bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Intake of Hypocaloric Diet and Low-Fat Dairy Food on Biomarkers of Weight Gain among Working Women in Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
Authors: Upasana  , Pandey Vivek , Chakravarty Archana , Tripathi Yamini Bhusan , Gupta Kailash Kumar
Published: June 2021

Background:

The rise in overweight and obesity is a major public health problem in today's era. The main reasons are nutrition transition, urbanisation, westernisation, sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity. These interlinkage leads to modifications in physiological response via adipocytokines which are closely related to degenerative diseases.

Objectives:

The study aims to find out the percent change in biomarkers of weight gain among overweight and obese working women (respondents).

Methodology:

By purposive sampling technique, 32 respondents were selected and data were collected by interview schedule method. All respondents underwent 6 months of intervention programme i.e., dietary guidelines of following the hypocaloric diet suggested with dairy food products.

Results:

Anthropometric measurements showed a highly significant change among cases (P < 0.001). Among cases, systolic blood pressure showed a significant difference (P < 0.01) after 6 months. Biochemical parameters among cases showed significant changes among fasting plasma glucose (P < 0.01), fasting insulin (P < 0.05) and homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (P < 0.01). Significant changes were also observed among cases in biochemical parameters, i.e., total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein, very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), total lipids, non-HDL cholesterol, cholesterol HDL ratio and Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index(OUICKI) (P < 0.001). High-sensitive C-reactive protein, tumour necrosis factor alpha and adiponectin also showed significant change after 6 months (P < 0.001). Nutrient intake also showed statistically significant change after intervention (P < 0.001) except in the intake of phosphorus and calcium (P > 0.05). A positive correlation was noticed between systolic blood pressure with weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and percent body fat and between adiponectin and waist–hip ratio. HOMA-IR and QUICKI also showed a positive correlation with energy intake (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Incorporating a hypocaloric diet with dairy food products helps in harmonising the biomarkers of weight gain among respondents.
Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension in Endodontic Patients
Authors: Ahirwar Anupama , Bhargava Anuj , Gupta Neha Nigam
Published: June 2021

Aim:

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN) in patients-seeking endodontic treatment at a tertiary care center.

Materials and Methods:

This retrospective, institutional-based, cross-sectional study was conducted from 2018 to 2020 on 300 study participants between 30 and 70 years of age, using the data obtained from the records of patients who had no known history of HTN and DM and who were clinically advised to undergo endodontic treatment. Fasting blood sugar level and blood pressure were recorded for each study participant. Clinical data parameters were analysed, and the Chi-square statistical test was applied.

Results:

Out of 300 patients, 19.3% (58 patients) were diagnosed with DM and 17.7% (53 patients) were diagnosed with HTN. Statistically, a high significant difference was found in the prevalence of DM and HTN among endodontic patients according to age with the highest prevalence demonstrated in the age group of 61–70 years. No significant difference was found in the prevalence of both diseases according to gender.

Conclusion:

Within the limitations of our study, it may be concluded that the estimated prevalence of DM and HTN in this study points as a risk indicator, especially in older age group population undergoing endodontic treatment. It is thus, advised that a clinical protocol of prior referral to a family physician for detailed pre-operative clinicopathological screening and systemic evaluation before performing any endodontic treatment be devised for all age groups to avoid medical complications and/or modifications if any, that may be required in endodontic treatment of undiagnosed DM and HTN patients.
Lycopene Abrogates Ifosfamide-Induced Fanconi Syndrome in Albino Rats
Authors: Adikwu Elias , Bokolo Bonsome , Okoroafor Dorcas Okayo
Published: June 2021

Background:

Treatment modalities for Fanconi syndrome caused by ifosfamide (IFO) are very limited. This study assessed the protective effect of lycopene (LYP) against IFO-induced Fanconi syndrome in albino rats.

Methods:

Forty adult male albino rats randomized into eight groups of n = 5 were used. Group A (Control) was treated intraperitoneally (IP) with normal saline (0.2 mL), whereas groups B–D were treated orally with LYP (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg) daily for 5 days, respectively. Group E was treated IP with IFO (80 mg/kg) daily for 5 days, whereas groups F–H were pretreated orally with LYP (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg) before IP treatment with IFO (80 mg/kg) daily for 5 days. After treatment, the rats were anesthetized; blood samples were collected and evaluated for serum biochemical biomarkers. Kidneys were excised, weighed and evaluated for oxidative stress markers and histology.

Results:

Significant (P < 0.001) increases in serum creatinine, urea, and uric acid levels with significant (P < 0.001) decreases in glucose, phosphate, magnesium, calcium, potassium, sodium, chloride, and bicarbonate levels were observed in IFO-treated rats when compared to control. Significant (P < 0.001) decreases occurred in kidney superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione (GSH), and GSH peroxidase levels with significant (P < 0.001) increases in malondialdehyde levels in IFO-treated rats in comparison to control. Glomerulus with sclerosis, lipid accumulation, and tubular necrosis were observed in the kidneys of IFO-treated rats. The aforementioned changes were significantly abrogated in rats pretreated with LYP 10 mg/kg (P < 0.05), 20 mg/kg (P < 0.01), and 40 mg/kg (P < 0.001) when compared to IFO-treated rats.

Conclusions:

LYP may be useful as treatment for Fanconi syndrome caused by IFO.
Unusual severe gastritis and gastric ulcers caused by pembrolizumab
Authors: Liu WT , Li YF , Hsieh TY
Published: June 2021

Pembrolizumab (an immune checkpoint inhibitor)-related gastritis and gastric ulcers are rare immune-related adverse events, which are insufficiently treated with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) therapy alone, and usually require systemic steroid therapy and even other biological agents (such as infliximab) in severe cases. Here, we report a case of 49-years-old woman suffering from gastritis and gastric ulcers after pembrolizumab treatment, which was refractory to 2 months of PPI therapy. The diagnosis was made by the clinical and histopathologic presentations. She had immediate resolution of abdominal symptoms after initiation of steroid treatment, but the gastritis and gastric ulcers improved slowly and lasted for months as shown in endoscopy. She was finally treated with extended steroid therapy without serious complications. We discuss the latest treatment options and our management strategies of the case.
Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis misdiagnosed as pneumonia
Authors: Suvvari Tarun Kumar , Shaik Haider , Bathula Bhargav Prasad , Kutikuppala Lakshmi Venkata Simhachalam , Tangudu Sumanth
Published: June 2021

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a fungal infection of lung predisposing in long-standing bronchial asthma and cystic fibrosis patients. Due to its similar clinical and radiological findings of other pulmonary diseases such as pulmonary tuberculosis and pneumonia, ABPA is commonly misdiagnosed. The usage of anti-tubercular drugs for ABPA is exploited due to misdiagnosis. We illustrate a case of ABPA, which was misdiagnosed to be pneumonia.
Tuberculosis elimination in India by 2025
Authors: Sharma Rashmi , Kumar Pradeep
Published: June 2021

Tuberculosis is probably the oldest disease known to humankind. Globally, efforts are being made to eliminate the disease by 2030, while the Government of India has committed to achieve this in 2025 (5 years before). A critical evaluation has been made of the strategic plan outlining various activities to attain this goal.
Potential of AKT2 expression as a predictor of lymph-node metastasis in invasive breast carcinoma of no special type
Authors: Rustamadji Primariadewi , Wiyarta Elvan , Bethania Kristina Anna , Kusmardi Kusmardi
Published: June 2021

Background: Invasive breast carcinoma of no special type (IBC-NST) is the most common type of breast cancer and mainly causes regional lymph-node metastasis (LNM). We investigated the potential for AKT2 expression as a predictive biomarker for LNM in IBC-NST.Methods: Forty-eight paraffin blocks containing IBC-NST primary tumors were divided into two groups based on presence or absence of LNM. Age, tumor grade, tumor size, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), and AKT expression were assessed. AKT2 expression was assessed based on immunohistochemical staining, while other data were collected from archives. Results: Multiple logistic regression results showed that AKT2 expression and LVI were significantly associated with LNM (odds ratio [OR], 5.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.42 to 19.93 and OR, 4.46; 95% CI, 1.17 to 16.97, respectively). AKT2 expression was able to discriminate against LNM (area under the receiver operating characteristic, 0.799 ± 0.063; 95% CI, 0.676 to 0.921) at an H-score cutoff of 104.62 (83.3% sensitivity, 62.5% specificity). Conclusions: AKT2 expression has potential as a predictor of LNM in IBC-NST. The H-score cutoff for AKT2 expression can be used as a classification guide in future studies.
Unsettled Topics Concerning the Impact of Quantum Technologies on Automotive Cybersecurity
Authors:   ITIC, Taiber Joachim
Published: June 2021

Quantum computing is considered the “next big thing” when it comes to solving computational problems impossible to tackle using conventional computers. However, a major concern is that quantum computers could be used to crack current cryptographic schemes designed to withstand traditional cyberattacks. This threat also impacts future automated vehicles as they become embedded in a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) ecosystem. In this scenario, encrypted data is transmitted between a complex network of cloud-based data servers, vehicle-based data servers, and vehicle sensors and controllers. While the vehicle hardware ages, the software enabling V2X interactions will be updated multiple times. It is essential to make the V2X ecosystem quantum-safe through use of “post-quantum cryptography” as well other applicable quantum technologies. This SAE EDGE™ Research Report considers the following three areas to be unsettled questions in the V2X ecosystem: How soon will quantum computing pose a threat to connected and automated vehicle technologies? What steps and measures are needed to make a V2X ecosystem “quantum-safe?” What standardization is needed to ensure that quantum technologies do not pose an unacceptable risk from an automotive cybersecurity perspective?
Unsettled Issues in Electrical Demand for Automotive Electrification Pathways
Authors:   Muelaner Engineering Ltd, Muelaner Jody Emlyn
Published: June 2021

With the current state of automotive electrification, predicting which electrification pathway is likely to be the most economical over a 10- to 30-year outlook is wrought with uncertainty. The development of a range of technologies should continue, including statically charged battery electric vehicles (BEVs), fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and EVs designed for a combination of plug-in and electric road system (ERS) supply. The most significant uncertainties are for the costs related to hydrogen supply, electrical supply, and battery life. This greatly is dependent on electrolyzers, fuel-cell costs, life spans and efficiencies, distribution and storage, and the price of renewable electricity. Green hydrogen will also be required as an industrial feedstock for difficult-to-decarbonize areas such as aviation and steel production, and for seasonal energy buffering in the grid. For ERSs, it is critical to understand how battery life will be affected by frequent cycling and the extent to which battery technology from hybrid vehicles can be applied. Unsettled Issues in Electrical Demand for Automotive Electrification Pathways dives into the most critical issues the mobility industry is facing.
Unsettled Issues on the Viability and Cost-Effectiveness of Automation in Aerospace Manufacturing
Authors:   Cranfield University, Webb Philip
Published: June 2021

The aerospace manufacturing industry is, in many ways, one of the most sophisticated commercial manufacturing systems in existence. It uses cutting-edge materials to build highly complex, safety-critical structures and parts. However, it still relies largely upon human skill and dexterity during assembly. There are increasing efforts to introduce automation, but uptake is still relatively low. Why is this and what needs to be done? Some may point to part size or the need for accuracy. However, as with any complex issue, the problems are multifactorial. There are no right or wrong answers to the automation conundrum and indeed there are many contradictions and unsettled aspects still to be resolved. Unsettled Issues on the Viability and Cost-Effectiveness of Automation in Aerospace Manufacturing builds a comprehensive picture of industry views and attitudes backed by technical analysis to answer some of the most pressing questions facing robotic aerospace manufacturing.
Unsettled Issues in Vehicle Autonomy, Artificial Intelligence, and Human-Machine Interaction
Authors:   FAW Group Corporation, Fang Chen
Published: June 2021

Artificial intelligence (AI)-based solutions are slowly making their way into our daily lives, integrating with our processes to enhance our lifestyles. This is major a technological component regarding the development of autonomous vehicles (AVs). However, as of today, no existing, consumer ready AV design has reached SAE Level 5 automation or fully integrates with the driver. Unsettled Issues in Vehicle Autonomy, AI and Human-Machine Interaction discusses vital issues related to AV interface design, diving into speech interaction, emotion detection and regulation, and driver trust. For each of these aspects, the report presents the current state of research and development, challenges, and solutions worth exploring.
Unsettled Topics Concerning Flying Cars for Urban Air Mobility
Authors:   Tsinghua University, Zhang Yangjun
Published: June 2021

Flying cars—as a new type of vehicle for urban air mobility (UAM)—have become an important development trend for the transborder integration of automotive and aeronautical technologies and industries. This article introduces the 100-year history of flying cars, examines the current research status for UAM air buses and air taxis, and discusses the future development trend of intelligent transportation and air-to-land amphibious vehicles. Unsettled Topics Concerning Flying Cars for Urban Air Mobility identifies the major bottlenecks and impediments confronting the development of flying cars, such as high power density electric propulsion, high lift-to-drag ratio and lightweight body structures, and low-altitude intelligent flight. Furthermore, it proposes three phased goals and visions for the development of flying cars in China, suggesting the development of a flying vehicle technology innovation system that integrates automotive and aeronautic industries.
Building Evidence for the Impact of Older Adult Learning on Active Ageing
Authors: Formosa Marvin
Published: June 2021

Lifelong learning constitutes one of the pillars of active ageing on the basis that learning reinforces wellbeing and enables older people to stay healthy and engaged in society. This paper reports on a pretest-posttest study carried out at the University of the Third Age in Malta that measured the impact of late-life learning on levels of active ageing. The findings demonstrated that participation in older adult learning has a strong positive impact on the participants’ levels of active ageing and constitutes a resilient source of social capital in later life, and that people who presumably have had positive early experiences of education are more motivated to engage in late-life learning. The paper concludes that lifelong learning in later life acts as a possible mitigation to the social isolation, cognitive impairment, and age discrimination that people tend to experience in later life.
Bacterial etiology of sexually transmitted infections at a STI clinic in Ghana; use of multiplex real time PCR
Authors: Sylverken Augustina A , Owusu-Dabo Ellis , Yar Denis D , Salifu Samson P , Awua-Boateng Nana Yaa , Amuasi John H , Okyere Portia B , Agyarko-Poku Thomas
Published: June 2021

Background: Most sexually transmitted infection (STI) management efforts focus on the syndromic approach to diagnose and treat patients. However, most women with STIs have been shown to be entirely asymptomatic, or if symptoms exist, are often missed when either clinical or conventional bacteriologic diagnostic tools are employed.Methods: We assessed the performance of a multiplex real time PCR assay to describe other potential pathogens that could be missed by conventional bacteriological techniques in 200 women attending a routine STI clinic in Kumasi, Ghana.Results: Although a total 78.00% of the women were asymptomatic, 77.1% of them tested positive for at least one bacterial STI pathogen. Mycoplasma genitalium was the most commonly detectable pathogen present in 67.5% of all women. Of those testing positive, 25.0% had single infections, while 38.0% and 19.5% had double and triple infections respectively. Altogether, 86.54% and 90.91% of the symptomatic and asymptomatic women respectively tested positive for at least one pathogen (p<0.05). There were no significant associations (p<0.05) between the clinical manifestations of the symptomatic women and the pathogens detected in their samples.Conclusions: Our study confirmed the importance of complementing the syndromic approach to STI management with pathogen detection and most importantly recognise that STIs in women are asymptomatic and regular empirical testing even for both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients is critical for complete clinical treatment.Funding: EOD (Ellis Owusu-Dabo Research working group, KCCR)Keywords: Etiology, Syndromic, Sexually Transmitted Infections, Multiplex real time PCR
Low level of Hepatitis B knowledge and awareness among pregnant women in the Kintampo North Municipality: Implications for effective disease control
Authors: Abdulai Martha Ali , Baiden Frank , Adjei George , Owusu-Agyei Seth
Published: June 2021

Background: Over 2 billion people are infected with Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and about 240 million are chronic carriers of the virus. Chronic HBV infection is an important cause of liver cancer. The infectivity of HBV is hundred times higher than the HIV virus yet it receives comparatively little attention in public health. The study assessed knowledge and awareness of HBV among pregnant women in the Kintampo Municipality of Ghana.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in two facilities between September 2010 and November 2010. We performed analysis to determine factors associated with hepatitis B awareness.Results: Forty-one percent of the 504 women were aware of hepatitis B viral infection, 33.5% of the women were able to correctly mention the transmission routes of Hepatitis B. The radio was the most (42%) mentioned source of information on HBV and the least source of information were places of worship (2.7%).After adjusting for other factors, level of education; SSS/SHS and above OR=4.2, P<00.1, 95% CI (2.5, 7.0) and occupation (Civil servant/Student); OR= 3.8, P00.1, 95% CI (1.7, 8.5) were the important predictors of Hepatitis B awareness.Conclusion: There is a low level of knowledge and awareness of HBV among pregnant women in this municipality. This could potentially hamper effective HBV prevention and control in Ghana. Education on hepatitis B need to be included in health promotion activities.Funding: The study was funded by KHRC Director’s small grant Initiative.Keywords: Hepatitis B, knowledge, awareness, women, Ghana
Two case reports on Mandibular metastases
Authors: Adewale Adesina O. , Mofoluwake Ladeji A. , Olamide Opaleye T , Yussuf Salami A.
Published: June 2021

Metastatic tumours of the oral cavity are not common. The most common site for bone metastases in the head and neck region is the mandible. Metastatic lesion of the mandible most commonly originate from the lungs in men and breast in women, and these lesions (or tumours) usually are carcinomas rather than sarcomas. We report two cases of metastatic lesions in the mandible: (1) A 19year old male with right mandibular swelling and a nodular swelling in the distal two–third of the right tibia. Radiograghs revealed sclerotic lesion with a sunburst appearance in both the jaw and tibia. Histology of the jaw lesion confirmed a metastatic osteosarcoma of the mandible. (2) A 51year old female with a right mandibular swelling with associated swelling in the anterior neck, right shoulder and right parietal region of the skull. Computerised tomography scan (CT) of the jaws showed an osteolytic lesion of the right mandible. CT scan of the brain also showed a large lytic lesion seen in the posterior aspect of the right parietal bone. Histology of the jaw mass confirmed a metastatic follicular carcinoma from the thyroid. Mandibular metastasis may be the first presenting feature of underlying occult malignancy of another primary site. Therefore, clinicians should maintain a high level of suspicion while evaluating patients with a history of cancer presenting with oral lesions. Keywords: metastatic tumours, mandible, tibia, thyroid
Mobile phone use among commercial drivers in Ghana: An important threat to road safety
Authors: Donkor Isaac , Gyedu Adam , Edusei Anthony K , Ebel Beth E. , Donkor Peter
Published: June 2021

Background: Ghana passed a law in 2012 banning the use of mobile phones while driving. However, data on compliance to the law has been lacking.Objective: To examine factors associated with mobile phone use while driving among Ghanaian commercial drivers.Methods: A survey was conducted among 627 commercial drivers (98.0% response rate). Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to determine how a priori covariates influenced commercial drivers’ use of phones while driving. The covariates included driver age, education, driving route distance, driving under the influence (DUI), and knowledge that phone use during driving causes distraction.Results: Respondents were aware of the law (94.7%) but compliance was low (38%). Drivers who did not believe that cell phone use contributed to crash risk were more likely to report distracted driving (AOR 2.02,95%CI 1.05-3.9). Drivers who had completed primary (AOR 4.49,95%CI 1.14-17.78) or at least senior high school (AOR 6.89,95%CI 1.5-31.59) had increased odds of using the phone while driving, compared to those having no formal education. Drivers with 6-10 years (AOR 2.00,95%CI 1.00-3.98) or >10 years driving experience (AOR 2.87,95%CI 1.24-6.62) were more likely to report distracted driving compared to those with ≤5 years’ experience. Drivers who travelled longer distances were more likely to report distracted driving (AOR 2.41,95%CI 1.23-4.71). Those who had never engaged in DUI were less likely to use the phone while driving (AOR 0.06,95%CI 0.01-0.43).Conclusion: Future prevention efforts for distracted driving in Ghana will require targeted distracted driving enforcement and education for commercial drivers and their passengers. Funding: This study was funded, in part, by a grant (D43-TW007267) from the Fogarty International Center, US National Institutes of Health. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. Keywords: Mobile phone, commercial drivers, Ghana, road safety, distracted driving
Accuracy of clinical diagnosis, mammography and ultrasonography in preoperative assessment of breast cancer
Authors: Badu-Peprah Augustina , Adu-Sarkodie Yaw
Published: June 2021

Background: Cancer of the breast is the most common malignancy affecting women in many parts of the world. Its early detection has, therefore, become necessary to reduce morbidity and mortality from the disease. In sub-Saharan Africa, radiological imaging, histology and management programs are associated with challenges.Objectives: This study seeks to assess the validity of clinical diagnosis, mammography and breast ultrasonography in the preoperative assessment of suspected breast cancer patients for accurate detection of the disease to enable appropriate management.Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out in the Radiology Department of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana, between November 2007 and July 2008 with a sample size of 103. All patients with a clinical suspicion of breast cancer who gave informed consent were recruited, underwent bilateral mammography and whole breast ultrasonography and then biopsy for all BIRADS categories 4 or 5 lesions. The histopathology results were retrieved to complete the study.Result: In this study the definition of malignancy was made using histology as the gold standard. A total of 103 patients were recruited for this study with mean age of 55(+15) years, out of which 52 (50.5%) had malignant lesions. The overall sensitivity of clinical diagnosis was 50.5%. While the overall sensitivity and specificity for mammogram and ultrasound were 73.0%, 80.0% and 100%, 80.4% respectively. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study has demonstrated that clinical diagnosis, ultrasound and mammography can potentially predict breast cancer disease with considerable sensitivity and specificity. Funding: Not declaredKeywords: breast cancer, mammography, ultrasonography, histology, clinical diagnosis
Możliwość zastosowania inżynierii odwrotnej do zwalczania organizacji przestępczych typu sieciowego
Authors: Kędzierski Maciej Aleksander
Published: June 2021

Inżynieria odwrotna może byćwykorzystana do odtwarzania lub modyfikacji obiektów fizycznych oraz zastosowana do programów komputerowych. Nowym wyzwaniem jest jej wykorzystanie w celu zwiększenia skuteczności przeciwdziałania i zwalczania przestępczości kryminalnej i terrorystycznej (zwłaszcza przestępczości zorganizowanej). Odwrócenie procesów analitycznych przez analizęobiektową, analizęzarządzania, analizęlogistyczno-finansową, a także wykorzystanie analizy kryminalistycznej i psychocybernetycznej daje możliwośćudoskonalenia instrumentów walki z zorganizowanąformąpopełniania przestępstw. Dzięki uzupełnieniu braków stwierdzonych w analizie i ponownej ocenie obiektu będzie można otrzymaćten sam obiekt, ale we „wzbogaconej” wersji, lub inny obiekt będący „doskonalszym” modelem analizowanego podmiotu. W konsekwencji będzie możliwe skuteczniejsze i efektywniejszej zneutralizowanie organizacji przestępczej działającej w formie zorganizowanej, w obszarze kryminalnym czy terrorystycznym. The possibility of using reverse engineering to combat network – type criminal organisation Reverse engineering for the most part now refers to the restoration or modification of physical objects and computer programmes. A new challenge in the fight against crime is the use of reverse engineering to improve the measures of preventing and combating criminal and terrorist crime. Reversing processes through object-oriented analysis, as well as through management, logistics, financial, forensic and psychocybernetic analyses is a new outlook on improving the instruments to fight organized crime. As a result, by remedying the identified deficiencies and re-assessing the object, one will be able to get the same object but in the “enhanced”version or another object related to the analysed entity. Consequently, it will be possible to neutralize a criminal or terrorist organization more effectively and efficiently.
Changes in the perception of immigration, integration, multiculturalism and threats of Islamic radicalism in certain EU member states
Authors: Izak Krzysztof
Published: June 2021

The 2015 immigration crisis became a driving force for movements and parties that negate the current political order, including those that do not conceal their xenophobic slogans and ideas. In retrospect, there are more and more signs that the decision to accept the uncontrolled refugee influx was more an expression of wishful thinking than a rational decision, taking into account the actual political situation. Thus, Europe finds itself in a dangerous situation with far-right movements on the one hand, and radical Islam on the other. Each of these formations legitimises its existence and methods of operation by the existence of the other side, trying to polarise society and create a situation that will somehow force citizens to opt for one of the two options. Paradoxically, Chancellor Merkel’s decision to admit immigrants significantly increased the risk of such a scenario, hence the perception of Islamic and right-wing extremism by the German authorities as posing an equal threat to state security. However, it was only the recent terrorist attacks in October and November 2020 in France and Germany that changed the political narrative.
In silico characterization of chitin deacetylase genes in the Diaphorina citri genome
Authors: Miller Sherry , Shippy Teresa D. , Tamayo Blessy , Hosmani Prashant S. , Flores-Gonzalez Mirella , Mueller Lukas A. , Hunter Wayne B. , Brown Susan J. , D’Elia Tom , Saha Surya
Published: June 2021

Chitin deacetylases (CDAs) are one of the least understood components of insect chitin metabolism. The partial deacetylation of chitin polymers appears to be important for the proper formation of higher order chitin structures, such as long fibers and bundles, which contribute to the integrity of the insect exoskeleton and other structures. Some CDAs may also be involved in bacterial defense. Here, we report the manual annotation of four CDA genes from the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, laying the groundwork for future study of these genes.
Rocca: An Efficient AES-based Encryption Scheme for Beyond 5G
Authors: Sakamoto Kosei , Liu Fukang , Nakano Yuto , Kiyomoto Shinsaku , Isobe Takanori
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we present an AES-based authenticated-encryption with associated-data scheme called Rocca, with the purpose to reach the requirements on the speed and security in 6G systems. To achieve ultra-fast software implementations, the basic design strategy is to take full advantage of the AES-NI and SIMD instructions as that of the AEGIS family and Tiaoxin-346. Although Jean and Nikolić have generalized the way to construct efficient round functions using only one round of AES (aesenc) and 128-bit XOR operation and have found several efficient candidates, there still seems to exist potential to further improve it regarding speed and state size. In order to minimize the critical path of one round, we remove the case of applying both aesenc and XOR in a cascade way for one round. By introducing a cost-free block permutation in the round function, we are able to search for candidates in a larger space without sacrificing the performance. Consequently, we obtain more efficient constructions with a smaller state size than candidates by Jean and Nikolić. Based on the newly-discovered round function, we carefully design the corresponding AEAD scheme with 256-bit security by taking several reported attacks on the AEGIS family and Tiaxion-346 into account. Our AEAD scheme can reach 138Gbps which is 4 times faster than the AEAD scheme of SNOW-V. Rocca is also much faster than other efficient schemes with 256-bit key length, e.g. AEGIS-256 and AES-256-GCM. As far as we know, Rocca is the first dedicated cryptographic algorithm targeting 6 systems, i.e., 256-bit key length and the speed of more than 100 Gbps.
Linear Cryptanalyses of Three AEADs with GIFT-128 as Underlying Primitives
Authors: Sun Ling , Wang Wei , Wang Meiqin
Published: June 2021

This paper considers the linear cryptanalyses of Authenticated Encryptions with Associated Data (AEADs) GIFT-COFB, SUNDAE-GIFT, and HyENA. All of these proposals take GIFT-128 as underlying primitives. The automatic search with the Boolean satisfiability problem (SAT) method is implemented to search for linear approximations that match the attack settings concerning these primitives. With the newly identified approximations, we launch key-recovery attacks on GIFT-COFB, SUNDAE-GIFT, and HyENA when the underlying primitives are replaced with 16-round, 17-round, and 16-round versions of GIFT-128. The resistance of GIFT-128 against linear cryptanalysis is also evaluated. We present a 24-round key-recovery attack on GIFT-128 with a newly obtained 19-round linear approximation. We note that the attack results in this paper are far from threatening the security of GIFT-COFB, SUNDAE-GIFT, HyENA, and GIFT-128.
(Quantum) Collision Attacks on Reduced Simpira v2
Authors: Ni Boyu , Dong Xiaoyang , Jia Keting , You Qidi
Published: June 2021

Simpira v2 is an AES-based permutation proposed by Gueron and Mouha at ASIACRYPT 2016. In this paper, we build an improved MILP model to count the differential and linear active Sboxes for Simpira v2, which achieves tighter bounds of the minimum number of active Sboxes for a few versions of Simpira v2. Then, based on the new model, we find some new truncated differentials for Simpira v2 and give a series (quantum) collision attacks on two versions of reduced Simpira v2.
Proving Resistance Against Infinitely Long Subspace Trails: How to Choose the Linear Layer
Authors: Grassi Lorenzo , Rechberger Christian , Schofnegger Markus
Published: June 2021

Designing cryptographic permutations and block ciphers using a substitutionpermutation network (SPN) approach where the nonlinear part does not cover the entire state has recently gained attention due to favorable implementation characteristics in various scenarios.For word-oriented partial SPN (P-SPN) schemes with a fixed linear layer, our goal is to better understand how the details of the linear layer affect the security of the construction. In this paper, we derive conditions that allow us to either set up or prevent attacks based on infinitely long truncated differentials with probability 1. Our analysis is rather broad compared to earlier independent work on this problem since we consider (1) both invariant and non-invariant/iterative trails, and (2) trails with and without active S-boxes.For these cases, we provide rigorous sufficient and necessary conditions for the matrix that defines the linear layer to prevent the analyzed attacks. On the practical side, we present a tool that can determine whether a given linear layer is vulnerable based on these results. Furthermore, we propose a sufficient condition for the linear layer that, if satisfied, ensures that no infinitely long truncated differential exists. This condition is related to the degree and the irreducibility of the minimal polynomial of the matrix that defines the linear layer. Besides P-SPN schemes, our observations may also have a crucial impact on the Hades design strategy, which mixes rounds with full S-box layers and rounds with partial S-box layers.
On Length Independent Security Bounds for the PMAC Family
Authors: Chakraborty Bishwajit , Chattopadhyay Soumya , Jha Ashwin , Nandi Mridul
Published: June 2021

At FSE 2017, Gaži et al. demonstrated a pseudorandom function (PRF) distinguisher (Gaži et al., ToSC 2016(2)) on PMAC with Ω(lq2/2n) advantage, where q, l, and n, denote the number of queries, maximum permissible query length (in terms of n-bit blocks), and block size of the underlying block cipher. This, in combination with the upper bounds of Ο(lq2/2n) (Minematsu and Matsushima, FSE 2007) and Ο(qσ/2n) (Nandi and Mandal, J. Mathematical Cryptology 2008(2)), resolved the long-standing problem of exact security of PMAC. Gaži et al. also showed that the dependency on l can be dropped (i.e. O(q2/2n) bound up to l ≤ 2n/2) for a simplified version of PMAC, called sPMAC, by replacing the Gray code-based masking in PMAC with any 4-wise independent universal hash-based masking. Recently, Naito proposed another variant of PMAC with two powering-up maskings (Naito, ToSC 2019(2)) that achieves l-free bound of O(q2/2n), provided l ≤ 2n/2. In this work, we first identify a flaw in the analysis of Naito’s PMAC variant that invalidates the security proof. Apparently, the flaw is not easy to fix under the existing proof setup. We then formulate an equivalent problem which must be solved in order to achieve l-free security bounds for this variant. Second, we show that sPMAC achieves O(q2/2n) bound for a weaker notion of universality as compared to the earlier condition of 4-wise independence. Third, we analyze the security of PMAC1 (a popular variant of PMAC) with a simple modification in the linear combination of block cipher outputs. We show that this simple modification of PMAC1 has tight security O(q2/2n) provided l ≤ 2n/4. Even if l < 2n/4, we still achieve same tight bound as long as total number of blocks in all queries is less than 22n/3.
PENGARUH KUALITAS PELAYANAN DAN FASILITAS KESEHATAN TERHADAP TINGKAT KEPUASAN PASIEN DI RUMAH SAKIT UMUM DAERAH (RSUD) DR. R. SOEDJATI SOEMODIARDJO PURWODADI KABUPATEN GROBOGAN
Authors: Octaviani Nia , Kasidin
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACT

 Improving the quality of service also needs to be done by health service units including hospitals. The hospital has a mission to provide quality health services that are affordable to the community in order to improve the public health status. This type of research used in this research is quantitative research. The sampling technique used was non probability sampling. This study used a sample of 100 (one hundred) respondents. The instrument testing technique in this study was validity and reliability tests, while the data analysis techniques used were descriptive analysis, multiple linear analysis, and classical assumption. The results showed that: 1) service quality had an effect on patient satisfaction, 2) facilities had no effect on patient satisfaction, 3) service quality and facilities had an effect on patient satisfaction.
Intracraniaal infectieus aneurysma: belang van vroegtijdige diagnose
Authors: OVERSTIJNS M. , VAN CALENBERGH F.
Published: June 2021

Intracranial aneurysm: importance of early detection

A 45-year old woman presented at the emergency department with a decreased level of consciousness. She was under treatment for acute myeloid leukemia. An MRI scan of the brain showed diffuse vasoconstriction of the intracranial vasculature, suggestive for vasculitis. Aspergillus fumigatus was discovered in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), for which antimycotic treatment was initiated.

Because of further neurological decline (acute decreased consciousness, unilateral gaze impairment and irregular obstructive respiration pattern) a CT scan was performed which showed diffuse subarachnoid and intraventricular hemorrhaging. CT-angiography showed an aneurysm at the left posterior inferior cerebellar artery. Because of the severe clinical condition of the patient, there was no indication for invasive therapy.
Spiritual Quotient Penghafal Al-Qur’an (Studi Kasus Di Madrasah Aliyah Negeri 3 Palembang)
Authors: Nazarudin Nazarudin
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study was to find the effect of memorizing the Qur'an on spiritual quotient. The research was conducted at MAN 3 Palembang in the 2018/2019 academic year. The students studied were 70 grade students who actively participated in the tahfiz al-Qur'an program. The X variable (independent variable) in this study is memorizing Al-Qur'an and the Y variable (dependent variable) is Spiritual quotient (SQ). There are 4 types of data study techniques used in this research, namely questionnaires, interviews, documentation and observation. After the data is collected, it is processed using linear regression. The results of the analysis with linear regression can be ignored that the ability of the Qur'an has a significant effect on the spiritual intelligence of students of MAN 3 Palembang.
Pelatihan Penulisan Buku dan Nama Samaran
Authors: Michael Tomy
Published: June 2021

The pseudonym given by Law No. 3-2017 will present a dilemma for lecturers in producing scientific books obtained at the National Library. Activities carried out with careful planning, activities carried out and the results of discussions about what will be written in books and popular articles that can be written by the participants. Training activities essentially provide an understanding of the rights and obligations of special authors in pseudonyms. Popular themes for lecturers with ISI, ASBI and Popular Article themes.
PKM Pembuatan Cairan Handsanitizer dalam Peran Serta Penanganan Covid-19 Berdasarkan Instruksi Presiden Nomor 4 Tahun 2020 Bersama PCM Kramat Jati dan Pemuda Muhammadiyah Kramatjati Jakarta Timur, DKI Jakarta
Authors: Miharja Marjan , Syahruddin Erwin , Gunawan Gunawan , Nabillah Meydi , Apriyanto Rizal , Kholilurrahman M. , Rusnandi Rusnandi
Published: June 2021

The spread of Covid 19 has become one of the people's concerns even though at the time of the initial existence of this virus, various efforts in the form of appeals from the government had not really been obeyed by the community. In fact, most people think that the virus will not be as widespread as in the country where it first spread. Various hoaxes regarding weather and climate conditions in Indonesia as conditions that will not cause widespread spread or hoaxes related to ingredients or drugs that are considered to prevent the emergence of Covid 19 have actually been able to influence the public not to fully consider this virus as a threat. However, along with the public's concern about this virus, other impacts have emerged. The implementation of social distancing has had other impacts. In the form of social and economic impacts on society. With the above conditions, we, from STIH IBLAM, conduct a Community Service study program or what is commonly called PKM which with this activity we try to embrace the partnership of the Muhammadiyah Cawang East Jakarta Youth to produce useful products. The product that we will produce is a Hand Sanitizer which can be used to reduce the possibility of transmitting the pandemic outbreak that is currently happening. With our partnership, Pemuda Muhammadiyah making these products with current conditions is indeed not easy, but with the existing obstacles we try to keep making products that we mean with basic ingredients that are safe for our environment. The products we produce will be donated to the surrounding community in connection with the COVID-19 outbreak, maintaining cleanliness and maintaining a healthy environment which is one of the government's programs and recommendations, so that the spread of COVID-19 can be reduced and is also a preventive measure so that the outbreak does not get worse. extends. This PKM activity is carried out by Class 52.S1 of the STIH Iblam Department of Business Law in collaboration with the Cawang Muhammdiyah Youth partnership. The purpose of this activity is to meet the needs of the community for the importance of cleanliness by using safe materials and also to help the community by subsidizing hand sanitizers in the midst of the economic crisis due to the current pandemic. Our target is to assist the government in reducing the spread of the pandemic outbreak, as well as helping the government foster a sense of discipline in personal and environmental hygiene for the community, because personal and environmental hygiene will help us through this pandemic because cleanliness is the key for us to get through the current pandemic.
Pelatihan Pembuatan Video Pembelajaran Dengan Aplikasi Bandicam dan Screencast O-Matic
Authors: Nubatonis Ofirenty Elyada
Published: June 2021

The problem faced by teachers in East Nusa Tenggara is the limited use of technology in producing instructional media or digital audio-visual teaching materials. The impact of this limitation was most felt during the Covid-19 pandemic, online learning did not work effectively. Finally, the Network learning process is carried out which happens to the extent that the teacher sends the assignment and the students do the given assignment and then sent it back via the messenger application. When the teacher sends teaching materials in the form of instructional videos to explain certain concepts, most of the videos are taken from the internet and are not written by themselves. Therefore, it is necessary to hold training in making learning videos using applications that are easy to master, do not require money, and simply use a laptop. In this activity, teachers are provided with the knowledge and practice of making instructional videos using the Bandicam and Screencast O-Matic applications. The form of this activity is online training. The methods used are seminars, lectures, discussions, and mentoring. The results of this activity were 1) increased teacher knowledge about the use of the Bandicam and Screencast O-Matic applications in making instructional videos, 2) teachers were able to develop instructional videos using Bandicam and Screencast O-Matic
Benchmarking como herramienta gerencial en las empresas: Revisión bibliográfica
Authors: ORE QUIROZ HAROLD , ALDANA JUAREZ WILLIAM , SALAZAR SANDOVAL CARLOS , PANTOJA-TIRADO LUCIA
Published: June 2021

El benchmarking es un proceso de comparación externa usado por las empresas para medir y mejorar la calidad y el rendimiento de sus productos, servicios y procesos. El objetivo general de esta investigación fue desarrollar una revisión sobre el Benchmarking como herramienta gerencial en las empresas. La búsqueda de literatura se realizó en las bases de datos de “Science Direct”, “Scielo”, “Latindex” y de manera relatada. Los resultados mostraron que el Benchmarking es una herramienta gerencial que se fundamenta en la búsqueda externa de estrategias, procesos operativos y actividades aplicadas por empresas líderes para su adaptación y aplicación en la empresa mejorando su eficiencia y nivel de competitividad; y que tiene aspectos importantes como calidad, productividad y tiempo. Además, existen dos tipos: interno y externo; dentro del benchmarking externo se encuentra el competitivo, genérico y funcional. Asimismo, el proceso de benchmarking cuenta con cuatro fases: Planificación, análisis, integración y acción. Los motivos que dificultan su desarrollo son: dificultad para acceder a estudios sectoriales, plazos prolongados y enfoque interior sin tener en cuenta a sus competidores directos. Las áreas de mayor estudio son: marketing, calidad, logística y optimización de procesos. Se encontraron faltantes de investigaciones   experimentales.