bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Awareness of combined oral contraceptives use among Jordanian women: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Jaber Deema , Tahaineh Linda , Akour Amal , Albsoul-Younes Abla
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To investigate Jordanian women’s knowledge, attitude, awareness and practice regarding combined oral contraceptives (COCs) benefits and risks.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 Jordanian women attending the Obstetrics and Gynecology clinics at Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan. A closed- and open-ended questionnaire was used to explore Jordanian participants' knowledge, attitude and practice regarding COCs use, effect and side effects. Structured interviews were conducted by a trained research team. Thus, it was a pharmacist-assisted survey, and lay language was used to explain difficult medical terminologyResults: Most of participants were prescribed COCs by their physicians (77.1 %), half of them depend on others' experiences and media as sources of information rather than consulting their healthcare team. Half of participants have an idea of non-contraception uses of COCs (50.3 %). One fourth of women (26.0 %) believed that using COCs decreases fertility or even causes infertility, especially if used before their first pregnancy (43.3 %). Women in their middle age were more uncertain about the relation between COCs use and anemia (p = 0.014) or dysmenorrhea pain (p = 0.005). While women who used COCs believed more that the pills regulate menstruation (p < 0.001) and decrease dysmenorrhea pain (p < 0.001) compare with women who had never used COCs pills. Women in general are uncertain if COCs use has negative or positive relation with some types of cancer such as ovarian, cervical and breast. Women who are not affiliated to the healthcare professions were more uncertain about the relation between COCs use and atherosclerosis risk (p = 0.002), MI (p = 0.025) and stroke risk (p = 0.035).Conclusion: There is insufficient awareness and knowledge of the beneficial and non-contraceptive uses of COCs. Educational programs are needed to improve women’s awareness of the benefits and risks of COCs.

Keywords: Combined oral contraceptives, COCs, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Beliefs, Benefits, Risks
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist versus basal insulin in type-2 diabetic patients: An efficacy and safety analysis
Authors: Lin Kaiping , Lv Qi , Yang Xiaoling , Lin Ting , Feng Min , Chen Xiaxia
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist with that of basal insulin in type 2 diabetes patients.

Methods: Type-2 diabetes patients who were insensitive to metformin were treated with glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GP cohort, n = 115) or basal insulin (BI cohort, n = 152) with metformin. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level and body weight were determined, and adverse effects also recorded.

Results: After 16 weeks of treatment, glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist did not significantly reduce HbA1c levels (7.45 ± 2.11 % vs. 7.01 ± 2.01, p = 0.107). In contrast, basal insulin significantly reduced the levels of HbA1c (7.91 ± 2.98 % vs. 7.13 ± 2.22 %, p = 0.010, q = 3.852). Glucagon-likepeptide 1 receptor agonist reduced the body weight of patients (65.25 ± 7.55 kg vs. 62.16 ± 6.15 kg, p = 0.0008, q = 5.121), unlike basal insulin (63.71 ± 6.15 vs. 62.65 ± 6.76 kg, p = 0.154).

Conclusion: Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist and basal insulin + metformin produce identical effectiveness in the treatment of type-2 diabetic patients.

Keywords: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, Glycemic control, Insulin, Metformin, Type-2 diabetes
Therapeutic effect of teriparatide combined with lowfrequency pulsed electromagnetic field on hip fracture
Authors: Sun Xiang , Guo Xuefeng , Cao Wen , Dong Qiang
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of teriparatide in combination with low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field in the management of hip fracture.Methods: Patients with hip fracture internal fixation and under conventional postoperative basic adjuvant therapy were compared with those patients who received teriparatide combined with low frequency pulsed electromagnetic field after operation. The content of Bone-Specific AlkalinePhosphatase (BALP), type I Procollagen Carboxy Terminal Propeptide (PICP), serum bone glaprotein (BGP), Ca2+, hip function and degree of bone scab formation were evaluated using Harris score and Fernadez-esteve scoring system. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was plotted to analyze differences in short-term prognosis of different postoperative adjuvant treatment measures.Results: Harris score of the hip joint and the effect of bone formation in the experimental group were higher than that of the control group. The blood levels of BGP, BALP, PICP and serum Ca2+ in the experimental group were higher than that of the control group (p < 0.05). The plotted Kaplan-Meier survival curve indicates that the prognosis of the experimental group was better than that of control group (p < 0.05).Conclusion: The adjuvant therapy of teriparatide combined with low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field can improve the recovery function and enhance the prognosis of patients who underwent hip fracture surgery.

Keywords: Teriparatide; Low frequency pulsed electromagnetic field, hip fracture
Downregulation of miR-451a in plasma may promote prothrombin expression and contribute to high blood coagulation state in gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Qiu Min , Shangguan Zhimin , Zhang Hao
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To investigate F2 and miR-451a levels in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) patients, evaluate the potential role of miR-451a in GDM, and to explore its possible downstream targets.

Methods: Thromboelastography (TEG) analysis was conducted to analyze coagulation differences between the GDM and control groups. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and immunoblot were performed to analyze miR-451a and F2 levels after exposure to high glucose and miR-451a mimics or an miR-451a inhibitor. Luciferase assay was used to explore the potential regulatory mechanism.

Results: Enhancement of the patients' blood coagulation ability and down-regulated miR-451a expression levels occurred in the plasma of GDM patients. The data further show that hepatocytes exposed to high glucose reduced miR-451a levels and enhanced F2 expression. The  overexpression of miR-451a inhibited the expression of F2.

Conclusion: MiR-451a may serve as a promising marker for hypercoagulable state GDM patients

Keywords: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), MiR-451a, F2, Hypercoagulable state, Prothrombin, Thromboelastography (TEG)
Ameliorative effects of olibanum essential oil on learning and memory in Aβ1-42-induced Alzheimer’s disease mouse model
Authors: Zhang Zhenzhen , Chen Wenhua , Luan Jie , Chen Dagui , Liu Lina , Feng Xu
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To study the effect of olibanum essential oil (OEO) on learning and memory in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) mouse.Methods: Mice were administered the 42-amino acid form of amyloid β-peptide (Aβ1-42) to induce AD and then treated with OEO at 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg, p.o. for two weeks. Following treatment, the AD mice were assessed by step-down test (SDT), dark avoidance test (DAT), and Morris water maze test (MWM). Blood and brain tissues were collected for biochemical assessments. Gas chromatographymass spectroscopy was used to analyze the main constituents of OEO.Results: The main constituents of OEO were limonene, α-pinene, and 4-terpineol. Treatment with OEO prolonged t latency in SDT and DAT, but decreased error times. Escape latency decreased and crossing times were rose in the MWM following OEO treatment (p < 0.5). Treatment with OEO also enhanced the acetylcholine levels and decreased the acetylcholinesterase levels in serum and brain tissue (p < 0.5). Additionally, OEO reduced amyloid plaques in the hippocampus and protected hippocampal neurons from damage. Furthermore, OEO decreased c-fos expression in  hippocampus tissues from AD mice (p < 0.5).Conclusion: OEO has significant ameliorative effect AD-induced deterioration in learning and memory in AD mouse induced by Aβ1-42. The mechanisms of these effects are related to increased acetylcholine contents, reduction of amyloid plaques, protection of hippocampal neurons, and downregulation of c-fos in brain tissues. The results justify the need for further investigation of candidate drugs derived from OEO for the  management of AD.

Keywords: Olibanum, Essential oil, Learning, Memory, AD
Aged garlic extract potentiates doxorubicin cytotoxicity in human breast cancer cells
Authors: Alkreathy Huda Mohammed , AlShehri Noura Farraj , Kamel Fatemah Omer , Alghamdi Ahmed Khalaf , Esmat Ahmed , Karim Shahid
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To investigate the potential chemo-sensitizing effect of aged garlic extract (AGE) on doxorubicin (DOX) in breast cancer cells (MCF-7), and the possible underlying mechanisms.Methods: Human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) was treated with AGE and DOX. The cytotoxic effects of AGE and DOX were investigated via cell cycle analysis and apoptosis induction, using flow cytometry. Mechanistic studies involved the determination of cellular uptake of DOX and  p-glycoprotein (P-gp) activity.Results: Combined treatment of MCF7 cells with AGE and DOX produced no significant effect at AGE dose of 10 mg/mL. However, co-treatment with AGE at doses of 50 and 93 mg/mL enhanced the cytotoxicity of DOX on MCF-7 cells, with IC50 values of 0.962 and 0.999 μM, respectively, whencompared with 1.85 μM DOX alone. Moreover, Annexin V-FITC and PI techniques showed that AGE significantly increased percentage of cells in late apoptosis. Besides, AGE-DOX treatment significantly increased cellular uptake of DOX and inhibited P-gp activity, when compared with DOX alone (p < 0.05).Conclusion: AGE enhances the cytotoxic effect of DOX on MCF-7 cells, most likely due to cell cycle distribution, stimulation of apoptosis, increased uptake of DOX by MCF7, and inhibition of P-gp activity.

Keywords: Aged garlic extract, Doxorubicin, Breast cancer, MCF-7 cell line, P-glycoprotein, Apoptosis, Cell cycle
Computational and pharmacological evaluation of stevioside derivatives for antinociceptive and antiinflammatory potential
Authors: Ahmad Sadaf , Khan Arif-ullah , Faheem Muhammad , Iqbal Muhammad Shahid , Hossain Mohammad Akbar , Ullah Asad , Ahmad Shabir
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To carry out computational and pharmacological evaluation of two stevioside derivatives in order to develop more effective candidates for analgesia and inflammation.Methods: Primarily, compounds were docked against targets of nociception and inflammation such as cyclooxygenase-1, cyclooxygenase-2, 5-lypooxygenase 12-lypooxygenase, 15-lypooxygenase, prostaglandin synthase, leukotrienes C4 synthase, mu, kappa, and delta receptors to obtain their possible binding modes. Test compounds were then screened in animal model of nociception and inflammation.Results: The results of docking show that IO possesses good affinity when compared to ID. IO showed two hydrogen bonds against COX-1 and COX-2. IO also demonstrated good binding against 5-LOX, 12- LOX and 15-LOX, exhibited four, one and two hydrogen bonds respectively. Against PG synthase and LTC4, both IO and ID produced moderate binding. IO also showed significant binding against opoid receptors (p < 0.05). IO and ID significantly decrease the number of writhes to 21.20 ± 2.1 and 27.0 ± 2.12 at 10 mg/kg in acetic acid mediated pain test respectively. In hot plate method, IO and ID increase the latency period of mice to 14.14 ± 0.40 and 10.50 ± 0.34 s, respectively. IO and ID significantly reduced the paw edema to 1.69 ± 0.14 and 1.94 ± 0.14 mL, respectively, in acute inflammation (p < 0.05). In chronic inflammatory model, IO and ID decreased paw volume to 3.26 ± 0.38 and 4.20 ± 0.38 mL, respectively.Conclusion: The results show that IO is a promising candidate for further development as analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents. However, their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles need to be investigated.

Keywords: Computational, Stevioside, Docking, Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory
MiR-10b alleviates high glucose-induced human retinal endothelial cell injury by regulating TIAM1 signaling
Authors: Chen Yaohua , Zhu Yanqing , Zhao Sheng
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To investigate the effects of microRNA (miR)-10b on high glucose (HG)-induced human retinal endothelial cell (HREC) injury and the mechanisms involved.Methods: Levels of miR-10b were measured in HRECs using quantitative reverse transcriptasepolymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) after the addition of glucose (5.5 and 30 mM). Cell viability was measured using Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, while levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) weredetermined using fluorimetry. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure cellular apoptosis. Luciferase reporter assay was used to validate the miR-10b-binding sites of target genes. The levels of T-cell lymphoma invasion and metastasis (TIAM1) and NADPH oxidase-2 (NOX2) were determined using qRT-PCR. Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1) activation was evaluated using a pull-down assay. The protein levels of TIAM1 and Rac1 were assayed by western blotting.Results: After HG stimulation, miR-10b expression was downregulated. Viability of HRECs decreased, whereas ROS production increased. However, the overexpression of miR-10b inhibited apoptosis and ROS production in HG-treated HRECs (p < 0.05), while luciferase reporter analysis revealed a possible binding site for miR-10b to target the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of TIAM1. In addition, the overexpression of miR-10b distinctly reduced the expression levels of TIAM1 and NOX2, but decreased the activation of Rac1 in HG-treated HRECs (p < 0.05); these inhibitory effects of miR-10b were significantly reversed after TIAM1 application.Conclusion: MiR-10b alleviates HG-induced HREC injury by regulating TIAM1 signaling. MiR-10b therapy is a potential therapeutic strategy for patients suffering from diabetic retinopathy.

Keywords: MicroRNA-10b, Human retinal endothelial cells, High glucose, TIAM1-Rac1 axis
Isoliquiritigenin inhibits the survival of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cells by regulating Akt/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Su Zhixiang , Yu Bin , Deng Zhiping , Sun Haifeng
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To investigate the effect of isoliquiritigenin (ISL) on diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cells and its underlying mechanism of action.Methods: The DLBCL cell line OCI-Ly19 was used in this study. Cell proliferation was measured by MTT assay. Apoptosis was evaluated using flow cytometry. Phosphorylation of Akt and mTOR was assessed using Western blotting.Results: DLBCL cell proliferation was suppressed by ISL in a concentration-dependent manner. The number of apoptotic cells increased following ISL treatment in a concentration-dependent manner (p < 0.05). ISL treatment also stopped the cell cycle at the G1 phase in a concentration-dependent manner. Western blot analysis indicated that there was no significant Akt and mTOR expression in cells treated with 10, 20, or 50 μM ISL (p < 0.05). However, Akt and mTOR phosphorylation was upregulated following treatment with 10, 20, or 50 μM ISL in a concentration-dependent manner (p < 0.05).Conclusion: The results demonstrate that ISL inhibits DLBCL cell proliferation and promotes cell apoptosis by blocking the cell cycle transition from the G1 to S phase, which is mediated by the inactivation of the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

Keywords: Isoliquiritigenin, Cell survival, Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, Akt/mTOR signaling pathway
The Godley–Tobin memorial lecture*
Authors: Shiller Robert J.
Published: January 2021

John Maynard Keynes's (1936) concept of ‘animal spirits’ or ‘spontaneous optimism’ as a major driving force in business fluctuations was motivated in part by his and his contemporaries' observations of human reactions to ambiguous situations where probabilities couldn't be quantified. We can add that in such ambiguous situations there is evidence that people let contagious popular narratives and the emotions they generate influence their economic decisions. These popular narratives are typically remote from factual bases, just contagious. Macroeconomic dynamic models must have a theory that is related to models of the transmission of disease in epidemiology. We need to take the contagion of narratives seriously in economic modeling if we are to improve our understanding of animal spirits and their impact on the economy.
Money creation in the modern economy: an appraisal
Authors: Stevens Jacob
Published: January 2021

This paper models a representative bank, and uses this model to explore the assumptions and implications of a selection of money-creation theories. It is shown that the money-supply process tends toward the logic of exogeneity as banks' fears about liquidity stress increases. At present, banks do not fear liquidity stress because central banks are operating under a floor system with a superabundance of reserves following unsterilized quantitative easing. Secondly, a role for a ‘central-bank digital currency’ is suggested as a useful complement to reserves policy in an economy with large or collusive banks.
ХРИШЋАНСКО ВАСПИТАЊЕ И МОДЕРНА ПЕДАГОШКА МИСАО
Authors: Живковић Ивица
Published: January 2021

Christian pedagogy is based in a specific pedagogical approach which, through all the historical periods, represents more than same possible new doctrine, new pedagogical theory or system of pedagogical comprehensions in the world. In this article we review Christian education by several most general principles, among which the most important are: the starting point of the faith in God, the specific relationship of love for child and the awareness of human sin. Furthermore we explore the opinion of some relevant researchers who claimed that the significance attributed to child in the history of pedagogical thought is related to the more profound penetration of Christian religion into the customs and perceptions of the Western world. The influence of Christianity is also apparent in the emancipatory tendencies of pedagogical classics, first of all in the attitudes of Maria Montessori, whose interpretation of Christ’s words on children may be quoted as one of the greatest challenges for the contemporary understanding about the child issue. The status of child and grown-ups in the modern world imposes certain perplexities, and Christian pedagogy can propose some material contribution to their resolution.
Competencia intercultural, convivencia escolar y su incidencia en la resolución de conflictos
Authors: Torrejón Cuno Jesús Hernán , Saavedra Jaramillo Delma Ines , Asencios Trujillo Ettson Diomedes , Rondan Zamata Felicitas , De La Cruz Reyes Luis Alberto
Published: January 2021

La investigación tuvo como objetivo general demostrar la incidencia de la competencia intercultural y la convivencia escolar en la resolución de conflictos en estudiantes de secundaria, teniendo en cuenta la teoría socio cultural de Vygotsky y de técnicas alternativas para la resolución de conflictos (T. A. R. C), para las variables. Se utilizó el enfoque cuantitativo y diseño no experimental de nivel transaccional y correlacional – causal, tipo básico, la información se recolectó a través de tres cuestionarios referente a las tres variables correspondientes, compuesto por 24 preguntas cada una en la escala tipo Likert. Se consideró el total de la población de 120 estudiantes. Los resultados obtenidos fueron la prueba de la razón verosimilitud del modelo final; con una significancia de los coeficientes de los parámetros menores a 0,05, siendo el resultado de significancia 0,005 < 0,05 lo que significó el rechazo de la hipótesis nula y aceptación de la hipótesis del investigador. De igual manera en el índice de Nagelkerke se comprobó que la competencia intercultural y la convivencia escolar influyen en un 60,4% en la resolución de conflictos.
ANALISIS PERHITUNGAN DENGAN METODE PROFILE MATCHING UNTUK MEMILIH PENERIMA BEASISWA BIDIKMISI
Authors: Sussolaikah Kelik , Payapo Nabila , Ramlan Ramlan , Islam Khoirul , Kusrini Kusrini
Published: January 2021

This assessment is experimental by analyzing calculations using the Profile Matching method to select Bidikmisi scholarship recipients. The five types of requirements in the Bidikmisi scholarship rules are implemented into five types of criteria in the manual calculation process to produce an output containing descending priority value ranking information for Bidikmisi scholarship recipients.
Detección de alteraciones posturales en la columna vertebral en el centro escolar
Authors: Yebra Javier Antonio
Published: January 2021

En la presente investigación se realizó una detección de alteraciones posturales en la columna vertebral en un grupo de adolescentes de 12-13 años. El objetivo general de esta investigación es describir las principales alteraciones posturales en la columna vertebral presentadas en los jóvenes escolares. Los objetivos específicos fueron: determinar si el peso de las mochilas cumple con el porcentaje adecuado respecto al peso del estudiante identificar la alteración postural más frecuente y explorar si el uso de los lockers influye sobre el peso de las mochilas de los niños.

Las variables estudiadas fueron el peso de las mochilas y las alteraciones encontradas. Este estudio es de carácter cuantitativo, teniendo enfoque descriptivo. A partir de una población total de 18 estudiantes de un centro escolar público y otro privado, los resultados revelaron que la alteración postural más frecuente fue la cifosis con un 33.3%. El 44% de los estudiantes cargaban mochilas que superaban el 10% de su peso y 16.7% de ellos cargaban con mochilas que superaban el 15% de su peso.
Analisis Kepuasan Pengguna Website Asuransi Untuk Peningkatan Pelayanan Asuransi Studi Kasus www.Cakrawalaproteksi.Com
Authors: Sari Syafitri Mona , Firdaus Firdaus , Mirza A. Haidar
Published: January 2021

Currently, technology has developed quite rapidly and covers all aspects, including in the insurance industry. Almost every insurance company has a website or social media that can be accessed by all internet users as a means of promotion and transactions. PT. Asuransi Cakrawala Proteksi is an insurance company that also carries out promotions through websites and social media. This research will discuss the customer satisfaction of PT. Asuransi Cakrawala Protection with the role of social media. Customer satisfaction is determined by looking at the difference between the actual value received and the expected value using the website and social media Facebook. From calculating the level of customer satisfaction with ServQual dimensions and simple analysis, a strategy will be produced to maintain or increase customer satisfaction.
Sosyal Medya Çağında Dijital Emek Kavramı ve Bir Ticari Medya Platformu Olarak Google
Authors: KARACA Pınar
Published: January 2021

Dijital emek, enformasyon toplumunun ana bileşeni olarak görülmektedir. Üretim ve dolaşımın günden güne dijital bir hal alması ve ağ mantığına göre biçimlenmesi, emek faaliyetlerinin değişimine sebep olmaktadır. Emek ürünü olarak varsayılan metalar, dijital içerikli hale gelmekte, üretim veya tüketim teknolojileri, en çok da medya endüstrisi, bu süreçte dönüşüm yaşamaktadır. Üretim, maddi olmayan emek üzerine kurulmakta, medya endüstrisi tarafından biçimlendirilmektedir. Sosyal ağlarda yaratılan içerik sistemleri maddi olmayan emek birikimi sonucu, medya endüstrisi tarafından işlenmekte ve kullanıcı verileri, maddi kaygı güden kuruluşlara satılmaktadır.
Bu doğrultuda çalışmanın amacı, enformasyon ve dijital iletişim teknolojileri aracılığıyla değişen emek kavramının, sosyal medya çağında nasıl işlerlik kazandığına ve ticari kuruluşların bu emekleri ne şekilde kullandığına dair bilgiler sunmaktır. Literatür taraması yapılarak geliştirilen çalışmada; dijital emek kavramı ve gelişim sürecine, üretim ve iletişim aracı olan sosyal medyada sermaye birikiminin ne doğrultuda gerçekleştiğine, sosyal medya platformlarında dijital emeğin nasıl oluştuğuna dair bilgilere yer verilmektedir. Ticari medya platformu olan Google ise dijital emek kavramı açısından ele alınarak, açıklanmaktadır.
Çalışmada, dijital medya kullanıcılarına ait verilerin, medya endüstrisi tarafından kullanıma açık bir halde olduğu, kişiselleştirilmiş mesajların bu veriler dikkate alınarak oluşturulduğu sonucuna varılmaktadır. Kullanılan veriler, artı değer oluşturmakta ve karşılığı ödenmemiş emek olarak ticari kuruluşların metası haline gelmektedir.
In-silico identification of natural antiviral drug against SARS-CoV-2 and comparison with potential FDA approved drug targets
Authors: AKERMI SARRA , Lohar Neha , Sinha Subrata , Johari Surabhi , Jayant Sunil , Nigam Anshul
Published: January 2021

Antimalarial drugs Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine have garnered most attention recently as a successful remedy for COVID19. However, the use of these drugs is still questionable due to its undetermined efficacy and side effects. The present study utilizes in-silico high throughput screening of FDA approved antiviral compounds and secondary plant metabolites against spike protein of novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). This target was chosen because it is instrumental in entry of virus into human cells. It is observed that the plant compound Tocopheryl-curcumin has more affinity for spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 in comparison to the majority of FDA approved drugs. Tocopheryl-curcumin binds with the binding site of RBD domain of spike protein (6VSB, chain A) with free energy (∆G) of binding of -11.20 kcal/mol and makes strong hydrogen bonds with amino acid residues of S366, V367, L368, S373, and K529. Among the FDA approved drugs, Pibrentasvir obtains top rank with free energy (∆G) of binding of -9.69 kcal/mol. whereas; surprisingly Chloroquine (-6.87 kcal/mol) and Hydroxychloroquine (-7.24 kcal/mol) ranked lower in our docking study. The toxicity prediction by VEGA predicts that tocopheryl-curcumin shows no toxicity as compared to FDA approved drugs. Therefore, we infer that the plant-based tocopheryl-curcumin could be considered as potential and safer drug against COVID 19 disease as compared to chemical based drugs.
Department of Computer Science and Information Technology, College of Computer Science & Information Technology, Firat University, turkey
Authors: Alman Sam M.
Published: January 2021

This paper provides uses a new Ant Colony based algorithms called U-Turning Ant colony optimization (U-TACO) for solving one of NP-Hard problems which is widely used in computer science field called Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP). U-Turning Ant colony Optimization based on making partial tour as an initial state for the basic Ant Colony algorithm. This paper provides tables and charts for the results obtained by U-Turning Ant colony Optimization for various TSP problems from the TSPLIB95.
A theatrical double-faced mask preserved at the Museum of Lipari (Messina): study and 3D reconstruction through portable equipment
Authors: Giuffrida Dario , Mollica Nardo Viviana , Adinolfi Oreste , Mastelloni Maria Amalia , Ponterio Rosina Celeste
Published: January 2021

The new tools for 3D survey and modelling (as portable scanners and software packages), often in combination with diagnostics, are nowadays able to provide indispensable elements for the study of archaeological artefacts; their applications to museum’s heritage can be also useful to integrate the traditional graphic documentation and contribute to enhancement and dissemination. This paper shows the benefit of using the aforementioned tools to study the peculiar clay mask No. 11114-E, discovered in 1973 in the Greek necropolis of Lipára, inside tomb No. 1558. The specimen, now exhibited in the Classical Section of the Aeolian Museum, is considered unique both in the Aeolian Islands and in the ancient Greek world, as it is the only one merging two half faces attributable to different characters. This feature, unknown at the time of discovery, has been highlighted in 2018, thanks to a restoration intervention by which a hard concretion layer covering a large portion of the mask surface was removed, bringing to light a smiling young half-face next to an old one with Silenic features. In 2019, the mask was surveyed in situ through a portable and performing laser-scanner arm (the QuantumTM FaroArm by FARO) to produce a high-resolution 3D model useful to enhance the reading of the two halves (not evident enough, due to its state of preservation). The data processing was performed using the Geomagic Wrap software, able to align and merge multiple scans into a single model and to export results in multiple formats, easily shareable and viewable in free software or via the web. Finally, thanks to this method, the successful generation of a digital replica was performed; the resulting replica is useful for dissemination and as a support for the hypothetical reconstruction of the two prototypes taken as models by the craftsman who created the mask.

Highlights:

A 'mobile laboratory’ consisting of portable equipment has been set up to perform 3D metric surveys on a selection of artefacts preserved at the Museum of Lipari.

By means of an ultra-precision laser-scanner arm, a 3D survey on a miniaturistic double-faced mask, belonging to the classical theatrical terracotta, has been performed.

A geometrically accurate and realistic 3D final model has been created. This helped the study and reconstruction of the two characters composing the mask.
Loneliness, Depression, and Anxiety Experienced by the Israeli Population During the First COVID-19 Lockdown: A Cross-sectional Survey
Authors:   The Ruth & Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion–Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel, Brafman Jason , Lubin Robert ,   The Ruth & Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion–Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel, Naor-Ziv Revital ,   Department of Criminology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel, Rosenberg Sarah ,   Keep Olim, Society for the Advancement of Immigrants to Israel, Jerusalem, Israel, Dwolatzky Tzvi ,   The Ruth & Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion–Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel, Geriatric Unit, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
Published: January 2021

This research letter presents our study, which sought to evaluate the differences in the prevalence of self-reported symptoms of depression, anxiety, and loneliness between younger and older generations at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the younger generation is generally less accustomed to facing and dealing with adversity and illness, we hypothesized that adolescents and younger adults would have a higher prevalence of depression, anxiety, and loneliness as compared to the older generation. It must be emphasized that this survey was conducted during the first COVID-19 lockdown that occurred in Israel from mid-March 2020 to early-May 2020. This was a time when businesses were closed, individuals and families were isolated at home with very limited social contact, and feelings of fear and panic were fueled by the electronic media.
Avaliação de Desempenho dos Discentes e Docentes do Curso de Secretariado Executivo da UFPB – Campus IV
Authors: Gouveia Joseilme Fernandes , Silva Cíntia Cristina da , Albuquerque Márcio Augusto de
Published: January 2021

A avaliação de desempenho é uma ferramenta utilizada para avaliar o desempenho de equipes que estejam passando por dificuldades no desenvolvimento de suas atividades ou que desejam potencializar seus resultados. A presente pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar o desempenho dos discentes e docentes do curso de secretariado executivo da UFPB – campus IV, bem como a avaliação dos mesmos no que diz respeito ao referido curso. Para a realização da coleta dos dados foi feita uma pesquisa de campo com 150 alunos e 12 professores do referido curso durante as aulas. De maneira geral, os resultados obtidos nesta pesquisa apontaram que os professores possuem bom desempenho em suas metodologias de ensino e bom relacionamento com os alunos; falta de interesse por parte dos alunos em buscar informação extraclasse úteis; quanto ao curso, foi possível perceber que se trata de um curso multidisciplinar, entretanto ainda é pouco reconhecido no mercado de trabalho. Além disso, foi perceptível que a utilização da avaliação do desempenho é de grande valia para o desenvolvimento dos docentes e discentes, pois é importante que se entenda o comportamento dos referidos e suas necessidades. Sendo assim, adotar essa ferramenta na universidade é de extrema importância, pois essa avaliação pode oferecer meios para aperfeiçoar o desempenho do avaliados para alcançar bons resultados no decorrer das atividades realizadas.
An Empirical Insight into the Theory and Practices of Capital Budgeting in Pakistan
Authors: Baig Umair , Khalidi Manzoor Anwar , Mubarak Shujaat , Sarwat Salman
Published: January 2021

The study explores the different stages of the capital investment decision process and empirically investigates these stages’ mediating role. We have used firms, managers, and economic attributes as independent variables. Likewise, ROA, ROE, and EPS are used as proxies for measuring firm performance, which is the dependent variable. A survey was conducted through a self-developed questionnaire for non-financial listed firms of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX). The questionnaire comprises of two parts. The first part is related to managers and firm attributes. The second part covers the nine steps of the Capex Appraisal Model (CAM). PLS-SEM was used to investigate the objectives of the study. Moreover, the results support the applicability of CAM in the corporate sector of Pakistan. For this purpose, 27 hypotheses were empirically tested, of which 21 were found to be significant. However, 6 hypotheses were not supported. The findings suggest that the “Capex Appraisal Model” is a useful approach for the corporate sector of Pakistan. Thus, firms should properly evaluate Capex decisions to enhance performance in the long run.
UPAYA MENINGKATKAN HASIL BELAJAR SISWA TENTANG KEMERDEKAAN MENGEMUKAKAN PENDAPAT
Authors: Suparti Titi
Published: January 2021

Data yang diperoleh berupa hasil tes formatif, lembar observasi aktivitas siswa selama kegiatan belajar mengajar. Dari hasil analisis didapatkan bahwa pemahaman dan prestasi belajar siswa mengalami peningkatan dari pra siklus, siklus I sampai siklus II yaitu, prasiklus nilai rata-rata 69,58 dengan ketuntasan (57,5%), siklus I nilai rata-rata 74 dengan tingkat ketuntasan (72,5 %), dan siklus II nilai rata-rata 78,3 dengan tingkat ketuntasan (97,5 %). Kesimpulan dari penelitian ini adalah pembelajaran dengan Metode Media Gambar dapat meningkatkan prestasi dan motivasi belajar Kelasi VII-J SMPN 1 Karangtanjung Kabupaten Pandeglang serta model pembelajaran ini dapat digunakan sebagai salah satu alternatif pembelajaran PPKn
INDAHNYA KEBERSAMAAN MELAHIRKAN PRESTASI
Authors: Suntiamah Suntiamah
Published: January 2021

Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengetahui pengaruh sikap kepala sekolah dalam menciptakan kebersamaan terhadap prestasi sekolah baik akademik maupun non akademik dalam lembaga yang dipimpinnya. Metode penelitian yang di laksanakan adalah metode sejarah deskriptif, karena sebagai subyek penelitian adalah hasil prestasi kerja dalam mengelola lembaga dan orang–orang yang ada didalamnya pada beberapa lembaga yang pernah penulis bertugas pada waktu lampau, yaitu di SDN Curugdahu, SDN Tambakan, dan SDN Padarincang 2. Adapun hasil yang dicapai pada setiap lembaga berbeda-beda, hal ini di sebabkan kondisi sosial budaya dan ekonomi masyarakat di tiap lingkungan sekolah berbeda-beda, namun secara umm perubahan yang dicapai sangat signifikan dari kondisi awal. Perubahan SDN Curugdahu Sekitar 95 %, di SDN Tambakan 85 %, dan di SDN Padarincang 2 baru sekitar 25 %. Hasil penelitian ini diharapkan dapat berguna bagi semua pihak terutama para kepala sekolah sebagai leader yang harus mengelola lembaga yang dipimpinnya.
PENGARUH MODEL PEMBELAJARAN KOOPERATIF TIPE TEAMS GAMES TOURNAMENT TERHADAP HASIL BELAJAR SISWA PADA MATERI HIMPUNAN (Di kelas VII SMPN 1 CibadakKabupatenLebak)
Authors: Linda Linda , Rusmiati Mia
Published: January 2021

This research is a quasi-experimental research with pretest-posttest control group design. The population of this study were all students of class VII at SMPN 1 CibadakLebak Regency as many as 9 classes with a total of 280 students. The sample in this study was selected 2 classes by purposive sampling, namely class VII-C (experimental class) and VII-B (control class). The data collection technique in this study was carried out through tests, in the form of 5 objective description questions. The research data were analyzed using the Mann Whitney test and SPSS 20.0. The results of the Post Test in the experimental class which were given teaching with the Teams Games Tournament type of cooperative learning model obtained an average student learning outcomes on the set material of 72.31. Meanwhile, the control class taught by conventional learning methods obtained an average result of 59.7. Based on the results of hypothesis testing using the Mann Whitney test, it was found that Z_hitung = 2.21 and Ztable = 1.645 at the significant level a = 0.05, then Z_count>Ztable (2.21> 1.645), then H_0 was rejected and H_1 was accepted. Then according to the test using the SPSS 20.0 Sig (2-tailed) 0.017 <significant level (0.05), then H_0 is rejected and H_1 is accepted. From these two tests, it can be concluded that student learning outcomes on set material using the Teams Games Tournament type of cooperative learning model are higher than student learning outcomes on set material using conventional learning methods. Thus the cooperative learning model type Teams Games Tournament has an effect on student learning outcomes on set material.
Impact of Age on Color Choice/Preference
Authors: Sengupta Anwesha , Halder Ayindrela , Biswas Sayani , Saha Shinjini , Dutta Tinni
Published: January 2021

Color preference is an integral aspect of human behaviour, and its importance is quite noticeable. This study aims at the identification of color preferences among different ages. This will help to better understand the implication of colors in color therapy for dealing with real life practical situations. In this study, two groups of 20 people each, ranging from 18 to 35 years of age and 55 to 70 years of age were chosen from both the sexes. The color preference among the individuals were evaluated based on their response for the most and least preferred colors, and the results analysed according to the mean, median, standard deviation, and t-test. It is found that there lies a significant difference between one’s age and color preference, although blue was the most preferred color among both the groups.
Multi-dimensional satellite observations of aerosol
properties and aerosol types over three major urban
clusters in eastern China
Authors: Liu Yuqin , Lin Tao , Hong Juan , Wang Yonghong , Shi Lamei , Huang Yiyi , Wu Xian , Zhou Hao , Zhang Jiahua , de Leeuw Gerrit
Published: January 2021

Abstract. Using nine years (2007–2015) of data from passive (MODIS/Aqua) and active (CALIOP/CALIPSO) satellite measurements over China, we investigate (1) the temporal and spatial variation of aerosol properties over the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region, the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) and the Pearl River Delta (PRD) and (2) the vertical distribution of aerosol types and extinction coefficients for different aerosol optical depth (AOD) and meteorological conditions. The results show the different spatial patterns and seasonal variations of the AOD over the three regions. Annual time series reveal the occurrence of AOD maxima in 2011 over the YRD and in 2012 over the BTH and PRD; thereafter the AOD decreases steadily. Using the CALIOP vertical feature mask, the contributions of different aerosol types to the AOD were analysed: contributions of dust and polluted dust decrease from north to south, contributions of clean ocean, polluted continental, clean continental and smoke aerosol increase from south to north. In the vertical, the peak frequency of occurrence (FO) for each aerosol type depends on region and season and varies with AOD and meteorological conditions. In general, three distinct layers are observed with the peak FO at the surface (clean continental and clean marine aerosol), at ~1 km (polluted dust and polluted continental aerosol) and at ~3 km (smoke aerosol), whereas dust aerosol may occur all over the altitude range considered in this study (from the surface up to 8 km). In this study nighttime CALIOP profiles were used. The comparison with daytime profiles shows substantial differences in the FO profiles with altitude which suggest effects of boundary layer dynamics and aerosol transport on the vertical distribution of aerosol types.
Slow feedbacks resulting from strongly enhanced atmospheric methane mixing ratios in a chemistry–climate model with mixed-layer ocean
Authors: Stecher Laura , Winterstein Franziska , Dameris Martin , Jöckel Patrick , Ponater Michael , Kunze Markus
Published: January 2021

Abstract. In a previous study the quasi-instantaneous chemical impacts
(rapid adjustments) of strongly enhanced methane (CH4) mixing ratios have been analysed. However, to quantify the influence of the respective slow climate feedbacks on the chemical composition it is necessary to include the radiation-driven
temperature feedback. Therefore, we perform sensitivity simulations with doubled and quintupled present-day (year 2010) CH4 mixing ratios with
the chemistry–climate model EMAC (European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, Hamburg version – Modular Earth Submodel System (ECHAM/MESSy) Atmospheric Chemistry) and include in a novel set-up a mixed-layer ocean model to account for tropospheric warming. Strong increases in CH4 lead to a reduction in the hydroxyl
radical in the troposphere, thereby extending the CH4 lifetime. Slow climate feedbacks counteract this reduction in the hydroxyl
radical through increases in tropospheric water vapour and ozone, thereby dampening the extension of CH4 lifetime in comparison with the quasi-instantaneous response. Changes in the stratospheric circulation evolve clearly with the
warming of the troposphere. The Brewer–Dobson circulation strengthens,
affecting the response of trace gases, such as ozone, water vapour and
CH4 in the stratosphere, and also causing stratospheric temperature changes.
In the middle and upper stratosphere, the increase in stratospheric
water vapour is reduced with respect to the quasi-instantaneous
response. We find that this difference cannot be explained by the response of the cold point and the associated water vapour entry values but by a weaker strengthening of the in situ source of water vapour through CH4 oxidation. However, in the lower
stratosphere water vapour increases more
strongly when tropospheric warming is accounted for, enlarging its
overall radiative impact. The response of the stratosphere adjusted
temperatures driven by slow climate feedbacks is dominated by these
increases in stratospheric water vapour as well as strongly decreased
ozone mixing ratios above the tropical tropopause, which result from
enhanced tropical upwelling. While rapid radiative adjustments from ozone and stratospheric water vapour make an essential contribution to the effective CH4 radiative forcing, the radiative impact of the respective slow feedbacks is rather moderate. In line with this, the climate sensitivity from CH4 changes in this chemistry–climate model set-up is not significantly different from the climate sensitivity in carbon-dioxide-driven simulations, provided that the CH4 effective radiative forcing includes the rapid adjustments from ozone and stratospheric water vapour changes.
Secondary ice production in summer clouds over the Antarctic coast: an underappreciated process in atmospheric models
Authors: Sotiropoulou Georgia , Vignon Étienne , Young Gillian , Morrison Hugh , O'Shea Sebastian J. , Lachlan-Cope Thomas , Berne Alexis , Nenes Athanasios
Published: January 2021

Abstract. The correct representation of Antarctic clouds in atmospheric models is
crucial for accurate projections of the future Antarctic climate. This is
particularly true for summer clouds which play a critical role in the
surface melting of the ice shelves in the vicinity of the Weddell Sea. The
pristine atmosphere over the Antarctic coast is characterized by low
concentrations of ice nucleating particles (INPs) which often result in the
formation of supercooled liquid clouds. However, when ice formation occurs,
the ice crystal number concentrations (ICNCs) are substantially higher than
those predicted by existing primary ice nucleation parameterizations. The
rime-splintering mechanism, thought to be the dominant secondary ice
production (SIP) mechanism at temperatures between −8 and −3 ∘C,
is also weak in the Weather and Research Forecasting model. Including a
parameterization for SIP due to breakup (BR) from collisions between ice
particles improves the ICNC representation in the modeled mixed-phase clouds,
suggesting that BR could account for the enhanced ICNCs often found in
Antarctic clouds. The model results indicate that a minimum concentration of
about ∼ 0.1 L−1 of primary ice crystals is necessary and
sufficient to initiate significant breakup to explain the observations,
while our findings show little sensitivity to increasing INPs. The BR
mechanism is currently not represented in most weather prediction and
climate models; including this process can have a significant impact on the
Antarctic radiation budget.
Testing the altitude attribution and vertical resolution of AirCore
measurements with a new spiking method
Authors: Wagenhäuser Thomas , Engel Andreas , Sitals Robert
Published: January 2021

Abstract. AirCores have been increasingly used to capture vertical profiles of trace gases reaching from the ground up to about 30 km, in order to validate remote sensing instruments and to investigate transport processes in the stratosphere. When deployed to a weather balloon, accurately attributing the trace gas measurements to the sampling altitudes is non-trivial especially in the stratosphere. In this paper we present the CO-spiking experiment, which can be deployed to any AirCore on any platform in order to evaluate different computational altitude attribution processes and to experimentally derive the vertical resolution of the profile by injecting small volumes of signal gas at predefined GPS-altitudes during sampling. We performed two CO-spiking flights with an AirCore from the Goethe-University of Frankfurt (GUF) deployed to a weather balloon in Traînou, France in June 2019. The altitude retrieval based on an instantaneous pressure equilibrium assumption slightly overestimates the sampling altitudes, especially at the top of the profiles. For these two flights our altitude attribution is accurate within 250 m below 20 km. Above 20 km the bias becomes larger and reaches up to 1.2 km at 27 km altitude. Differences in descent velocities are uncovered to have a major impact on the altitude attribution bias. We identified the time lag between the theoretically attributed altitude and the actual CO-spike release altitude to be a possible empirical correction parameter for our AirCore altitude retrieval across different flights. Regarding the corrected profiles, the altitude attribution is accurate within 120 m throughout the profile. Further investigations are needed in order to test for the scope of validity of this correction parameter regarding different ambient conditions and maximum flight altitudes. We derive the vertical resolution from the CO-spikes of both flights and compare it to the modelled vertical resolution. The modelled vertical resolution is better than the experimentally derived resolution throughout the profile, albeit agrees within 220 m. All our findings derived from the two CO-spiking flights are strictly bound to the GUF AirCore dimensions. The newly introduced CO-spiking experiment can be used to test different combinations of AirCore configurations and platforms in future studies.