bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANALYSIS OF A UNIVERSITY TEACHER’S METHODOLOGICAL READINESS FOR DISTANCE LEARNING
Authors:   FSBEI HE «Kostroma state university», Vorontsova Anna V. , Vorontsov Dmitry B. ,   FSBEI HE «Kostroma state university», Samokhvalova Anna G. ,   FSBEI HE «Kostroma state university», Tikhomirova Elena V. ,   FSBEI HE «Kostroma state university», Vishnevskaya Oksana N. ,   FSBEI HE «Kostroma state university»
Published: November 2020

The article is devoted to the description of the results of a study of the methodological readiness of a university teacher to organize the educational process by means of distance learning. The purpose of the research is to identify significant characteristics of the methodological readiness of a university teacher to use distance tools in connection with the coronavirus pandemic. The study involved two groups: the main and control.The main group is 319 people consisted of teachers from Kostroma State University. The control group is 42 people consisted of teachers from more than 10 universities of the Russian Federation. The study allowed us to come to the conclusions:most faculty support university management and find distance education effective; self-esteem of readiness to work in a remote format is high, but this requires an external examination; positive self-esteem correlates with positive expectations regarding student readiness and knowledge of a wide range of distance education tools;most teachers have negative expectations about the decline in the quality of distance education; teachers insufficiently use distance learning tools that provide communication between subjects of education, the means of monitoring and evaluating educational outcomes dominate; adaptation to the current situation coexists with the desire to enter the office mode of operation and abandon distance formats. The article suggests ways of methodological support for the teacher's work in a remote format: developing a universal feedback mechanism and assessing the quality of education in a certain discipline by students; development and implementation of personalized methodological support programs built on a network basis; encouraging teachers to use distance education tools that enable collaboration and communication in the educational process.
Pembebanan Gadai Atas Objek Mobil Sewa
Authors: Zahirah Rosintya Roudhotul
Published: November 2020

Manusia dalam menjalani kehidupannya mempunyai berbagai macam kebutuhan yang tak terbatas. Hal inilah yang menyebabkan manusia berperilaku konsumtif sehingga manusia akan menghalalkan segala cara untuk mendapatkan uang demi melancarkan perilaku konsumtifnya. Salah satunya adalah melalui cara menggadaikan barang yang bukan miliknya. Seperti kasus yang sedang marak terjadi di Indonesia bahwa dalam kasus ini objek dari perjanjian gadai adalah sebuah mobil sewa dan pemberi gadai bukanlah pemilik dari objek tersebut, namun pemberi gadai menggadaikan objek tersebut kepada penerima gadai. Dalam kasus tersebut terdapat keraguan akan keabsahan perjanjian gadainya dan upaya hukum yang dilakukan oleh pemilik objek tersebut untuk mendapatkan haknya kembali. Melalui pendekatan konseptual, pendekatan perundang-undangan dan studi kasus, maka didapatkan kesimpulan bahwa perjanjian gadai dalam kasus ini tidak sah dikarenakan tidak adanya itikad baik dalam perjanjian ini dan tidak terpenuhinya syarat objektif perjanjian yakni sebab yang diperbolehkan. Untuk upaya hukum, pemilik objek gadai dapat mengajukan upaya hukum dalam hal perdata maupun pidana. Pemberi gadai dapat bertanggung gugat dengan diajukannya gugat wanprestasi oleh pemilik objek gadai dan dapat dikenakan hukuman karena melakukan tindak pidana penggelapan. Penerima gadai dapat bertanggung gugat dengan diajukannya gugat revindikasi oleh pemilik objek gadai dan dapat dikenakan hukuman karena melakukan tindak pidana penadahan.
Kewajiban Perusahaan Untuk Mencatatkan Perjanjian Kerja Waktu Tertentu Pada Dinas Ketenagakerjaan
Authors: Satria Bayu Fajar
Published: November 2020

Perjanjian kerja adalah perjanjian antara pekerja/buruh dengan pengusaha atau pemberi kerja yang memuat syarat syarat kerja, hak, dan kewajiban para pihak. Isi perjanjian kerja para pihak sebagai cerminan dari asas kebebasan berkontrak. Permasalahan yang timbul adalah terkait dengan perjanjian kerja, khususnya dalam UU Ketenagakerjaan dikenal adanya PKWT dan PKWTT. Permasalahan yang timbul selanjutnya adalah dalam praktek, perlu dilakukan klarifikasi mengenai definisi antara “pendaftaran” dan “pencatatan” PKWT di instansi ketenagakerjaan terkait (Disnakertrans). Dalam praktek, banyak perusahaan yang tidak mencatatkan PKWT karyawan-karyawanya ke Disnakertrans, sementara peraturan peraturan perundang undangan sendiri tidak mengatur akibat hukumnya jika PKWT tersebut tidak dicatatkan. Dan terhadap ketiadaan pencatatan ini, di kalangan HRD maupun praktisi hukum sendiri masih ada perbedaan pendapat disamping belum ada yurispudensi pengadilan yang menentukan akibat hukum dari tidak dicatatnya PKWT. Penelitian ini menggunakan tipe pada metode penelitian yuridis normatif, yaitu berdasarkan upaya penemuan aturan hukum, prinsip-prinsip hukum, maupun doktrin hukum yang sesuai untuk menemukan dan menerapkan hukum yang mengatur kehidupan sosial masyarakat. Tidak dicatatkanya PKWT terhadap instansi terkait yakni Disnakertrans kabupaten/kota dalam waktu 7 hari setelah penandatanganan merupakan sesuati yang bertentangan dengan Peraturaan perundang-undangan. Oleh karena itu suatu perjanjian kerja haruslah dibuat secara sah yakni memenuhi syarat-syarat yang telah diatur oleh UU Ketenagakerjaan.
The effects of calcite silicon-mediated particle film application on leaf temperature and grape composition of Merlot (Vitis vinifera L.) vines under different irrigation conditions
Authors: Amato Davide , Montanaro Giuseppe , Summerer Stephan , Briglia Nunzio , Attia Faouzi , Challet Emmanuel , Nuzzo Vitale
Published: November 2020

Aim: This study examined whether the application of calcite-silicon mediated particle film (CaPF) at veraison can mitigate a drought-induced increase in leaf temperature on grapevine, thus contributing to improved leaf functionality, yield and grape composition traits.Methods and results: A total of 48 five-year-old Merlot (Vitis vinifera L.) vines grafted onto SO4 were grown (in 20 L PVC pots) under Mediterranean conditions (Southern Italy). The vines were pruned to a single spur with 3 winter buds irrigated daily to 100 % field capacity, and fertilised weekly.At veraison and using a 2×2 factorial experimental design, the two main factors, thermoregulation and water, were imposed at two levels: spraying with a thermoregulation compound (CaPF) and no spraying (NS); irrigation (WW) and drought stress (D)). A group of 24 vines was subjected to a 15-day drought period by receiving, every day, 25 % (D) of the daily water consumption of WW vines. The other 24 vines continued to be fully irrigated on a daily basis (WW). Twelve vines per group were sprayed (WW+CaPF, D+CaPF) with calcite-silicon mediate (3 % V/V) at the beginning of drought imposition, the remaining 24 vines were not sprayed (WW-NS, D-NS). Soil water moisture and stem water potential values were monitored from 11.30 to 13:30 nearly every week, and other vegetative and reproductive parameters were also measured.During the experiment, air temperature peaked at ≈35°C at midday, VPD at about 3.7 kPa and PAR reached ≈2000 µmol m-2 s–1. Results show that in CaPF sprayed vines, leaf-air temperature differences  were lower than in unsprayed vines in both irrigated and drought stressed groups. WW+CaPF vines retained significantly more leaf area and showed the highest value of accumulated vine transpiration.Conclusion: Calcite-silicon mediated particle film could enhance the resilience of grapevine to adverse environmental conditions and may contribute to preserve terroir elements in highly reputed wine grape growing areas.Significance of the study: The study showed that foliar application of calcite silicon-mediated processed particles films can be used in arid regions to mitigate leaf temperatures in grapevines.
Circular RNA, the Key for Translation
Authors: Prats Anne-Catherine , David Florian , Diallo Leila , Roussel Emilie , Tatin Florence , Garmy-Susini Barbara , Lacazette Eric
Published: November 2020

It was thought until the 1990s that the eukaryotic translation machinery was unable to translate a circular RNA. However internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs) and m6A-induced ribosome engagement sites (MIRESs) were discovered, promoting 5’end-independent translation initiation. Today a new family of so-called “non-coding” circular RNAs (circRNAs) has emerged, revealing the pivotal role of 5’end-independent translation. CircRNAs have a strong impact on translational control via their sponge function, and form a new mRNA family as they are translated into proteins with pathophysiological roles. While there is no more doubt about translation of covalently closed circRNA, the linearity of canonical mRNA is only theoretical: it has been shown for more than thirty years that polysomes exhibit a circular form and mRNA functional circularization has been demonstrated in the 1990s by the interaction of initiation factor eIF4G with poly(A) binding protein. More recently, additional mechanisms of 3’-5’ interaction have been reported, including m6A modification. Functional circularization enhances translation via ribosome recycling and acceleration of the translation initiation rate. This update of covalently and non-covalently circular mRNA translation landscape shows that RNA circular shape might be the rule for translation with an important impact on disease development and biotechnological applications.
Removal of Aerosolized Contaminants from Working Canines Via a Field Wipe-Down Procedure
Authors: Perry Erin , Discepolo Dakota , Jenkins Eileen , Liang Stephen Y.
Published: November 2020

Evidence-based canine decontamination protocols are underrepresented in the veterinary literature. Aerosolized microbiological and chemical contaminants can pose a risk in deployment environments highlighting the need for improved canine field decontamination strategies. Prior work has established the efficacy of traditional, water-intensive methods on contaminant removal from the coat of the working canine; however, it is not known if similar reductions can be achieved with simple field expedient methods when resources are limited. The objective of this study was to measure the reduction of aerosolized contamination via a practical “wipe-down” procedure performed on working canine coats contaminated with a fluorescent, non-toxic, water-based aerosol. Disposable, lint-free towels were saturated with one of three treatments: water, 2% chlorhexidine gluconate scrub (CHX), or 7.5% povidone-iodine scrub (PVD). Both CHX and PVD were diluted at a 1:4 ratio. Treatments were randomly assigned to one of three quadrants established across the shoulders and back of commonly utilized working dog breeds (Labrador retrievers, n = 16; German shepherds, n = 16). The fourth quadrant remained unwiped, serving as a control. Reduction in fluorescent marker contamination was measured and compared across all quadrants. PVD demonstrated greater marker reduction compared to CHX or water in both breeds (P < 0.0001). Reduction was similar between CHX or water in Labradors (P = 0.86) and shepherds (P = 0.06). Effective wipe-down strategies using common veterinary cleansers should be further investigated and incorporated into decontamination practices to safeguard working canine health and prevent cross-contamination of human personnel working with these animals.
Sorting Nexins in Protein Homeostasis
Authors: Hanley Sarah E , Cooper Katrina F
Published: November 2020

Sorting nexins (SNXs) are a highly conserved membrane-associated protein family that plays a role in regulating protein homeostasis. This family of proteins is unified by their characteristic phox (PX) phosphoinositides binding domain. Along with binding to membranes, this family of SNXs also comprises a diverse array of protein-protein interaction motifs that are required for cellular sorting and protein trafficking. SNXs play a role in maintaining the integrity of the proteome which is essential for regulating multiple fundamental processes such as cell cycle progression, transcription, metabolism, and stress response. To tightly regulate these processes proteins must be expressed and degraded in the correct location and at the correct time. The cell employs several proteolysis mechanisms to ensure that proteins are selectively degraded at the appropriate spatiotemporal conditions. SNXs play a role in ubiquitin-mediated protein homeostasis at multiple levels including cargo localization, recycling, degradation, and function. In this review, we will discuss the role of SNXs in three different protein homeostasis systems: endocytosis lysosomal, the ubiquitin-proteasomal, and the autophagy-lysosomal system. The highly conserved nature of this protein family by beginning with the early research on SNXs and protein trafficking in yeast and lead into their important roles in mammalian systems. Underlying the importance of SNXs in protein homeostasis, genetic defects in SNXs have been linked with a variety of human diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurogenerative disease, and viral infections.
Computational Analysis of Generalized Zeta Functions by Using Difference Equations
Authors: Tassaddiq Asifa
Published: November 2020

In this article, author performs computational analysis for the generalized zeta functions by using computational software Mathematica. To achieve the purpose recently obtained difference equations are used. These difference equations have a computational power to compute these functions accurately while they can not be computed by using their known integral represenations. Several authors investigated such functions and their analytic properties, but no work has been reported to study the graphical representations and zeors of these functions. Author performs numerical computations to evaluate these functions for different values of the involved parameters. Taylor series expansions are also presented in this research.
Tiny Earth: A Big Idea for STEM Education and Antibiotic Discovery
Authors: Hurley Amanda , Chevrette Marc G. , Acharya Deepa D. , Lozano Gabriel L. , Garavito Manuel , Heinritz Jen , Balderrama Luis , Beebe Mara , DenHartog Martel L. , Corinaldi Kamiyah , Engels Renee , Gutierrez Alyssa , Jona Orli , Putnam Josephine H. I. , Rhodes Brody , Tsang Tiffany , Hernandez Simon , Bascom-Slack Carol , Blum Jessamina E. , Price Paul A. , Davis Debra , Klein Joanna , Pultorak Joshua , Sullivan Nora L. , Mouncey Nigel J. , Dorrestein Pieter C. , Miller Sarah , Broderick Nichole A. , Handelsman Jo
Published: November 2020

The world faces two seemingly unrelated challenges—a shortfall in the STEM workforce and increasing antibiotic resistance among bacterial pathogens. We address these two challenges with Tiny Earth, an undergraduate research course that excites students about science and creates a pipeline for antibiotic discovery.
Image-based Restoration of the Concrete Void System Using 2D-to-3D Unfolding Technique
Authors: Song Yu , Shen Chuanyue , Damiani Robbie , Lange David
Published: November 2020

Hardened air void analysis provides essential information of concrete freeze-thaw durability based on the size and spacing of air voids in the material. As the physical freeze-thaw experiment is time-consuming and costly, the characteristics of concrete air voids are often deemed as a proxy of the freeze-thaw performance. This analysis is typically done by measuring the 2D air void intersections on polished samples, but the current interpretation of the 2D void characters does not accurately represent the actual void structure in 3D. To solve this problem, a 2D-to-3D unfolding technique has been proposed in the field of stereology. However, the unfolding analysis is known to be sensitive to several factors, such as void population and size along with a binning scheme, where improper unfolding can considerably bias the prediction of the actual concrete void system. This study investigates the optimal strategy of conducting the unfolding analysis for concrete. The investigation is carried out on both idealized void systems to interrogate the influence of the critical factors individually, and real concrete samples with varying levels of air entrainment to assess the concrete-specific impacts. The concrete void system is studied based on a stereological model emulating the intersected 3D air voids on the surface of polished concrete. The results highlight that, for unfolding concrete voids, logarithmic binning scheme is far more accurate to linear binning. The low unfolding error of the concrete samples indicates that the proposed methodology enables an accurate restoration of 3D void size distribution.
Composites, Fabrication and Application of Polyvinylidene Fluoride for Flexible Electromechanical Devices: A Review
Authors: Guo Shuaibing , Duan Xuexin , Xie Mengying , Aw Kean Chin , Xue Qiannan
Published: November 2020

The technological development of piezoelectric materials is crucial for developing wearable and flexible electromechanical devices. There are many inorganic materials with piezoelectric effects, such as piezoelectric ceramics, aluminum nitride, and zinc oxide. They all have very high piezoelectric coefficients and large piezoelectric response ranges. The characteristics of high hardness and low tenacity make inorganic piezoelectric materials unsuitable for flexible devices that require frequent bending. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and its derivatives are the most popular materials used in flexible electromechanical devices in recent years and have high flexibility, high sensitivity, high ductility, and a certain piezoelectric coefficient. Owing to increasing the piezoelectric coefficient of PVDF, researchers are committed to optimizing PVDF materials and enhancing their polarity by a series of means to further improve their mechanical–electrical conversion efficiency. This paper reviews the latest PVDF-related optimization materials, related processing and polarization methods, and the applications of these materials such as those in wearable functional devices, chemical sensors, biosensors, and flexible actuator devices for flexible micro-electromechanical devices. We also discuss the challenges of wearable devices based on flexible piezoelectric polymer, consider where further practical applications could be.
Psychological Distress Among a Cross-sectional National Sample of Adolescents in South Africa: Prevalence and Associated Factors
Authors: Pengpid Supa , Peltzer Karl
Published: November 2020

Psychological distress (PD) may be common among adolescents. The study aimed to estimate population-based rates of PD among adolescents in South Africa. National cross-sectional data were analysed from 2,240 adolescents (17 years median age) that participated in a community-based population survey, the “2012 South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (SANHANES-1).” Results indicated that 16.0% of the adolescents had PD, 13.1% among boys and 18.5% among girls. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, increasing age, girls, belonging to the Black African population group, having experienced two or more traumatic life events, poor self-rated health status, having activity limitations, perceived body overweight, fast food and snack consumption were associated with PD. Almost one in six adolescents in South Africa reported PD and several associated factors were identified.
Inversion of Lift-Off Distance and Thickness for Non-Magnetic Metal Using Eddy Current Testing
Authors: Meng Xiaobai , Lu Mingyang , Yin Wuliang , Bennecer Abdeldjalil , Kirk Katherine
Published: November 2020

For the electromagnetic eddy current testing, various methods have been proposed for reducing the lift-off error on the measurement of samples. In this paper, instead of eliminating the measurement error caused by the lift-off effect, an algorithm has been proposed to directly measure the lift-off distance between the sensor and non-magnetic conductive plates. The algorithm is based on a sample-independent inductance (SII) feature. That is, under high working frequencies, the inductance is found sensitive to the lift-off distance and independent of the test piece under an optimal single high working frequency (43.87 kHz). Furthermore, the predicted lift-off distance is used for the thickness prediction of the non-magnetic conductive samples using an iterative method. Considering the eddy current skin depth, the thickness prediction is operated under a single lower frequency (0.20 kHz). As the inductance has different sensitivities to the lift-off and thickness, the prediction error of the sample thickness is different from that of the lift-off distance. From the experiments on three different nonmagnetic samples – aluminium, copper, and brass, the maximum prediction error of the lift-off distance and sample thickness is 1.1 mm and 5.42 % respectively at the lift-off of 12.0 mm.
Survey of Client Perspective On The Use of Veterinary Telemedicine For Chronic Disease Management
Authors:   University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Matlock Nathan
Published: November 2020

Veterinary Telehealth is a rapidly growing sector of Veterinary Medicine. Technological advancements have allowed for vast changes in the way chronic disease states can be managed. There are many facets of telemedicine that must be researched to determine the productiveness of such technological advances. The first step in determination of implementation is that of community acceptance and likely utilization. This project’s scope is to determine client perspective on the use of veterinary telemedicine for chronic disease state(s) management.
Metamorphic Temperatures and Pressures across the Eastern Franciscan: Implications for Underplating and Exhumation
Authors: Schmidt William L. , Platt John P.
Published: November 2020

The Eastern Belt of the Franciscan Complex in the northern California Coast Ranges consists of coherent thrust sheets predominately made up of ocean floor sediments subducted in the Early Cretaceous and then accreted to the overriding plate at depths of 25-40 km. Progressive packet accretion resulted in the juxtaposition of a series of thrust sheets of differing metamorphic grades. This study utilizes laser Raman analysis of carbonaceous material to determine peak metamorphic temperatures across the Eastern Belt and phengite barometry to determine peak metamorphic pressures. Locating faults that separate packets in the field is difficult, but they can be accurately located based on differences in peak metamorphic temperature revealed by Raman analysis. The Taliaferro Metamorphic Complex in the west reached 323-336°C at a minimum pressure of ~11 kbar; the surrounding Yolla Bolly Unit 215–290°C; the Valentine Springs Unit 282-288°C at 7.8±0.7 kbar; the South Fork Mountain Schist 314–349°C at 8.6–9.5 kbar, a thin slice in the eastern portion of the SFMS, identified here for the first time, was metamorphosed at ~365°C and 9.7±0.7 kbar; and a slice attributed to the Galice Formation of the Western Klamath Mountains at 281±13°C. Temperatures in the Yolla Bolly Unit and Galice slice were too low for the application of phengite barometry. Microfossil fragments in the South Fork Mountain Schist are smaller and less abundant than in the underlying Valentine Springs Unit, providing an additional method of identifying the boundary between the two units. Faults that record a temperature difference across them were active after peak metamorphism while faults that do not were active prior to peak metamorphism, allowing for the location of packet bounding faults at the time of accretion. The South Fork Mountain Schist consists of two accreted packets with thicknesses of 300 m and 3.5 km. The existence of imbricate thrust faults both with and without differences in peak metamorphic temperature across them provides evidence for synconvergent exhumation.
La eficiencia de las empresas del sector palmicultor en Colombia
Authors: Mendoza-García Mauricio , Oliveros-Contreras Diana , Guzmán-Duque Alba Patricia
Published: November 2020

Rev.esc.adm.neg

El sector palmicultor de aceite es uno de los más dinámicos e importantes de la agroindustria colombiana. No obstante, la evaluación de los aspectos técnicos y productivos pueden mejorar la asignación de recursos productivos y fortalecer la competitividad empresarial y sectorial. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la eficiencia técnica y la eficiencia de escala de las empresas extractoras de aceite de palma durante el periodo 2011- 2016 en Colombia. Se utilizó la metodología Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) y las técnicas bootstrap para una muestra de 45 empresas del sector palmero en Colombia dedicadas a la extracción de aceite de palma. Los resultados revelaron que las empresas extractoras son más eficientes en la escala operacional que en la optimización de los recursos. Las regiones más eficientes fueron, técnicamente, Cesar, Bolívar y Magdalena, en eficiencia de escala Santander, Bolívar y Magdalena. El análisis permite concluir que, si bien la brecha en eficiencia y productividad del sector de palma frente a los productores líderes se ha disminuido, es necesario diseñar estrategias que permitan el aprovechamiento del potencial productivo del cultivo de palma de aceite. La palma de aceite enfrenta un gran reto competitivo en el orden mundial, por cuanto su eficiencia y productividad debe mejorarse constantemente.
Alterations in the Excitatory and Inhibitory Coupling in Migraine: A Magnetic Resonance Study
Authors: Cai Yiwen , Tang Yingying , Wang Jijun , Fu Qinhui , Gan Min Hang , Pei Jian
Published: November 2020

Background: There is evidence suggesting that an imbalance between the levels of the excitatory neurotransmitter, glutamate, and inhibitory neurotransmitter, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), leads to migraine attacks; however, the pathophysiology and specific diagnostic markers remain unknown. Methods: Twenty-one migraine patients (18 female, 3 male, mean age=40.63 14.23years) and 11 healthy controls (9 female, 2 male, mean age=39.78 15.31 years) were included in this study. We used 1H-MRS at 3 Tesla with voxels-of-interest located in the bilateral thalamus and subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (SG ACC) to quantify the GABA and GLX (glutamate-glutamine complex) concentrations measured via the Mescher-Garwood point-resolved spectroscopy (MEGA-PRESS) sequence in migraineurs and healthy controls. Result: Statistical analyses revealed significantly decreased GLX/NAA (N-acetylaspartate) in the right thalamus of migraine patients compared to healthy controls. However, we found no group differences in GABA levels in the SG ACC and bilateral thalamus.Conclusion: The right thalamus may be involved in the pain modulation process of migraineurs through changes in the GLX levels. Decreased GLX levels within the right thalamus might be associated with the disruption of "excitation-inhibition" homeostasis in migraine.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02580968. Registered 30 October 2015, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT02580968
Future population exposures to unprecedented climatic risks
Authors: Oki Taikan , Sano Taichi
Published: November 2020

Anthropogenic climate change is causing shifts in the frequencies of extreme weather events. There is an urgent need to quantify future unprecedented risks from extreme temperatures and precipitation, and the geographic distributions of at-risk areas. Here, we define the rim of two-dimensional (2D) risk histograms for 20-year extreme temperatures and precipitation as a climatic risk boundary. We found that nearly a quarter of the world population in South Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and other regions of the world will transgress the climatic risk boundaries by the end of this century under RCP8.5 scenario, while under the future RCP2.6 scenario, only 5.8% of population will transgress the climatic risk boundaries. Some metropolitan areas, such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Tokyo, will also overstep the boundaries. While many large cities will remain within the climatic risk boundaries, they will still be exposed to unprecedented climatic risks in relation to the experiences of people in that region. This study will help refine public perceptions of extreme climatic risks and lead to more efficient policy making. In the future, unprecedented extreme weather risks should be properly considered in the impact assessments of climate change, and transfers of technologies and experiences gained in other regions to new at-risk regions should be supported to assist with adaptation to extreme climatic risks.
Implementing Radical Cure Diagnostics for Malaria: User Perspectives on G6PD Testing in Bangladesh
Authors: Engel Nora , Ghergu Cristian , Matin Mohammad Abdul , Kibria Mohammad Golam , Thriemer Kamala , Price Ric N. , Ding Xavier C. , Howes Rosalind E. , Ley Benedikt , Incardona Sandra , Alam Mohammad Shafiul
Published: November 2020

Background: The radical cure of Plasmodium vivax requires treatment with an 8-aminoquinoline drug, such as primaquine and tafenoquine, to clear the liver of parasites which can reactivate to cause relapsing infections. Safe treatment regimens require prior screening of patients for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency to avoid potential life-threatening drug induced hemolysis. Testing is rarely available in malaria endemic countries, but will be needed to support routine use of radical cure. This study investigates end-user perspectives in Bangladesh on the introduction of a quantitative G6PD test (SD Biosensor STANDARD™ G6PD analyser) to support malaria elimination.Methods: The perspectives of users on the SD Biosensor test were analysed using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with health care providers and malaria programme officers in Bangladesh. Key emerging themes regarding the feasibility of introducing this test into routine practice, including perceived barriers, were analysed.Results: In total 63 participants were interviewed. Participants emphasized the life-saving potential of the biosensor, but raised concerns including the impact of limited staff time, high workload and some technical aspects of the device. Participants highlighted that there are both too few and too many P. vivax patients to implement G6PD testing owing to challenges of funding, workload and complex testing infrastructure. Implementing the biosensor would require flexibility and improvisation to deal with remote sites, overcoming a low index of suspicion and mutual interplay of declining patient numbers and reluctance to test. This approach would generate new forms of evidence to justify introduction in policy and carefully consider questions of deployment given declining patient numbers. Conclusions: The results of the study show that, in an elimination context, the importance of malaria needs to be maintained for both policy makers and the affected communities, in this case by ensuring P. vivax, PQ treatment, and G6PD deficiency remain visible. Availability of new technologies, such as the biosensor, will fuel ongoing debates about priorities for allocating resources that must be adapted to a constantly evolving target. Technical and logistical concerns regarding the biosensor should be addressed by future product designs, adequate training, strengthened supply chains, and careful planning of communication, advocacy and staff interactions at all health system levels.
Blood Culture Evaluation for Carbapenem Exposure in Pyogenic Liver Abscess: A Two-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: He Shuangjun , Yu Jie , Wang Hairong , Wang Lifeng , Chen Yi , Zhou Wei
Published: November 2020

Background: High antibiotic consumption in pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is unnecessary. Using the databases of two centers, we retrospectively evaluated the effects of blood culture on the exposure to carbapenems in patients with PLA.Methods: All patients diagnosed with PLA at two comprehensive tertiary care centers from 2014 to 2020 were assessed. Demographics and clinical data were analyzed, and multiple regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between blood culture and exposure to carbapenems after controlling for potential confounders.Results: Blood culture results were available in 110 (46.0%) patients, of whom 44 (40.0%) patients were tested positive on bacterial culture. The blood culture positivity rate was significantly higher in the sepsis subgroup than in the non-sepsis subgroup (58.1% vs. 32.9%, P = 0.015). The number of patients receiving carbapenems in the blood culture cohort was significantly lower than that in the other cohort (19.1% vs. 31.8%, P = 0.026). Multivariate analysis showed that patients in the blood culture group were less likely to be treated with carbapenems for >5 days than those in the unavailable blood culture group (adjusted OR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.16–0.68, P=0.003), especially those in the sepsis subgroup (adjusted OR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.05–0.53, P = 0.002). Conclusion: Blood culture might be associated with less carbapenem exposure, particularly in PLA complicated with sepsis. More attention should be paid to early blood cultures in the emergency setting.
Using Logic Model and Key Performance Indicators to Construct A Field Hospital for Coronavirus Pandemic Cases
Authors: Ali Alshehri , Owied Al Moteri Modi , Virginia Plummer , Ruth Endacott , Abdulellah Al Thobaity
Published: November 2020

Background. Field hospitals have been established as part of the COVID-19 pandemic response in a range of countries including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Assess input, monitor activities and track output can be used to identify whether field hospitals are meeting their intended targets. Method. Based on a case study approach, the reported results include field hospital construction project performance outcomes, a description of the design process and the development and application of key performance indicators to assess field hospital efficacy.Result. Each of the logic model component (i.e. input, activities and output) has tailored indicators that address different aspects of field hospital; from the infrastructure work to the wider impacts on services.Conclusion. The logic model components and related KPIs can be extremely important in terms of providing insights into how to achieve the field hospital’s objectives.
Predicting the levels of orcinol glucoside during the treatment of osteoporosis by network pharmacology and molecular docking
Authors: liu xia , Huang Mingchun , Yang Chen , Wang Qin , Zhang Mei
Published: November 2020

Introduction: As a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. (Xianmao) has been widely used to treat bone-related diseases. However, the active components of this TCM, and the specific mechanisms by which it exerts effect, have yet to be elucidated. To identify potential targets for orcinol glucoside (OG), an active constituent of C. orchioides, during the treatment of osteoporosis (OP) by adopting a network pharmacology approach. Methods: First, we mined the Similarity ensemble approach (SEA), SwissTargetPrediction, DisGeNET, and Genecards databases were mined for data related to the prediction of OG- and OP-related targets. Next, we identified the common targets for OG and OP, and then used STRING software to create a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Then, we used topological analysis to identify which of the common targets were most significant. Then, we used the common significant targets and g:profiler to perform gene ontology (GO) term and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes ( KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. Finally, we used molecular docking to predict the targets of OG that were most relevant to the treatment of OP and investigated the potential pharmacological mechanisms that might be involved. Results: In total, 130 potential targets of OG, and 4582 targets relevant to OP, were subjected to network analysis. There were 73 common targets; these identified the principal pathways linked to OP. In addition, topological analysis identified 14 key targets. Most of the predicted targets played crucial roles in the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. Molecular docking identified ten core targets (VEGFA, IL6, EGFR, MAPK1, HRAS, CCND1, FGF2, IL2, MCL1 and CDK4), thus indicating that OG may promote osteoblast proliferation and differentiation by accelerating progression of the cell cycle.Conclusions: This research provides a theoretical base for identifying the specific potential mechanisms of OG in treatment of OP.
Oleanolic acid inhibits the proliferation of Hela cells in cervical cancer by regulating the ACSL4 ferroptosis signaling pathway
Authors: Jiang Xiaofei , Shi Mingqing , Sui Miao , Yuan Yizhen , Zhang Shuang , Xia Qinhua , Zhao Kai
Published: November 2020

Background: Cervical cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer deaths among women worldwide. Oleanolic acid (OA) is a naturally occurring substance found in the leaves, fruits, and rhizomes of plants that has anti-cancer activity. Methods: We used tumor-bearing mice as the animal model and Hela cell as cell models. Western blot was used for detecting the expression of proteins in ferroptosis related proteins acyl-CoA synthase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4), ferritin heavy chain (FTH1), transferrin receptor (TfR1) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in vivo and in vitro. MTT and EdU was for the detection of the viability of Hela cells. Results: In vivo experiments showed that OA significantly reduced the size and mass of cervical cancer tumors. In vitro experiments showed that OA significantly reduced the viability and proliferation capacity of Hela cells. In both in vivo and in vitro assays, OA increased the level of oxidative stress and Fe2+ content, and increased the expression of ferroptosis related proteins. We found high expression of ACSL4 in both xenograft models and cervical carcinoma cells. Meanwhile, knockdown of ACSL4 expression using shRNA in cervical cancer cells significantly increased cell viability and proliferation. In addition, decreased ROS levels and GPX4 were detected in ACSL4 knockdown cervical cancer cells, suggesting that ACSL4 inhibition may contribute to the reduction of ferroptosis within Hela cells and thus improve Hela cell survival. Conclusion: Promotion of ACSL4 dependent ferroptosis through OA may be an effective approach to treat cervical cancer.
Application of Personalized Three-Dimensional Printing for Shoulder Joint Prosthesis in the Treatment of Shoulder Joint Tuberculosis: A Case Report
Authors: Han Yanlong , Kaken Habaxi , Zhao Wei , Damaola Ainiwaerjiang , Wang Li
Published: November 2020

Background: This article presents an application of the use of a personalized three-dimensional (3D)-printed reverse shoulder prosthesis to be used in a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) for a patient with tuberculosis of the shoulder joint. Background: Patient concerns: A 37-year-old female, who suffered a trauma on her left shoulder 17 years ago, reported significant worsening pain and limited physical activity within the last 6 months. The left shoulder joint activity was clearly restricted. Diagnosis: Her clinical manifestations, bone changes in shoulder joint, and imaging results were all consistent with extended exposure to tuberculosis of the shoulder joint. Interventions: For this patient, a personalized 3D-printed titanium alloy shoulder joint prosthesis was used in the RTSA. The patient’s stability was regularly monitored and followed up after operation. During pre-operation, post-operation, and follow-up, the scores of ASES, Neer Shoulder score, and Constant-Murley Shoulder were evaluated. Results: 3D shoulder prosthesis was successfully implanted into the patient and complete anatomic reconstruction was performed intraoperatively. ASES, Neer, and Constant-Murley scores were gradually improved on follow-up. The X-ray image showed good bone healing and no changes in the position of the prosthesis seven and a half years post-operation. The functionality of the shoulder joint was well restored and no restrictions were found in activities of daily living. Conclusion: Personalized 3D-printed shoulder joint prosthesis is very effective in the treatment of advanced tuberculosis of the shoulder joint. 3D-printed technology may be a novel and efficient method for similar arthroplasties and severe bone defects.
Analysis the Curative Effect of One-Third Steel Plate Applied in the Medial Column of Pilon Fracture
Authors: Wang Zhuo
Published: November 2020

Objective: To analysis the difference of efficacy between the one-third tube steel plate and screw on the medial column of Ruedi-Augower III pilon fracture.Methods: The clinical data of 26 patients with Ruedi-Augower type III pilon fractures admitted from April 2016 to April 2019 were collected. Patients were divided into two groups according to the reconstruction materials. In the control group, 16 cases were fixed with screws on the medial column. In the observation group, 10 cases were reconstructed with a one-third tube steel plate on the medial column. The reduction quality was evaluated by using Burwell–Charnley’s radiographic criteria. Ankle function was evaluated by using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score. The preoperative swelling time, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fracture healing time, postoperative weight-bearing time, postoperative AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score and postoperative Burwell-Charley Radiology Score were compared between the two groups. Results: In the all patients, nobody developed deep tissue infections. The fracture healing time was 15.07±0.93 weeks, and the weight-bearing time after the operation was 6.91±0.58 weeks. The satisfactory rate was 90.00% according to Burwell–Charnley’s reduction criteria and the second month postoperative AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score was 66.30±2.79.As for the control group, the fracture healing time was 15.83±0.56 weeks, and the postoperative weight-bearing time was 8.60±0.50 weeks. Only 70% fractures accomplished anatomic reduction on the basis of Burwell–Charnley’s reduction criteria and the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score only got 75.80±1.94 in the second month after surgery.Conclusion: When Ruedi-Augower type III pilon fractures were treated with one-third tube steel plate in the medial column, compared with the simple screw fixation, it took into account the excellent healing of soft tissues meanwhile it promised the weight-bearing time earlier and less loss rate of long-term postoperative reduction.
Identification of Chromatin Accessibility During The Early Stage of Pig SCNT Embryo Reprogramming by ATAC-Seq
Authors: Zhang Xue , Li Juan , Tao Ruixin , Jiang Aiwen , Zhou Changyin , Xu Hongxia , Li Weijian , Meng Xueqing , Zhang Liangliang , Zhang Xuan , Wu Wangjun , Tao Jingli , Liu Honglin
Published: November 2020

Background: Somatic cell nuclear transplantation (SCNT) can transform highly differentiated donor nuclei into pluripotent nuclei through the large-scale reprogramming of chromatin. The reprogramming of chromatin has been documented to take place in the first few hours after SCNT embryo activation. Thus, studies that characterize dynamic changes in chromatin during the first few hours after embryo activation could provide insight into the mechanism and significance of genome-wide reprogramming. However, few studies have examined the epigenetic remodeling of reconstructed embryos during the early stage of reprogramming.Results: We conducted ATAC-seq on 50 porcine SCNT-HMC embryos and 50 parthenogenetic activation (PA) embryos 10 h after activation. Along with pig embryonic fibroblast (PEF) ATAC-seq data, we found low levels of chromatin accessibility and gene transcription in SCNT and PA embryos. Moreover, PEF genes and the X chromosome became inaccessible during embryo reprogramming. GO enrichment analysis revealed that the molecular functions related to accessible chromatin in embryos primarily included transcriptional regulatory activity and SMAD binding. The differentially accessible chromatin sites between SCNT and PEF were primarily related to transcriptional activity and histone modification.Conclusions: Despite the tight chromatin structure during the early stage of embryo reprogramming, some accessible chromatin sites, which were primarily distributed in the intergenic region, were still detected. Dynamic changes in chromatin accessibility during reprogramming were primarily related to transcriptional activity and histone modification. Generally, this study provided new insight into the dynamics and importance of chromatin accessibility during the early stages of embryo reprogramming.
Unexpected Echocardiographic Findings: Accessory Mitral Valve Tissue in Adults
Authors: Rao Ying , Chen Wei , Wang Yu , Song wenjuan
Published: November 2020

Background: Accessory mitral valve tissue (AMVT) is a rare congenital cardiac anomaly, which is associated with other congenital heart diseases. It is diagnosed in neonates or childhood and rarely in adulthood. Nevertheless, AMVT is an incidental finding or described as isolated. Echocardiography, especially three-dimensional(3D) echocardiography is considered as an optimal imaging technique for AMVT diagnosis.Case presentation: We herein presented the two asymptomatic adult cases with AMVT, who presented with varying degrees of symptomatic left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction. One presented with mild LVOT obstruction and no surgery was required, and another one with significant LVOT obstruction was recommended for surgical excision.Conclusions: We emphasized the usefulness of echocardiography in the morphology detection of AMVT, and the importance of operation guidance and follow-up.
Comparison and Analysis of kW-Class SOFC-CHP Systems with Different Fuels
Authors: Zhu Jianzhong , Meng Hao , Han Minfang
Published: November 2020

SOFC is an ideal device for developing distributed combined heat and power (CHP) systems. In this paper, kW-class SOFC system models based on semi-empirical SOFC stack model were established to optimize the systems with the aim of maximizing the system electrical efficiency. Four types of SOFC-CHP systems using different fuel including natural gas (NG), hydrogen, methanol, syngas were compared, and the relationships between key parameters and system energy effciency were analyzed. Simlulation results show that decreasing the air inlet temperature (AIT) and increasing stack temperature will promote electrical effciency most significantly. In addition, the operational costs of four different systems were also compared, and among which the methanol-fueled system was the lowest.