bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavioral factors affecting soil-transmitted helminthiasis among pregnant women attending antenatal care follow-up in Dembia, Ethiopia
Authors: Assefa Teshager , Derseh Lemma , Boke Moges Muluneh , Akalu Temesgen Yihunie
Published: July 2021

Background

Globally, 2 billion people infected with soil-transmitted helminthiasis, nearly 250 million women live in helminthiasis endemic area. Sub-Saharan Africa is the most affected region by soil-transmitted helminths. The prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiasis and its determinants among pregnant mothers was not well known in this study area. Therefore, the current study was aimed to determine the prevalence of soil-transmitted infestation and its determinants in the West Dembia district.
Methods

A facility-based cross-sectional study design was used from October to November 2020 in the West Dembia district. A systematic random sampling technique was used to take part 416 pregnant women. Data were collected using a pretested standardized questionnaire and stool sample was collected from each participant. Data were entered into Epi-info version 7 and exported to Stata version 14 for analysis. A crude Odds Ratio (COR) and an Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) were computed. The goodness of fit for the model was checked using Hosmer and Lemeshow test.
Results

Of all, 416 pregnant women were examined and 115 (27.6%) of women were positive at least to one of the common soil-transmitted helminthiases. Out of the total cases, Ascaris, Hookworm, and Schistosoma species account for 45(39%), 44(38%), and 24(21%), respectively. Rural dwellers AOR: 1.9, (95% CI: 1.04, 3.67), never using latrine AOR: 3.6, (95% CI: 1.35, 9.74), not using soap for handwashing AOR: 2.7: (95% CI: 1.31, 5.36), eating raw vegetables AOR: 2.4, (95% CI: 1.44, 3.94), the habit of eating soil AOR: 3.4, (95% CI: 1.22, 9.43) were statistically significantly associated with soil-transmitted helminthiasis infestation.
Conclusion

The prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiasis infestation among pregnant women is high. Rural dwellers, not using a latrine, not using soap for handwashing, eating raw vegetables, and habit of eating soil were predictors to the infestation of soil-transmitted helminthiasis among pregnant women. Therefore, besides strengthening chemotherapy prevention, Antenatal care health promotion activities need to focus on behavioral change.
Rural Population’s Preferences Matter: A Value Set For The EQ-5D-3L Health States For China’s Rural Population
Authors: Liu Gordon , Guan Haijing , Jin Xuejing , Zhang Han , Vortherms Sam , Wu Hongyan
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To develop an EQ-5D-3L social value set based on Chinese rural population’s preferences using the time trade-off method, and to compare the differences in health states preferences between China urban and rural population.Methods: Between Sep 2013 and Nov 2013, a total of 1201 participants were recruited from rural areas of five Chinese cities (Beijing, Chengdu, Guiyang, Nanjing, and Shenyang) using a quota sampling method. A total of 97 EQ-5D-3L health states were valued for estimating the value set. Various models with different specifications were explored at both aggregate and individual levels. The final model was determined by a set of predefined selection criteria. Findings: An ordinary least square model at the aggregate level included 10 dummy variables for specifying the level 2 and 3 for each dimension and a N3 term presenting any dimension on level 3 was selected was selected as the final model. The final model provides a value set ranges from -0.218 to 0.859. The predicted utility values were highly correlated with but consistently lower than that of the published Chinese EQ-5D-3L value set (for urban population).Conclusion: The availability of the China rural value set provides a set of social preferences weights for researchers and policy decision-makers for use in China rural area.
Prognostic Factor in Patients with Advanced, Inoperable Thymic Carcinoma: An Application of the Lung Immune Prognostic Index
Authors: Araki Taisuke , Tateishi Kazunari , Komatsu Masamichi , Sonehara Kei , Kanda Shintaro , Hanaoka Masayuki , Koizumi Tomonobu
Published: July 2021

Background: The prognostic implications of palliative chemotherapy for advanced or recurrent thymic carcinomas require full elucidation. The lung immune prognostic index (LIPI) is a novel prognostic index whose effectiveness has recently been reported in lung cancer patients. This study aimed to evaluate the LIPI’s clinical value in advanced or recurrent thymic carcinoma patients. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 41 advanced or recurrent thymic carcinoma patients undergoing palliative chemotherapy between January 2001 and December 2020. Survival-time analysis was conducted using the Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank test. Multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model was performed to investigate the LIPI’s predictive and/or prognostic value.Results: Median progression-free survival (PFS) for first line chemotherapy and overall survival (OS) were significantly longer in the good-LIPI group (LIPI: 0) than in the intermediate/poor-LIPI group (LIPI: 1 or 2) (PFS: 13.4 vs. 6.8 months, p=0.0425; OS: 48.2 vs. 28.9 months, p=0.00506.). Multivariate analysis revealed that serum albumin <3.5 g/dL and an intermediate/poor LIPI were independent adverse prognostic factors for OS. Moreover, an intermediate/poor LIPI was the only adverse prognostic factor for PFS. Conclusions: Our study indicates that the LIPI is a potential prognostic marker in patients with advanced or recurrent thymic carcinoma undergoing palliative chemotherapy.
Research on resilience capacity assessment of urban water supply system in China under flood and drought disaster
Authors: Zhao Hui , Li Zhijie , Liu Jinning , Zhang Jingqi , Shao Zhiguo
Published: July 2021

Under the influence of global climate change, urban flood and drought disasters occur frequently, so that is extremely important to construct the resilience capacity of urban water supply system. Based on the framework of system toughness and capability analysis, using correlation analysis and factor analysis to construct the index system of resilience capacity assessment of urban water supply system, which reflects the four dimensions of water source, water plants, water supply and distribution network and users, and five dimensions of social, natural environment, economy, physics and organization, and the weights of all indexes are given. The multi-level comprehensive evaluation model based on cloud model and the index comprehensive evaluation index method based on entropy weight were used to evaluate the resilience of the water supply system in Qingdao under flood and drought disasters, and the evaluation results of the two methods were compared. Finally, based on the evaluation results, the influencing factors of water supply system resilience were analyzed, and the corresponding strategies to improve the resilience of water supply system were proposed, in order to provide decision support for the planning and construction of urban water supply system resilience in the near and long term.
Synthesis of (E)-2-(1H-tetrazole-5-yl)-3-phenylacrylenenitrile Derivatives Under Green Conditions Catalyzed by New Thermally Stable Magnetic Periodic Mesoporous Ognosilica Embedded With ZnO Nanoparticles
Authors: Safapoor Sajedeh , Dekamin Mohammad G. , Akbari Arezoo , Naimi-Jamal M. Reza
Published: July 2021

ZnO nanoparticles embedded on the surface of magnetic isocyanurate-based periodic mesoporous organosilica (Fe3O4@PMO-ICS–ZnO) was prepared through modified environmental-benign procedure for the first time and was properly characterized by appropriate spectroscopic and analytical methods or techniques used for mesoporous materials. The new thermally stable Fe3O4@PMO-ICS–ZnO materials with proper active sites, uniform particle size and surface area were investigated for the synthesis of medicinally important tetrazole derivatives through cascade condensation and concerted reactions as a representative of the Click Chemistry concept. The desired 5-substituted-1H-tetrazole derivatives were smoothly prepared in high to quantitative yields and good purity under green conditions. Low catalyst loading, very short reaction time and the use of green solvents such as EtOH and water instead of carcinogenic DMF as well as the possibility of easy separation and recyclability of the catalyst for at least five consecutive runs without significant loss of its activity are notable advantages of this new protocols compared to other recent introduced procedures.
Regression-based Gap-filling Methods Show Air Temperature Reductions and Wind Pattern Changes During the 2019 Total Eclipse in Chile
Authors: Hammann Arno Christian , MacDonell Shelley
Published: July 2021

Singular disruptive events like solar eclipses affect the measured values of meteorological variables at the earth’s surface. To quantify such an impact, it is necessary to estimate what value the parameter would have taken had the event not occurred. We design and compare several methods to perform such an estimate based on longer observational timeseries from individual meteorological surface stations. Our methods are based on regularized regressions (including a Bayesian variant) and provide both a point an associated error estimate of the disruptive event’s impact. With their help, we study the effect of the total solar eclipse of July 2 nd , 2019, in the Coquimbo Region of Chile, on near-surface air temperatures and winds. The observational data used have been collected by the meteorological surface station network of the Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA). Most stations inside the eclipse’s umbra registered a temperature drop of 1-2 • C, while the most extreme estimated temperature drop surpassed 6 • C. The presence of an ‘eclipse cyclone’ can neither be proven nor refuted. Application of the regression methods to other, comparable problems, like volcanic eruptions, forest fires or simply gap filling of observational data, are conceivable.
Beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate/arginine/glutamine (HMB/Arg/Gln) supplementation to improve the management of cachexia in patients with advanced lung cancer: an open-label, multicentre, randomised, controlled phase II trial (NOURISH)
Authors: Pascoe Jennifer , Houlton Aimee , Gaskell Charlotte , Gaunt Claire , Thompson Joyce , Billingham Lucinda , Steven Neil
Published: July 2021

Background
Cancer cachexia causes significant morbidity and mortality in advanced lung cancer patients. Clinical benefit of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate, arginine, and glutamine (HMB/Arg/Gln) was assessed in newly diagnosed patients.
Methods
NOURISH, a prospective, two-arm, open-label, multi-centre, randomised controlled phase II trial compared cachexia in patients who received HMB/Arg/Gln with those who did not. All patients received structured nutritional, exercise and symptom control via a Macmillan Durham Cachexia Pack. Conducted in five UK centres, patients aged ≥ 18 years, with newly diagnosed advanced small cell lung cancer (SCLC) or non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), who were able to take oral nutrition, with a performance status of 0-to-2 and a life expectancy > 4 months were eligible for trial entry. Patients suitable for treatment with curative intent were ineligible. The trial was designed as a signal-seeking pilot study with target recruitment of 96 patients. One-to-one randomisation was stratified by diagnosis (SCLC or NSCLC), stage of disease (locally advanced or metastatic) and performance status. The primary outcome measure was treatment success defined as a patient being alive without significant loss of lean body mass (not > 5%) by 12 weeks. Secondary outcome measures included quality of life.
Results
Between February-2012 and February-2013, 38 patients were recruited, 19 to each arm. Baseline characteristics were balanced. The trial was halted due to slow accrual and partial adherence. Trial data demonstrated no evidence of treatment benefit. No serious adverse events were reported during the trial.
Conclusions
Further evaluation of HMB/Arg/Gln in this setting could not be recommended on the basis of this trial.
Clinical Trial Registration
ISRCTN registry: 39911673; 14-Apr-2011 https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN39911673
Bilinear magnetoresistance in HgTe topological insulator: opposite signs at opposite surfaces demonstrated by gate control
Authors: Fu Yu , Li Jing , Papin Jules , Noel Paul , Cosset-Chéneau Maxen , Grezes Cecile , Guillet Thomas , Thomas Candice , Niquet Yann-Michel , Ballet Philippe , Meunier Tristan , ATTANE Jean-Philippe , fert albert , Vila Laurent
Published: July 2021

Spin-orbit effects appearing in topological insulators (TI) and at Rashba interfaces are currently revolutionizing how we can manipulate spins and have led to several newly discovered effects, from spin-charge interconversion and spin-orbit torques to novel magnetoresistance phenomena. In particular, a puzzling magnetoresistance has been evidenced, bilinear in electric and magnetic fields. Here, we report the observation of bilinear magnetoresistance (BMR) in strained HgTe, a prototypical TI. We show that both the amplitude and sign of this BMR can be tuned by controling, with an electric gate, the relative proportions of the opposite contributions of opposite surfaces. At magnetic fields of 1 T, the magnetoresistance is of the order of 1 \% and has a larger figure of merit than previously measured TIs. We propose a theoretical model giving a quantitative account of our experimental data. This phenomenon, unique to TI, offer novel opportunities to tune the electrical response of surface states for spintronics.
Selected ‘Starter Kit’ energy system modelling data for Laos (#CCG)
Authors: Allington Lucy , Cannone Carla , Pappis Ioannis , Barron Karla Cervantes , Usher Will , Pye Steve , Brown Edward , Howells Mark , Walker Miriam Zachau , Ahsan Aniq , Charbonnier Flora , Halloran Claire , Hirmer Stephanie , Taliotis Constantinos , Sundin Caroline , Sridha Vignesh , Ramos Eunice , Brinkerink Maarten , Deane Paul , Gritsevskyi Andrii , Moura Gustavo , Rouget Arnaud , Wogan David , Barcelona Edito , Rogner Holger
Published: July 2021

Energy system modelling can be used to assess the implications of different scenarios and support improved policymaking. However, access to data is often a barrier to energy system modelling, causing delays. Therefore, this article provides data that can be used to create a simple zero order energy system model for Laos, which can act as a starting point for further model development and scenario analysis. The data are collected entirely from publicly available and accessible sources, including the websites and databases of international organizations, journal articles, and existing modelling studies. This means that the dataset can be easily updated based on the latest available information or more detailed and accurate local data. These data were also used to calibrate a simple energy system model using the Open Source Energy Modelling System (OSeMOSYS) and three stylized scenarios (Fossil Future, Least Cost and Net Zero by 2050) for 2020–2050. The assumptions used and results of these scenarios are presented in the appendix as an illustrative example of what can be done with these data. This simple model can be adapted and further developed by in-country analysts and academics, providing a platform for future work.
Selected ‘Starter Kit’ energy system modelling data for Philippines (#CCG)
Authors: Allington Lucy , Cannone Carla , Pappis Ioannis , Barron Karla Cervantes , Usher Will , Pye Steve , Brown Edward , Howells Mark , Niet Taco , Walker Miriam Zachau , Ahsan Aniq , Charbonnier Flora , Halloran Claire , Hirmer Stephanie , Taliotis Constantinos , Sundin Caroline , Sridha Vignesh , Ramos Eunice , Brinkerink Maarten , Deane Paul , Gritsevskyi Andrii , Moura Gustavo , Wogan David , Barcelona Edito , Rogner Holger
Published: July 2021

Energy system modelling can be used to assess the implications of different scenarios and support improved policymaking. However, access to data is often a barrier to energy system modelling, causing delays. Therefore, this article provides data that can be used to create a simple zero order energy system model for Philippines, which can act as a starting point for further model development and scenario analysis. The data are collected entirely from publicly available and accessible sources, including the websites and databases of international organizations, journal articles, and existing modelling studies. This means that the dataset can be easily updated based on the latest available information or more detailed and accurate local data. These data were also used to calibrate a simple energy system model using the Open Source Energy Modelling System (OSeMOSYS) and three stylized scenarios (Fossil Future, Least Cost and Net Zero by 2050) for 2020–2050. The assumptions used and results of these scenarios are presented in the appendix as an illustrative example of what can be done with these data. This simple model can be adapted and further developed by in-country analysts and academics, providing a platform for future work.
A face-machine interface utilizing EEG artifacts from a neuroheadset for simulated wheelchair control
Authors: Saichoo Theerat , Boonbrahm Poonpong , Punsawad Yunyong
Published: July 2021

Many people suffer from movement disabilities and would benefit from an assistive mobility device with practical control. This paper demonstrates a face-machine interface system that uses motion artifacts from electroencephalogram (EEG) signals for mobility enhancement in people with quadriplegia. We employed an Emotiv EPOC X neuroheadset to acquire EEG signals. With the proposed system, we verified the preprocessing approach, feature extraction algorithms, and control modalities. Incorporating eye winks and jaw movements, an average accuracy of 96.9% across four commands was achieved. Moreover, the online control results of a simulated power wheelchair showed high efficiency based on the time condition. The combination of winking and jaw chewing results in a steering time on the same order of magnitude as that of joystick-based control, but still about twice as long. We will further improve the efficiency and implement the proposed face-machine interface system for a real-power wheelchair.
Három nemzetközi kutatás tanulóijóllét-koncepciójának összevetése
Authors: Széll Krisztián , Szabó Lilla , Róbert Péter
Published: July 2021

Az utóbbi években (hazai viszonylatban is) egyre növekvő kutatói érdeklődés mutatkozik a gyermekek jólléte iránt, ami különösen igaz az oktatás, iskola kontextusában történő vizsgálatokra. A tanulmány fő célja, hogy átfogó képet adjon a tanulók szubjektív jóllétének lehetséges vizsgálati dimenzióiról, ennek érdekében három nemzetközi kutatás – (1) Gyermekek világa – Nemzetközi vizsgálat a gyermekek jóllétéről (ISCWeB), (2) Iskoláskorú gyermekek egészségmagatartása (HBSC), (3) Tanulói teljesítmények nemzetközi értékelésének programja (PISA) – jóllétkoncepcióját, valamint a felmérések legutóbbi adatfelvételeiben vizsgált tanulói jóllétdimenziókat veti össze. Összességében megállapítható, hogy a tanulói jóllét vizsgálatát mindhárom felmérés többdimenziós keretbe ágyazza, így számos közös terület (élettel való általános elégedettség, érzelmi állapot, pszichológiai jóllét, családi élet, baráti kapcsolatok, iskolai élet, egészségi állapot, szubjektív és objektív testkép) megjelenik az adatfelvételekben. Az összehasonlítás eredménye azt mutatja, hogy a felmérések jólléthez köthető kérdései nem minden esetben feleltethetők meg teljesen egymásnak, több esetben inkább csak tartalmi, funkcionális megfeleltetés lehetséges. Emellett a vizsgált tanulók életkora, a tanulók jóllétére vonatkozó kérdések kontextusa is eltérő ezekben a felmérésekben. Különbség mutatkozik az egyes dimenziókhoz tartozó kérdések, illetve itemek számában, a válaszlehetőségként megadott kategóriákban (skálák fokozatában), valamint abban is, hogy az egyes adatfelvételek milyen időintervallumra vonatkoztatva kérdeznek rá bizonyos jelenségek előfordulására. Mindezek ellenére tanulmányunk első lépés abba az irányba, hogy a későbbiekben ezen nemzetközi felmérések eredményei alapján megpróbáljunk megbízhatóbb és érvényesebb képet alkotni a tanulók jóllétéről, különös tekintettel a magyar jellegzetességekre.
MAXQDA a kérdőívek nyílt kérdéseinek feldolgozásában
Authors: Sántha Kálmán
Published: July 2021

Rädiker, S. & Kuckartz, U. (2020). Offene Survey-Fragen mit MAXQDA analysieren. Schritt für Schritt. Berlin: MAXQDA Press. 31. oldal. ISBN 978-3-948768010. DOI: 10.36192/978-3-948768010
EDUARDO MOTTA ALVES PEIXOTO (20/10/1939 - 23/07/2021) IDEALIZADOR E FUNDADOR DA QUÍMICA NOVA
Authors: Toma Henrique
Published: July 2021

EDUARDO MOTTA ALVES PEIXOTO (20/10/1939 – 23/07/2021) IDEALIZADOR E FUNDADOR DA QUÍMICA NOVA
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAHs) Analyses in Marine Tissues Using Accelerated Solvent Extraction (ASE) in Tandem with In-Cell Purification and GC‑MS
Authors: Pinheiro Camilla , Carreira Renato , Massone Carlos
Published: July 2021

The aim of this research was the replacement of conventional sample extraction techniques for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in tissue samples for a reliable, fast and ecofriendly procedure. The method was developed using a pressurized solvent extraction method and assessing two different standard reference materials (fish and mussel) and freeze-dried and fortified sardine samples (Sardinella sp.). Five different extraction procedures were evaluated and the best performance comprised 1 g of lyophilized tissue, 5 g of deactivated (5%) silica, a dichloromethane:methanol (4:1 v/v) mixture, a temperature of 80 °C, three cycles, 10 min of static time and 90 s of purge time. The method selected following these tests was further validated through the analysis of nine replicates of the National Institute of Standard and Technology (NIST) reference material No. 2976, resulting in an effective recovery of 83 ± 14%. The means and uncertainties attained for each PAH were equivalent to those of the reference material, corroborating the reliability of the developed method. A shorter processing time, less use of solvents and reagents and lower extract manipulation produced an effective method aligned with green-chemistry guidelines.
THE FORECASTING OF STATE MULTI-DIMENSIONAL DYNAMIC SYSTEM BY COBB - DOUGLAS FUNCTION
Authors:   Siberian Federal University, MASAEV SERGEY N.
Published: July 2021

The high speed of predicting the state of the research object by two factor mathematical models makes them in demand today. In the article, the forecasting accuracy is achieved by performing the task of identifying the research object. A two - factor Cobb - Douglas model for predicting the state of the production system is considered. A review of researches on the application of the two factorial Cobb - Douglas model showed that it is well known and widespread. In modern conditions, the change in the nature of the interaction of production factors under the influence of new factors reduces the accuracy of the forecast. The growth in the number of factors of production and the influence of the external environment make it difficult to use the Cobb - Douglas function. Changes in the relationship of factors of production form new local functions. It was found that in complex dynamic objects the importance of local functions changes. A change in the interaction of production factors depends on the influence of the external environment and determines the dynamics of the development of the system. An algorithm COBBA for calculating a two factor model of a production system is proposed. In the author's method and program, an algorithm is implemented and the values of the Cobb - Douglas production function are obtained. To assess the interaction of production factors in the research, a dynamic system is considered, which consists of eight enterprises. The classical calculation of the two factor model as a dynamic system through the regression equation is performed. Also we calculated three local functions that can be used in the Cobb - Douglas function for forecasting. The regression equation is used for operational (fast) forecasting by a dynamic system, taking into account changes in its dimension and the influence of environmental parameters. The specified forecast accuracy has been achieved.
RESEARCH OF THE ISSUES OF IMPROVEMENT OF PROTECTION SYSTEMS AGAINST DDOS-ATTACKS BASED ON THE COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF MODERN INTERACTION MECHANISMS
Authors:   Kuban State Technological University, BACHMANOV DMITRIY A. , OCHEREDKO ANDREY R. ,   Kuban State Technological University, PUTYATO MICHAEL M. ,   Kuban State Technological University, MAKARYAN ALEXANDER S. ,   Kuban State Technological University
Published: July 2021

The article presents the results of an analysis of the growth in the development of botnet networks and new cyber threats when they are used by cybercriminals. A review and comparison of the models for the implementation of botnet networks is carried out, as a result of which there are two main types. The main types of attacks carried out using the infrastructure of distributed computer networks are identified and classified, formed into 7 main groups, taking into account the relevance, prevalence and amount of damage. Based on the results of the analysis, it was determined that the most widespread and relevant type of attack is “Denial of Service”. The article presents a classification of services that provide services to ensure the protection of network resources from distributed attacks by the "Denial of Service" type, by the type of deployment, the level of security and the types of services provided. The comparison criteria are given taking into account their infrastructure, availability of technical support and a test period, available types of protection, capabilities, additional options, notification and reporting, as well as licensing. Practically implemented and shown a way to integrate the DDoS-Guard Protection service with an additional module at the application level, which made it possible to expand the methods of protection against DDoS attacks. Various modifications of the combined use of the module and the modified system make it possible to increase the expected level of detection and prevention of cyber - attacks.
PIVOTAL REGION OF EURASIA’S GEOPOLITICAL HISTORY
Authors:   Astrakhan State University, KARABUSHENKO PAUL L.
Published: July 2021

Each geopolitical region has its own geographical strongholds, around which the format of their history, culture and politics emerges and develops. In Eurasia, such a region is the Caspian Sea region, with its adjoining territories. This region determines the "political weather" on this continent. The pivotal region of Eurasian geopolitical history contains answers to many mysteries of the political past of Europe and Asia: the ideas of the three world religions, which played a key role in the spiritual development of all mankind, originated and spread in this continent. From this region, rapid processes emerged and gained strength, which swept like bloody whirlwinds across the entire Eurasian space from Vladivostok to Lisbon. And all of them, to some extent, affected the pivotal region of Eurasia, spinning it with their events. From the Roman Empire in the West to the Japanese Empire in the East, the political history of Eurasia is a story of continuous alternation (rise and fall) of empires and the struggle of various peoples for imperial status. Two trends accompanied the genesis of empires - the desire for domination and the need for security. The Caspian region has become an intersection of these separate histories into a common history of Eurasia. This paper analyzes the impact of this region on Eurasian history.
SOCIO-ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC THREATS TO THE ECONOMIC SECURITY OF THE CASPIAN SEA REGION
Authors:   Kalmyk State University them. B.B. Gorodovikov, KUREPINA NATALIA L.
Published: July 2021

Stable economic development, timely neutralization of challenges and threats are the most important prerequisites for economic security of Russia and its regions. Uneven spatial development of the Russian Federation and the increasing differentiation in the regional development are listed as the main challenges and threats to economic security in the Economic Security Strategy of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2030. The socio-economic development of the Caspian regions is characterized by significant disparities, which determined the purpose of the research. Particular attention is paid to the study of inter-regional differentiation as a threat to economic security. An analytical review of the indicators of socio-economic development in these constituent territories of the Russian Federation allowed for identification of various risks and threats to economic security. The analysis allowed the author to conclude that when assessing threats to the economic security of the regions, it is necessary to take into account territorial, sectoral features, multi-ethnicity, etc. Hence, it is necessary to enhance the quantitative assessment indicators, complementing them with qualitative level indicators. In order to achieve the necessary objectivity, depth and comprehensiveness in understanding, taking into account the realities of modernity, the author recommends assessing state's economic security in the regions and the policy of ensuring it from an interdisciplinary perspective, relying on economic science as well as on other areas of scientific knowledge.
A STUDY OF FAMILY ADVOCATE LAWS AND POLICIES IN IRAN (POST-ISLAMIC REVOLUTION)
Authors:   Astrakhan State University, MOKHTARI SEYEDEH REZVANEH , MOKHTARI BEHROOZ ,   Link Campus University
Published: July 2021

The study of social developments in Iran indicates slow but wide-ranging changes in recent years. With the Islamic Revolution (1979), Iranian society gradually faced increasing waves of fundamental cultural changes. The Islamic Republic of Iran, as the crossroads of Islam and modern law, considers the family as the fundamental unit of society and a sacred institution and therefore has always advocated “family. Based upon the tenth article of the Iranian constitution all laws, legal measures, regulations, and planning related to the family must be based on Islamic law and ethics (Islamic sharia) in order to facilitate its formation, protect its sanctity and strengthen family relations. The number of laws and policies and bills that were introduced in the period after the victory of the Islamic Revolution and in direct or indirect connection with the family institution is proof of this claim. This qualitative research has studied those policies and laws (1979 to 2020) that have represented the aim of advocating “Family”. Critical analysis has been used in the text as amethod of research. According to the results of the analysis, while “Governmental” reactions to “Family” issues have been mostly of economic essence and conservative approach, “Judicial” reactions have remained more responsible in case of addressing the contemporary problems of the “Family” institution. It is noteworthy that a review of legal policies shows that changes in the institution of the family have been identified by the government. A finding that shows the relative independence of the legal sphere from the sphere of government action. After the Iranian revolution, policies and programs have been implemented to support the family in the face of the challenges of modernization. Therefore, the purpose of this essay is to study the changes and developments of the family in the context of law and policy making and its impact on Iranian policy in the field of family.
Effect of Surfactant Chain Length on Emulsification Dynamics of Self
Emulsifying Formulation of Poorly Soluble Drug
Authors: Chouhan Shailendra , Chauhan Lalit Singh
Published: July 2021

Aim:

In this work, the aim was to study the effect of the chain length of surfactant on
the self emulsifying system of a poorly soluble drug, aceclofenac. The selection of almond oil as a
lipid vehicle was done on the basis of solubility and compatibility of the vehicle with the drug.

Methods:

The effect of varying chain length of different surfactants of Tween series, namely
Tween 20, Tween 40, Tween 60 and Tween 80, was evaluated on self emulsifying efficiency by
constructing the pseudoternary diagrams. PEG-400 was used as a co-surfactant in a definite ratio
with all the surfactants to minimize their concentration. The best self emulsifying ability was exhibited
by Tween 80: PEG-400 combination followed by Tween 60: PEG-400, Tween 40:
PEG-400, Tween 20: PEG-400. This observation indicates that as the chain length of Tweens increases,
their ability to form a good microemulsion increases if the same co-surfactant is used.

Results:

However, it has also been found that the presence of unsaturated bond in Tween 80 provides
it an elasticity which supports good intermixing of oil and water, leading to formation of a
fine microemulsion. Six different formulations were prepared using a combination of almond oil,
Tween 80, PEG-400 and the drug aceclofenac.

Conclusion:

The formulations were subjected to various evaluation parameters, such as dispersibility,
transmittance, pH, globule size, polydispersibility, zeta potential, viscosity, refractive index
and in vitro dissolution. The best formulation was found to have globule size of less than 100 nm
and zeta potential of -3.35 ± 0.60 mV, indicating the formation of a microemulsion of aceclofenac
with good stability.
Exploring the COVID-19 Potential Targets: Big Challenges to Quest Specific Treatment
Authors: Roy Harekrishna , Gummadi Asha , Nayak Bhabani Shankar , Nandi Sisir , Saxena Anil Kumar
Published: July 2021

Background:

The novel strain SARS-CoV-2 of coronavirus diseases (COVID-19) became
pandemic at the end of 2019 with an unprecedented global crisis by infecting around 11 million people
in more than 200 countries. The condition has now been provoked by the demand, supply, and
liquidity shocks that COVID-19 has attacked the lives of a vast population.

Objective:

Researchers are therefore trying to encode and understand the viral genome sequence
along with various potential targets to explore the transmission mechanism and the mode of treatment
for COVID-19. The important structural proteins such as nucleocapsid protein (N), membrane protein
(M), an envelope protein (E), and spike protein (S) related to COVID-19 are discussed in this manuscript.

Methods:

The topology of these various targets has been explored utilizing structure-based design
and crystallographic studies.

Results:

The literature reported that the N-protein processes the viral genome to the host cell during
replication. The “N-terminal domain” and “C-terminal domain” contribute towards localization in the
endoplasmic region and dimerization respectively. The M protein determines the shape of coronavirus
and also assists the S protein to integrate with the Golgi-endoplasmic region complex leading to the
stabilization of the virion. The smallest hydrophobic viroporin termed “E” takes part in morphogenesis
and pathogenesis during intracellular infection. The viral spike (S) protein attaches the cellular
receptors and initiates virus-cell membrane fusions. The main protease in the proteolytic process during
viral gene expression and replication has also been discussed.

Conclusion:

Currently, there is no permanent cure and treatment of COVID-19 hence researchers are
repurposing a suitable combination of drugs including antiviral, antimalarial, antiparasitic, and antibacterial,
hypertensive receptor blockers, immunosuppressants, anti-arthritis drugs, including ayurvedic
formulations. In brief, it is justified that, for complete recovery, there is a need for deep and elaborate
studies on genomic sequences and invading mechanisms in the host cell.
COVID-19: Are Experimental Drugs a Cure or Cause?
Authors: Karahalil Bensu , Elkama Aylin
Published: July 2021

Background:

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new strain of coronavirus. It is
characterized by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It has quickly influenced
all over the world since it spreads easily. Common symptoms are fever, cough, difficulty
in breathing and muscle aches. Despite the urgent need to find an effective antiviral treatment, already
available agents are being used alone or in combination all over the world. At the beginning
of the pandemic, death rates of infection caused by COVID-19 are high but “is COVID-19 responsible
for all deaths?”, or “are there any contributions of the frequently used drugs in this period to these
deaths?” Surely herd immunity plays a major role and has contributed to the decline in mortality
rates. Meanwhile, it is kept in mind that due to safety concerns, changes have also been made in
the dosage and combined use of frequently used drugs.

Objective:

In this review, answers to two questions above and the safety of treatments, toxicities of
agents involving chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, remdesivir, favipiravir, lopiravir/ritonavir, sarilumab,
tocilizumab, siltuximab, corticosteroids and bromhexine which are the most frequently
used in Turkey and all over the world will be summarized.

Conclusion:

Among these drugs, favipiravir seems the most promising drug due to more tolerable
adverse effects. More clinical trials with large sample sizes are needed to find the most effective
and safe drug for COVID-19 treatment.
Molecular Fingerprinting by Single Cell Clone Analysis in Adverse Drug
Reaction (ADR) Assessment
Authors: Banerjee Anjan K.
Published: July 2021

:

Causality assessment for idiosyncratic ADRs mainly relies on epidemiology, signal detection
and less often on proven or plausible mechanistic evidence of the drug at a cellular or organ
level. Distinct clones of cells can exist within organs of individual patients, some conferring susceptibility
to well-recognised Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs). Recent advances in molecular biology
have allowed the development of single-cell clonal techniques, including single-cell RNA sequencing
(scRNA-seq) to molecularly fingerprint ADRs and distinguish between distinct clones of
cells within organs in individuals, which may confer differing susceptibilities to ADRs. ScRNA-
seq permits molecular fingerprinting of some serious ADRs, mainly in the skin, through the
identification of Directly Expressed Genes (DEG) of interest within specific clones. Overexpressed
DEGs provide an opportunity for targeted treatment strategies to be developed. scRN A-seq could
be applied to a number of other ADRs involving tissues that can be biopsied/sampled (including
skin, liver, kidney, blood, stem cells) as well as providing a molecular basis for rapid screening of
potential therapeutic candidates, which may not otherwise be predictable from a class of toxicity/organ
involvement. A framework for putative assessment for ADRs using scRNA-seq is proposed as
well as speculating on potential regulatory implications for pharmacovigilance and drug development.
Molecular fingerprinting of ADRs using scRNA-seq may allow better targeting for enhanced
pharmacovigilance and risk minimisation measures for medicines with appropriate benefit-risk profiles,
although cost-effectiveness and other factors, such as frequency/severity of individual ADRs
and population differences, will still be relevant.
Variability of Pharmacogenomics Information in Drug Labels Approved
by Different Agencies and its Ethical Implications
Authors: Güner Müberra Devrim , Ekmekci Perihan Elif , Kurtoglu Berra
Published: July 2021

Aims:

The aim of this study was to determine if there are discrepancies among various
agency-approved labels for the same active ingredient and where the labels approved by the Turkish
Medicines and Medical Devices Agency (TMMDA) stand regarding the inclusion of PGx and
discuss these ethical implications.

Background:

The efficacy and safety of drugs can be improved by rational prescription and personalization
of medicine for each patient. Pharmacogenomics information (PGx) in Drug Labels (DL)
is one of the important tools for the personalization of medications because genetic differences
may affect both drug efficacy and safety. Providing adequate PGx to patients has ethical implications.

Objective:

The study aims to evaluate PGx in the DLs approved by TMMDA and other national
agencies provided by the Pharmacogenomics Knowledgebase.

Methods:

DL annotations from the Pharmacogenomics Knowledgebase and DLs approved by the
TMMDA were analyzed according to information and action levels, which are “testing required”,
“testing recommended”, “actionable”, and “informative”.

Results:

There are 381 drugs listed in PharmGKB drug label annotations with pharmacogenomics
information, and 278 of these have biomarkers. A total of 242 (63.5%) drugs are approved and available
in Turkey. Of these, 207 (85.5%) contain the same information as in or similar to that in the
labels approved by the other agencies. The presence and level of information varied among the
DLs approved by different agencies. The inconsistencies may have an important effect on the efficacy
and the safety of drugs.

Conclusion:

These findings suggest a need for the standardization of PGx information globally because
it may not only affect the efficacy and safety of medications but also essential ethical rules regarding
patient rights by violating not sufficiently sharing all available information.
Wolność – religia – wolność religijna
Authors:   Katolicki Uniwersytet Lubelski Jana Pawła II, Stępień Katarzyna
Published: July 2021

The article points to a voluntary tendency in the history of philosophy, which is the theoretical justification for the phenomenon of the absolutisation of freedom. This phenomenon also occurs in practical life, where freedom is no longer understood as freedom to truth and goodness and within the limits of natural law, but as negative freedom. The absence of natural limitations to human freedom leads to its absolutisation and permissiveness, and consequently to attempts by the state and the law to limit it, which leads to its negation. However, the conflict between freedom and nature, nature and culture, freedom and law is illusive. The article points out the ontic basis of human freedom, a synthesis of the freedom and religion in the form of religious freedom, threats to freedom and religion from atheism, fideism, sentimentalism and individualism. The data to defense against the reduction of freedom and religion are from realistic philosophy, showing the rational and objective character of freedom and religion.
Potential of lacto-N-biose I as a prebiotic for infant health: A review
Authors: Kiyat Warsono El , Astuti Santi Dwi , Budijanto Slamet , Syamsir Elvira
Published: July 2021

Prebiotic is one alternative in the prevention of disease in infants. Generally, it is available as oligosaccharide which may occur naturally, but can also be added as a dietary supplement for food, beverage or formula. Lacto-N-biose I (LNB), a kind of prebiotic has not been widely examined in regard to its activities as a bifidogenic factor. Naturally, it is available in a compound form in human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) as the main constituent of human milk rather than fat and protein. HMOs also have prebiotic activity in the body and play an important role in providing nutrition for the infant health. LNB is potential to be used in food ingredient, especially infant food formula regarding the prebiotic effect and it could be enzymatically synthesized using enzymes involved in the LNB biosynthesis pathway by microorganisms.
Benthic habitat classification using multiscale GEOBIA on orthophoto images of Karimunjawa waters
Authors: Dwikarsa Yahya , Basith Abdul
Published: July 2021

The scale value is an important part of the segmentation stage which is part of Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA). Selection of scale value can determine the size of the object which affects the results of classification accuracy. In addition to setting the scale value (multiscale), selection of machine learning algorithm applied to classify shallow water benthic habitat objects can also determine the success of the classification. Combination of setting scale values and classification algorithms are aimed to get optimal results by examining classification accuracies. This study uses orthophoto images processed from Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) mission intended to capture benthic habitat in Karimunjawa waters. The classification algorithms used are Support Vector Machine (SVM), Bayes, and K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN). The results of the classification of combination are then tested for accuracy based on the sample and Training Test Area (TTA) masks. The result shows that SVM algorithm with scale of 300 produces the best level of accuracy. While the lowest accuracy is achieved by using SVM algorithm with scale of 100. The result shows that the optimal scale settings in segmenting objects sequentially are 300, 200, and 100
Analysis of Surface Water Areal changes using Remote Sensing Data
Authors:   School of Engineering, University of Newcastle, Australia, Murray Heath , Khaki Mehdi ,   School of Engineering, University of Newcastle, Australia
Published: July 2021

Inland water bodies are crucial for supporting human life in various parts of the world. Therefore, it is essential to accurately monitor its spatiotemporal variations for better water management. The main objective of this study is to investigate the application of remote sensing data for quantifying the surface area changes and the impact of climatological variabilities over Lakes Mead and Chapala. Historical time series of monthly surface area dynamics were developed using Landsat 1-8 scenes and the climate variability was analysed using evaporation rate and precipitation. Results show that estimated surface water changes from satellite data agree well with independent data. A significant decline in surface area of about 40% since 2000 was found over the Lake Mead region. The relationship between surface area, precipitation and evaporation indicate that climatological factors have contributed to the lake surface area reduction. Lake Chapala’s surface area, on the other hand, has not fallen significantly despite negative trends in precipitation. It was found that human interactions with the lake are likely the main cause of surface area variations. The information about water surface area variation in this study is valuable for monitoring and characterising the predictability of water availability of the regions.
Regulation of Membrane Phospholipid Homeostasis in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors:   University of Guelph, Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, Guelph Canada, Quan XinRan , Bakovic Marica ,   University of Guelph, Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, Guelph Canada
Published: July 2021

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are a diverse group of neuropathological diseases that are currently incurable due to the irreversible neuronal loss. At the present rate of the world population growth, it is projected that the number of ND cases will double by the year of 2050. With treatments only available for symptom management and relief, disease prevention may yield significant benefits. Recently, there had been association drawn between the disruption of phospholipid (PL) homeostasis and the progression of NDs. Pathological developments were observed in cellular processes including autophagy, maintenance of mitochondrial integrity, and management of tissue oxidative stress. As PLs actively participate in the regulation of these cellular pathways and in neuronal signal transduction for the maintenance of an optimally functioning nervous system, their homeostasis is tightly controlled via an intricate system of interconversion and metabolism. Therefore, in this review, the contribution of a homeostatic PL pool and the detrimental effects by the lack thereof, are discussed in detail as it relates to ND development.