
Enhancing Students’ Attitudes in Learning 3-Dimension Geometry using GeoGebra
Authors: Uwurukundo Marie Sagesse , Maniraho Jean François , Tusiime Michael
Published: July 2022

Using technology for learning geometry has been found to have a positive impact on students’ skills and attitudes. GeoGebra software is effective in encouraging teachers to employ technology as a supporting tool to improve student potential in their learning of mathematics. However, GeoGebra software has not yet been formally introduced into the teaching and learning of mathematics in Rwanda. This research aimed to ascertain Rwandan upper secondary school students’ attitudes when learning geometry with GeoGebra. A total of 84 participants from four schools were purposively sampled and categorized into two quasi-experimental design groups. A group of 44 students was the control group, and 40 students formed an experimental group. Attitude scales were administered to both groups pre and post intervention. Students in the control group were taught geometry in the traditional way, and students in the experimental group studied 3D geometry using GeoGebra software as a supporting tool. To collect data, we used a standardized attitude scale. The results reveal a statistically significant difference between the groups and, therefore, confirm the effectiveness of GeoGebra in improving students' attitudes when learning 3-D geometry. However, a correlation analysis did not find a high correlation between students' performance and attitude. Based on the results, the researchers recommended integrating GeoGebra software at different levels of education in Rwanda, in mathematics curricula generally, and in geometry in particular.
Analisis Sentimen dan Klasifikasi Tweet Terkait Mutasi COVID-19 menggunakan Metode Naïve Bayes Classifier
Authors: Dewandaru Aryo , Wibowo Jati Sasongko
Published: July 2022

Towards the end of 2019 in Wuhan City, China, a new type of Corona Virus was discovered which has the scientific name COVID-19 and is a type of virus that causes acute disorders in the human respiratory system. The spread of this virus is very fast and causes mutations of this virus to a more lethal stage than before. Thus, sentiment analysis is expected to be able to determine the trend of public assessment of the COVID-19 mutation. Naïve Bayes Classifier is a method used in research. This method can classify data or opinions into two sentiments, namely positive and negative. The research data comes from Twitter which is taken using the Twitter API with the keyword "covid mutation", for data processing several processes are carried out, namely sentiment classification, data cleaning, and preprocessing so that the final result is obtained. The test results from this study show that the Naïve Bayes Classifier method has an accuracy of 86.67% with an f1-score of 82.00% on positive sentiment and 89.00% on negative sentiment. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the Naïve Bayes Classifier method can be used to analyze sentiment data from tweets about the COVID-19 mutation with an accuracy of 86.67%.
Penerapan Aplikasi Android E-Payment dan Pemesanan Layanan Pujasera
Authors: Subari Subari , Ramadhan Adrian
Published: July 2022

Pujasera or Multi-purpose Snack Center is an area where food and drinks are served or enjoyed by buyers which consist of many variations of sellers divided into outlets, booths, or stalls. In general, each of these outlets conducts transactions directly with buyers, both choosing orders, serving food, and paying. This raises several problems, including queue numbers that are no longer in order and table numbers that are not well-coordinated, and the occurrence of queues of buyers. The purpose of this study is to design an Android-based application with e-payment and ordering service features at the food court so that it is expected to minimize obstacles and errors that occur. The payment mechanism is also carried out virtually with the existence of e-payments to make it easier for buyers and store owners. The features provided start from the deposit and balance refunds, and other related services so that they don't have to queue and don't have to carry cash. This implemented system can provide convenience and comfort to buyers and store owners, the application works well and is integrated to facilitate ordering and payment services to be more transparent and more informative. The percentage of interpretation evaluation is categorized as very feasible, with the results of the evaluation of application users with an interpretation level of 90%.
DE-STIGMATISING PSYCHOSOCIAL DISABILITY IN SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: Mahomed Faraaz , Stein Michael Ashley
Published: July 2022

Stigma and associated discrimination against persons with psychosocial disabilities constitute a considerable barrier to the realisation of the highest attainable standard of health in South Africa, Africa, and further afield, constituting a significant human rights violation. This situation is evidenced and exacerbated by mental health as a whole remaining under-prioritised in law, policy and resource allocation. States parties to have a duty to address stigma and discrimination through awareness raising and education. Some important commitments have been made in this respect, particularly at the policy level in South Africa. Nevertheless, and as demonstrated by tragic recent events, effective implementation remains lacking. This article lays out the obligations incumbent upon the South African government to address stigma and discrimination on the basis of psychosocial disability as a public health and human rights imperative by examining positive duties incorporated into international instruments and domestic law and policy. It further considers the role of political de-prioritisation of mental health and how this constitutes stigma of a systemic nature, using case law and examples of research and best practice from South Africa, Africa generally, and beyond. We conclude that South Africa is failing to meet its obligations to persons with psychosocial disabilities, and recommend that positive duties be emphasised in potential disability-specific legislation; high-level political commitment and co-ordination issecured for mental health; the CRPD’s independent monitoring requirement is urgently fulfilled; and contextually-relevant interventions are crafted with the active participation of persons with psychosocial disabilities and their representative organisations.