bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Política turística ante el COVID-19: el caso de México
Authors: Zepeda Arce Alfonso , Medina Esparza Lorena Trinidad , Flores Ibarra Ana María
Published: September 2020

Dado que el turismo a nivel mundial enfrenta un desafío quizás nunca visto, el objetivo del presente trabajo es aportar elementos de análisis para la discusión referente a las políticas implementadas en México ante el COVID-19. Se desarrolló bajo el enfoque de investigación exploratoria, con la revisión de políticas públicas en respuesta a la pandemia e impacto en el turismo, enumeradas y enfrentadas a las recomendaciones de organismos internacionales; se utilizó parte de la metodología de estudios de reparación de imagen durante crisis en el sector, relacionando eventos disruptivos y turismo que afectaron en el pasado. Se concluye que hasta junio de 2020 el mundo sigue tambaleante, es una nueva crisis con un futuro incierto, empero, en México se ha reconsiderado al turismo como una actividad esencial, por ello será necesaria una gran dosis de ímpetu para potenciar esta actividad. Es fundamental que se actúe con compromiso, responsabilidad y solidaridad. Palabras clave: México, COVID-19, pandemia, turismo, políticas.
Evolución de la pandemia de COVID-19 en los principales municipios turísticos de México
Authors: González Damián Alfonso
Published: September 2020

Con el objetivo de explorar las relaciones entre las características de los municipios turísticos de México y la evolución de la propagación del COVID-19, se realizaron análisis de regresión y clúster bayesianos sobre bases de datos disponibles y de acceso público. Se confirmó que durante las primeras fases de la epidemia las municipalidades con mayor infraestructura y, por lo tanto, con mayor movimiento turístico resultaron en significativo número de casos de contagiados y de fallecimientos; en tanto que, en posteriores etapas, el movimiento turístico perdió relevancia para explicarlos. Se describen las diferencias en la propagación entre clústeres identificados por fase en la evolución de la pandemia. Se incluyen conclusiones, implicaciones y líneas futuras de investigación.
Palabras clave: COVID-19, Municipios turísticos México, Propagación epidemia.
Tipología de territorios turísticos en México según incidencia de COVID-19
Authors: Sánchez Crispín Álvaro , Propin Frejomil Enrique , Casado Izquierdo José María
Published: September 2020

Este trabajo propone una tipología de territorios turísticos con relación a la incidencia de COVID-19, la disponibilidad de infraestructura física para enfrentar la pandemia y la disminución del empleo en el sector turístico en México, a escala municipal, en el período marzo-junio de 2020. Los hallazgos principales de la investigación, revelados mediante coordenadas cartesianas y representados en forma cartográfica, muestran16 combinaciones tipológicas territoriales que comprenden desde las que se asocian con condiciones de mayor incidencia, hasta las que gozan de una situación sanitaria comparativamente mejor.
Palabras clave: México, Geografía de la Salud, COVID-19, territorios turísticos, tipología
Роль солнечных воздухонагревателей в теплоэнергетической отрасли и перспективы их развития в Республике Узбекистан
Authors: Аббасов Ёркин
Published: September 2020

В статье исследован мировой прогноз развития теплоэнергетической отрасли по выработке тепловой электрической энергии. Отмечено, что увеличение производства видов энергии связано, не только с ростом потребления органического топлива, но и с ухудшением экологической ситуации. Учитывая зарубежный опыт использования солнечных установок, производящих тепловую энергию и благоприятные климатические условия Республики Узбекистан, обсуждены перспективы использования солнечных воздухонагревателей для отопления существующих жилых зданий, обеспечивающих тепловой энергией жилые дома и сушильные установки, без дорогостоящих конструктивно – технологических решений, а также осуществляющие быстрый прогрев помещений. Такой коллектор несмотря на то, что воздух имеет более низкую теплоемкость, может обеспечить равномерное распределение тепла, хорошо регулируется как по температуре, так и по количеству подаваемого воздуха. Кроме того, коллекторы, работающие в условиях естественной конвекции, могут удачно сочетаться с традиционной системой отопления.
Вместе с тем, в статье также показан положительный опыт по применению воздухонагревателей в технологии сушки. В частности, использован промышленный образец солнечного воздухонагревателя для сушки обмоток трансформаторов, использующихся в насосных станциях систем ирригации водного хозяйства республики. Аргументировано, что применение воздухонагревателей позволяет сэкономить не только значительные топливно–энергетические и денежные ресурсы, но и укрепить энергобезопасность Республики Узбекистан.
Научно-практическое значение профилактической стратегии и тактики в профилактики правонарушений
Authors: Турсунов Ахтам , Хужақулов Сиёвуш
Published: September 2020

В статье ставится цель осветить научное и практическое значение профилактической стратегии и тактики в профилактике правонарушений. С этой целью были научно проанализированы понятия стратегии и тактики профилирования правонарушений, их специфические особенности, цели и задачи, раскрыта сущность. Одним из первых в этом направлении были разработаны авторские определения понятий стратегии и тактики профилактики правонарушений, выдвинуты научные выводы, предложения и рекомендации по повышению эффективности роли профилактической стратегии и тактики профилактики правонарушений в дальнейшем.
Анализ дорожно-транспортных происшествий и его роль в обеспечении безопасности дорожного движения
Authors: Калауов Сайдулла
Published: September 2020

В данной статье рассматриваются место и роль анализа в системе обеспечения безопасности дорожного движения, с точки зрения основы при принятии управляющих решений. Выделены виды анализа дорожно-транспортных происшествий, а также проанализированы показатели аварийности, выявлены их преимущества и недостатки. Отмечается, что в качестве основного метода анализа аварийности применяется метод сопоставления, для использования которого нужно четко представлять, какие объекты, процессы, факторы следует сопос­тавлять между собой, по каким характеристикам, свойствам, показателям должно проводиться сопоставление, какая конкретная расчетная процедура должна быть положена в основу сопоставле­ния. Отдельного внимания заслуживает изучение и сопоставление динамики изменения показателей аварийности, являющейся наиболее распространенным методом анализа, как абсолютных показателей, так и любых удельных и относительных показателей. Выделяется несколько основных методов изучения и сопоставления динамики изменения состояния аварийности, которые могут эффективно использоваться для оценки результатов деятельности по обеспечению безопасности дорожного движения, выявлению неблагоприятных тенденций, а также являются основанием для дальнейшего анализа, направлен­ного на выяснение причин этих неблагоприятных изменений с целью принятия необходимых предупредительных мер. Рассмотрен метод анализа дорожно-транспортных ситуаций, позволяющий формировать способности прогнозировать развитие событий на дорогах, а также  рассчитанный на предупреждение дорожно-транспортных происшествий.
Состав энтомопатогенных видов гифальных грибов с пораженных гусениц хлопковой совки
Authors: Авазов Сардоржон , Хасанов Саидинаби
Published: September 2020

В статье обсуждаются вопрос поиска энтомопатогенных грибов, выявленных с пораженных гусениц хлопковой совки на посевах хлопчатника и овощных культур. В результате выделено 20 видов энтомопатогенных гифальных микромицетов из 12 родов, 3 семейств грибов. Была проверена вирулентность выявленной микобиоты. 
Из представленных данных следует, что процент поражения гусениц восковой моли в опыте при искусственном заражении колеблется в пределах от 2 до 25%. Отмечено, что гибель гусениц в течение 20 дней отмечалась лишь в случае со штаммами видов Aspergillus fumigates (4% гусениц погибли), Aspergillus flavus, Trichotecium roseum,  Spicaria heliothis и Fusarium lateritium вызвали гибель 2% гусениц.
На основании полученных данных был сделан вывод, что выявленные виды в той или иной степени обладают определенными энтомопатогенными свойствами, но данные штаммы ввиду слабой вирулентности для насекомых не могут быть примененными в практических целях.
Сущность собирания доказательств в уголовном судопроизводстве (на примере уголовно-процессуального законодательства России и Узбекистана)
Authors: Россинский Сергей
Published: September 2020

Настоящей статьей автор продолжает цикл своих научных публикаций, посвящённых исследованию структуры уголовно-процессуального доказывания. На основании высказанных аргументов автор приходит к выводу о необходимости частичного пересмотра своей прежней позиции, предполагающей рассмотрение категорий «собирание доказательств» и «формирование доказательств» как двух автономных способов осуществления первого этапа доказывания. Вместо этого автор предлагает придавать категории «собирание доказательств» несколько условное значение, понимая под ней любые формы поведения участников уголовного судопроизводства, направленные на получение и последующую процессуализацию полезной информации.
Мультибиометрические технологии в системе криминалистической регистрации
Authors: Югай Людмила
Published: September 2020

В статье раскрывается актуальность использования биометрических параметров человека практически во всех сферах социальной жизни. Биометрия человека применяется в нотариальной, банковской сферах, системах контроля управления доступом. Анализируются биометрические идентификаторы, используемые в системе криминалистических учетов. Рассматриваются мнения и взгляды ученых-криминалистов по поводу выбора оптимальных биометрических параметров. В работе предлагается использовать в системе криминалистической регистрации, наряду с дактилоскопическими и портретными учетами, генотипические и фоноскопические виды регистрации.
Освещается передовой зарубежный опыт использования биометрических баз данных в Китае, Аргентине, Южной Корее, странах Евросоюза, США. Автором разработаны предложения по интеграции всех автоматизированных биометрических систем, максимальному охвату населения и обмену биометрическими данными, лиц находящихся в розыске, совершивших особо тяжкие преступления. Для решения вопросов повышения эффективности использования мультибиометрических учетов в целях раскрытия и расследования преступлений необходим комплексный подход, предусматривающий организационные, методические и правовые аспекты. При внедрении биометрических систем особую важность приобретают вопросы обеспечения защиты персональных данных при их получении, обработке, хранении и использовании.
Международные стандарты дисциплинарной ответственности судей и национальное законодательство Узбекистана
Authors: Сулайманов Одилжон
Published: September 2020

В статье рассматриваются международные стандарты и опыт зарубежных стран в области возбуждения дисциплинарного производства в отношении судей. Проанализированы вопросы имплементации международных стандартов дисциплинарной ответственности судей в национальное законодательство Узбекистана.
ВЕКОВЫЕ МУЗЫКАЛЬНЫЕ ТРАДИЦИИ ПОД ВЗОРОМ СОВРЕМЕННОСТИ
Authors: Матякубов Отаназар
Published: September 2020

В статье кратко изложено об истории развития узбекского национального макомного искусства. Перечислены основные исторические жанровые направления: Бухарский Шашмаком, Шесть с половиной макомов и Дутарные макомы Хорезма, Фергано-Ташкентские макомные мелодии, Узбекский Шашмаком. Изучены произведения средневековых ученых и мыслителей в области музыки, которые в целом внесли огромный вклад в развитие золотого века «Восточной Цивилизации» и современного узбекского национального музыкального искусства.
Перспективы развития земельной реформы, соответствующей потребностям устойчивого экономического роста
Authors: Алтиев Абдурашид
Published: September 2020

В статье обоснованы методы оценки, социальные факторы, порядок налогообложения и условия организации и особенности передачи земель в качестве собственности физическим и юридическим лицам, а также обоснованы механизмы реформирования системы землепользования на основе субаренды земель в фермерских хозяйствах, временного пользования земельного участка или его части дехканского хозяйства и владельца приусадебной земли. Разработаны предложения по совершенствованию экономико-правового состояния сельскохозяйственного землепользования посредством введения изменений и дополнений в законы, обоснованию порядка передачи права пожизненного наследуемого владения земельным участком дехканским хозяйством и владельцем приусадебной земли в залог для получения банковского кредита.
Проблемы занятости в Узбекистане в условиях пандемии covid-19
Authors: Зокирова Нодира
Published: September 2020

В статье анализируется влияние пандемии COVID-19 на занятость и доходы населения. На примере Республики Узбекистан рассмотрена антикризисная политика правительства, предусматривающая    макроэкономическое и монетарное регулирование национальной экономики, прямую финансовую поддержку предприятий и предпринимателей, кредитные послабления и каникулы для юридических и физических лиц, организация общественных работ и благотворительных мероприятий для безработных.
Water Theft Maleficence in Australia
Authors: Baird Alexander , Walters Reece , White Rob
Published: September 2020

The United Nations has repeatedly identified that freshwater security is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity, and that water theft is a global problem exacerbating human conflict, denying human rights and accelerating environmental despoliation (UN 2019; UN Water 2020). Australia is the world’s driest inhabited continent where water security is seriously threatened and constantly monitored by federal, state and local authorities. The devastating 2019-2020 bushfires across Australia serve as a stark reminder of the nation’s vulnerabilities to drought and the imperatives of water security and sustainability. Whilst some threats are undoubtedly climate induced, it is widely reported the ‘theft’ of water is playing an increasingly significant role in compromising Australia’s water security. This article provides a critical overview of the contemporary significance of water theft and its governance. It interrogates official documents of government inquiries, examines court proceedings, and provides a green criminological perspective on future policy, practice and prevention.
Headmasters’ Leadership Styles and their Significant Impact on the General Performance in Schools: Using the Basic Schools in Adansi-South District in Ghana as a Study
Authors: Amankwah Eric , Guo-Hua Zhou
Published: September 2020

The main concepts and definitions of leadership and its styles differ in many ways. Thus; from one individual or position to the other. The word "leadership" is used in different circles of human endeavours, for example, in the political, business, academics, social and institutional spheres. In the early on, leadership was seen as a personal trait. The degree to which the individual exhibits leadership traits depends not only on his characteristics and personal abilities but also on the characteristics of the situation and environment in which he finds himself (Messick & Kramer, 2004). This study was conducted on the motivation that no country develops and succeeds better than the quality of the leaders who manage the educational system. This means that for a country to be successful, it depends largely on the quality of leadership that the school managers offer in the schools they manage in the development of skills and potential of the students for the country. The study employed a qualitative research method in the work. The data was collected from Adansi-South District in Ashanti Region in Ghana. Random purposive sampling procedures were adopted with a sample size of forty (40) respondents including heads of schools, teachers, and students. Data were collected through interviews, documentary reviews, and observations. They were analyzed through the use of content analysis technique and other renowned data software such as Excel, and SPSS 22 in the data computations. The findings and policy suggestions at the end of the research concluded that the autocratic leadership is useful if something has to be achieved in the short term and democratic leadership style is usually the most preferable in most situations. Participation leadership style is the most useful because it has a long term effect on employees in a more positive way. School heads who normally applied unreasonable laissez-faire and autocratic leadership styles failed in their schools’ goals, visions and missions implementations due to lack support and cooperation.
Ammonium sulfate rates affect the Structural Characteristics, Biomass and Crude Protein of BRS Tamani Grass
Authors: De Abreu Victor Luan Da Silva , Golin Henrique De Oliveira , De Rezende Rafael Padilha , Fernandes Patrick Bezerra , Theodoro Gustavo De Faria , Franco Gumercindo Loriano , Difante Gelson Dos Santos
Published: September 2020

The mineral nutrition of forage species is essential for the maintenance of sustainable livestock systems, since it can increase animal productivity per area. Panicum maximum is considered nutritionally demanding. However, the behavior of modern cultivars under nitrogen fertilization is unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of increasing doses of nitrogen (N) on the structural characteristics, forage biomass, and crude protein (CP) of cultivar BRS Tamani. The experimental design was randomized blocks, and the treatments consisted of six N doses (0, 62.5, 125, 250, 375, and 500 N mg∙dm-3) using ammonium sulfate (AS) fertilizer, divided into three coverage applications under greenhouse conditions. Three cuts were made from all treatments, separated by an interval of 30 days. The interval between cuts was considered a split-plot effect. There was no interaction effect between the cuts and AS doses for the number of leaves tiller-1 or crude protein. However, there was an interaction effect for the leaf length, number of tillers, and biomass. The use of doses between 280 and 380 mg N∙dm-³ influenced the structural characteristics of the canopy and biomass of 'BRS Tamani' grass. The highest CP value was recorded in the first cut.
What Happens with the New Guy? Tackling the Problem of Tacit Knowledge through Social Networks
Authors: Galli-Debicella Alexandra
Published: September 2020

Tacit knowledge is the key to business continuity and retaining core knowledge during organizational change. Corporations have recognized its importance and implemented knowledge management strategies to ensure valuable knowledge is preserved. While much of the academic research has looked into the nature of tacit knowledge, the role of social networks in maintaining tacit knowledge has been largely unexplored. The following paper seeks to link existing tacit knowledge theory with social network theory through theoretical analysis and literature review. First, social networks are more important when tacit knowledge cannot be codified and when the nature of that knowledge is process-based. Second, while the strength of relationships tends to increase the effectiveness of tacit knowledge transfer, weaker relationships tend to dominate the actual transfer of knowledge. Third, asymmetry in relationships tends to decrease effectiveness of tacit knowledge transfer. The purpose of the paper is to explore when social networks matter more for tacit knowledge communications and what types of social networks are most effective at transmitting tacit knowledge.
Assessing and Prioritizing the Critical Success Factors and Delays of Project Management Implementation: Empirical Evidence at Construction Projects in Jordan
Authors: Mohammad Omoush Majd
Published: September 2020

The main goal of this research is to examine and then prioritize the critical success factors (CSFs) and delay reasons across the project management implementation stage. The study adopted the qualitative approach to introduce a full classification of the CSFs and delay reasons in project management. A total of 44 articles were reviewed to mine the various CSFs and delays based on conclusions of previous literature. This review leads to define a matrix of factors that are aligned with the project management in the context of the Jordanian construction project. Besides, the questionnaire instrument was designed based on outcomes of the critical analysis of literature; this instrument was administrated to a sample of 198 respondents across 20 Jordanian construction projects. The study sample entailed project managers, engineers, and senior department heads who were asked to assess the relevance and importance of the extracted CFSs. The questionnaire instrument was designed based on a 5-points Likert scale. Further, the data analysis was conducted based on the means values of the responses. The literature review resulted in categorizing the factors into five groups, namely, human’s related factors, organizational and managerial, material factor, project-related factors, and the external environment and stakeholders’ factors.

This research applied a taxonomy approach to classifying the mean values throughout three ideas, namely, the classification of the major success factors and delays, the exploration of the sub success factors and delays within each significant factor, and last the exploration of the most critical sub success factors and delays regardless of the significant factor they are linked to this group. According to the analyses results, the major success factors were evaluated based on priority ranking, and the results showed that the projects related factors group was the most crucial motive of either success or delays. Still, human-related factors were the least important factors group; however, the “coherent team.” was the most sub factor evaluated. For the organizational and managerial sub-factors, the functional manager support was the most evaluated subfactor. Last, the materials sub-factor of the availability of materials was ranked as the most subfactor evaluated.
Adolescent Drug Use in Connecticut Private High Schools: Zero Tolerance, Contextual Peer Influence, and Deterrence Effectiveness
Authors: Song Minjune
Published: September 2020

After the 1994 Gun-Free School Act, schools expanded the use of zero-tolerance policies with all Connecticut private high schools implementing punitive drug and alcohol policies. Based on the criminological theory of deterrence, zero-tolerance policies deliver severe and certain punishments designed to deter rational actors from engaging in problem behaviors. Existing research suggests that adolescents perceive rewards more strongly around peers and lack impulse control, raising the possibility that peer pressure may override rational deterrence in an adolescents’ decision-making process. An “immune group” of adolescents predisposed to ignore punitive deterrents may play a sizable role in inducing peer drug use. If peer influence supersedes deterrence in a significant number of cases, adolescents who are affected both by deterrents and peer pressure may be at a higher risk of following the example of the “immune group.” This study raises the question of whether Connecticut private high school students’ drug use is correlated with perceptions of punishment mandated by school policy and contextual peer influences. A questionnaire that measured students’ drug use on a scale of 1 to 4, perceived severity and likelihood of punishment from 0 to 10, and interaction with drug using peers from 0 to 10, was completed by 50 respondents. The study found no correlations between student drug use and perception of punishment likelihood and severity but found contextual peer influences to be positively associated with expected student drug use in the future. While the results of this study are limited to Connecticut private high school students, the observed tendency in students to disregard risks and pursue peer-involved drug use may be generalized in adolescents. Even in places where school discipline is not a wide issue, the impact of contextual factors like peer influence must be reconceptualized in thinking about school drug policies.
Prevalence of antibiotic-resistant, toxic metal-tolerant and biofilm-forming bacteria in hospital surroundings
Authors: Nath Soumitra , Sinha Ahana , Singha Y. Suchitra , Dey Ankita , Bhattacharjee Nilakshi , Deb Bibhas
Published: September 2020

The emergence and rapid spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria due to unethical and non-scientific disposal of hospital wastes and clinical by-products caused an alarming environmental concern and associated public health risks. The present study aims to assess the co-selection of antibiotic resistance and heavy metal tolerance by bacteria isolated from hospital effluents. These isolates were also tested for hemolytic activity, pH-tolerance, thermal inactivation, auto-aggregation, cell-surface hydrophobicity and interaction with other bacteria. The study reports the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant and heavy metal tolerant bacteria in clinical effluents and water samples. Most of these isolates were resistant to vancomycin, clindamycin, ampicillin, rifampicin, penicillin-G, methicillin and cefdinir, and evidenced the production of extended-spectrum β-lactamase enzyme. Toxic metals such as cadmium, copper, iron, lead and zinc also exert a selection pressure towards antibiotic resistance. Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain GCC_19W3, Bacillus sp. strain GCC_19S2 and Achromobacter spanius strain GCC_SB1 showed β-hemolysis, evidenced by the complete breakdown of the red blood cells. Highest auto-aggregation was exhibited by Bacillus sp. strain GCC_19S2; whereas, maximum cell-surface hydrophobicity was displayed by P. aeruginosa strain GCC_19W1. Antagonistic activity by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia strain GCC_19W2, P. aeruginosa strain GCC_19W3 and strains of Achromobacter restricts the growth of other microorganisms by producing some bactericidal substances. The study emphasises undertaking safety measures for the disposal of clinical effluents directly into the environment. The study suggests adopting necessary measures and regulations to restrict the spread of emerging pathogens within the hospital biome and community, which if unnoticed, might pose a significant clinical challenge.
Spiritual and Psychological Well-Being of Soldiers in Military Barracks: A Case Study in Iran
Authors: Fadaei Mohammad Hosein , Torkaman Mahya , Farokhzadian Jamileh
Published: September 2020

Background: Spiritual well-being is the newest dimension of health, which is placed along with the physical, mental, and social aspects of health. Since soldiers in military barracks are exposed to multiple psychological pressures, their psychological well-being can be affected. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the spiritual well-being and psychological well-being and the relationship between these two concepts among soldiers in military service. Methods: A descriptive-analytical study was conducted at a military barracks in Iran in 2019. The study population included 301 soldiers selected using a convenience sampling method. Data were collected using three questionnaires for data on sociodemographic, psychological well-being, and spiritual well-being. Results: The results showed that soldiers' spiritual well-being (Mean ± SD: 100.6 ± 12, 30, range: 50 – 120) and Psychological well-being (PWB) (Mean ± SD: 85.85 ± 7.91, range: 48 – 104) were at high levels. Furthermore, a significant correlation was observed between spiritual well-being and psychological well-being (P value< 0.001, r = 0.41). Conclusion: Considering the correlation between spiritual well-being and psychological well-being among soldiers in military service, it is possible to improve their psychological well-being by promoting spiritual well-being. In this regard, more interventional and combination studies are recommended in the field of psychological well-being and spiritual well-being.
Evaluation of miR-21 Expression Level in Helicobacter pylori-Infected Gastric Mucosa
Authors: Noohi Mona , Hakemi-Vala Mojdeh , Nowroozi Jamileh , Fatemi Seyed Reza , Dezfulian Mehrouz
Published: September 2020

Background: Gastric cancer is one of the main causes of death worldwide. In this regard, Helicobacter pylori infection is considered as the main risk factor for gastric cancer. MicroRNA (mirNA) can interface with mRNA molecules as well as blocking their translation into proteins or inducing degradation. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the expression of mir-21 in biopsy samples of gastritis and healthy adjacent tissues. Methods: Between Feb-Dec 2017, 70 patients with dyspeptic symptoms from Taleghani Hospital were enrolled in this study. Accordingly, the expression level of mir-21 was evaluated using semi-quantitative RT-PCR in mucosal biopsy samples from those well-characterized patients. Moreover, the U6 gene was used as an internal control. Results: Our data indicated that mir-21 expression was significantly up-regulated in the infected samples with H. pylori compared to healthy samples. Conclusions: Our results confirm that H. pylori infection can alter the expression of mir-21 in gastric epithelial cells and gastric mucosal tissues. However, the exact role of the miRNA changes in H. pylori infection will require further experiments.
Distribution of Streptococcus agalactiae Among Iranian Women from 1992 to 2018: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sadeh Maryam , Salehi-Abargouei Amin , Azartoos Nastaran , Mirzaei Farzaneh , Khalili Mohammad Bagher
Published: September 2020

Context: Group B Streptococcus has the capacity of being colonized in the rectovaginal organ of women and causes infections in a mother and her fetus, thereby leading to neonatal diseases. Evidence Acquisition: The aim of this review was to summarize all of the relevant articles published to highlight the prevalence of group B Streptococcus colonization or infection in different regions of Iran. A systematic literature review was conducted by searching PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science (ISI), ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and domestic databases for papers published in English or Persian from 1992 up to July 2019, concerning the prevalence of group B Streptococcus among Iranian women. All information regarding year, location of cases, frequency, author’s name, date of publication, participants, pregnancy period, sampling, and quality assessment were recorded. Summary effects were derived using the random effects model. Results: Among 61 suitable papers, data revealed that 36,807 cases of pregnant and non-pregnant women had been tested for group B Streptococcus during 1992-2018. Overall, 11.9% of pregnant and 5.3% of non-pregnant women were positive. Further results were as follows: vaginal, recto-vaginal, rectal, and endocervical colonization rates were 12.9%, 9.7%, 18.5%, and 3.7%, respectively. Group B Streptococcus incidence was the highest in Sanandaj (61.5%), and the lowest in Tabriz (1.8%). Conclusions: Although the prevalence distribution in Iran seems to be acceptable, more investigations are needed to represent the real incidence of group B Streptococcus around the country. In addition, a program with a standard lab technique is needed to screen pregnant women for further treatment before birth.
Immunomodulator Drug (IMODTM) and Exercise Improve Cardiac Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Balance in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Ali-Aghdam Ali , Karimi-Sales Elham , Mahmoudi Javad , Ghiasi Rafigheh , Alipour Mohammad Reza
Published: September 2020

: Diabetes is a common metabolic disease that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. It seems that the reduction of oxidative stress or increasing antioxidant levels improves diabetic cardiomyopathy. Antioxidant effects of immunomodulatory drug (IMODTM) and also beneficial influences of exercise on diabetic complications have been shown. The present study examined the effects of IMODTM and exercise on cardiac oxidative stress and antioxidants in diabetes. For this purpose, 64 rats were divided into 8 groups: control (C), exercise (E), IMODTM (20 mg/kg) (I), exercise plus IMODTM (E + I), diabetes (D), diabetic rats treated with exercise (D + E), diabetic rats treated with IMODTM (D + I), and diabetic rats treated with exercise plus IMODTM (D + E + I). Treatments with exercise and/or IMODTM were performed for 8 weeks. Type 1 diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 60 mg/kg streptozotocin. After the treatment period, all rats were anesthetized, and blood and heart samples were gathered for measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) as an oxidative stress marker, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as a cardiac injury marker, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) as well as glutathione peroxidase (GPx) as antioxidant enzymes. The present study, for the first time, showed that IMODTM alone or in combination with exercise had positive effects on alleviating hyperglycemia, MDA, and LDH along with elevation of antioxidant enzymes activities in type 1 diabetic rats.
Efficacy of Zinc as Adjuvant Therapy in the Treatment of Severe Pneumonia in Hospitalized Children: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Hashemian Houman , Alizadeh Hamid , Kazemnejad Leyli Ehsan
Published: September 2020

Background: Pneumonia remains one of the leading causes of childhood mortality and morbidity in developing countries. Studies showed that zinc supplementation can prevent pneumonia, but its therapeutic effectiveness has not been determined definitively. Objectives: This study evaluated the effect of zinc supplementation as adjuvant treatment on children with severe pneumonia admitted to 17th Shahrivar Training Hospital in Rasht, Iran. Methods: In this double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial, 120 children aged two to 60 months hospitalized for pneumonia were randomly divided into 2 groups of size 60 each. The first group received zinc sulfate (20 mg daily for children twelve months of age or older and 10 mg daily for children younger than 12 months), and the second group received a placebo for seven days. All patients received standard antibiotic treatment for pneumonia. The children were daily evaluated, and recovery time for fever and tachypnea (as primary outcomes) and duration of hospitalization and mortality rate (as secondary outcomes) were compared between the two groups. Results: The mean age of patients was 14.1 months ± 13.9. The youngest and oldest patients were aged 2 and 60 months, respectively. No significant difference in age and sex distribution was found between the two groups. The zinc receiving group experienced a considerably shorter time of fever (2.1 days vs. 2.84 days, P < 0.05) and tachypnea (1.75 days versus 2.1 days, P = 0.011). There was no significant difference in the duration of admission between the two groups (P = 0.728), and no cases of death occurred in either group. Conclusions: This study showed that adjuvant treatment with zinc in children aged 2 to 60 months with severe pneumonia accelerates recovery from pneumonia. Further studies are needed to investigate the effects of administering zinc as adjunctive therapy for pneumonia in other age groups.
Desynchronization of simulation and optimization algorithms in HPC Environment
Authors: Starzec Mateusz , Starzec Grażyna , Paciorek Mateusz
Published: September 2020

Need for scalability of an algorithm is essential, when one wants to utilize HPC infrastructure in an efficient and reasonable way. In such infrastructures, synchronization affects the efficiency of the parallel algorithms. However, one can consider introducing certain means of desynchronization in order to increase scalability. Allowing for omitting or delaying certain messages, can be easily accepted in the case of metaheuristics. Furthermore, some simulations can also follow this pattern and handle bigger environments. The paper presents a short survey of desynchronization idea, pointing out already obtained results or sketching out the future work focused on scaling the parallel and distributed computing or simulation algorithms leveraging desynchronization.
Picky ABCG5/G8 and promiscuous ABCG2 ‐ a tale of fatty diets and drug toxicity
Authors: Khunweeraphong Narakorn , Mitchell‐White James , Szöllősi Dániel , Hussein Toka , Kuchler Karl , Kerr Ian D. , Stockner Thomas , Lee Jyh‐Yeuan
Published: September 2020

Structural data on ABCG5/G8 and ABCG2 reveal a unique molecular architecture for subfamily G ATP‐binding cassette (ABCG) transporters and disclose putative substrate‐binding sites. ABCG5/G8 and ABCG2 appear to use several unique structural motifs to execute transport, including the triple helical bundles, the membrane‐embedded polar relay, the re‐entry helices, and a hydrophobic valve. Interestingly, ABCG2 shows extreme substrate promiscuity, whereas ABCG5/G8 transports only sterol molecules. ABCG2 structures suggest a large internal cavity, serving as a binding region for substrates and inhibitors, while mutational and pharmacological analyses support the notion of multiple binding sites. By contrast, ABCG5/G8 shows a collapsed cavity of insufficient size to hold substrates. Indeed, mutational analyses indicate a sterol‐binding site at the hydrophobic interface between the transporter and the lipid bilayer. In this review, we highlight key differences and similarities between ABCG2 and ABCG5/G8 structures. We further discuss the relevance of distinct and shared structural features in the context of their physiological functions. Finally, we elaborate on how ABCG2 and ABCG5/G8 could pave the way for studies on other ABCG transporters.
Activation of P2X4 receptors induces an increase in the area of the extracellular region and a decrease in receptor mobility
Authors: Bergler Frederik , Fuentes Christian , Kadir Md. Fahim , Navarrete Camilo , Supple Jack , Barrera Nelson P. , Edwardson John Michael
Published: September 2020

The P2X4 receptor (P2X4R) is an ATP‐gated cation channel. Here, we used fast‐scan atomic force microscopy (AFM) to visualize changes in the structure and mobility of individual P2X4Rs in response to activation. P2X4Rs were purified from detergent extracts of transfected cells and integrated into lipid bilayers. Activation resulted in a rapid (2 s) and substantial (10–20 nm2) increase in the cross‐sectional area of the extracellular region of the receptor and a corresponding decrease in receptor mobility. Both effects were blocked by the P2X4R antagonist 5‐BDBD. Addition of cholesterol to the bilayer reduced receptor mobility, although the ATP‐induced reduction in mobility was still observed. We suggest that the observed responses to activation may have functional consequences for purinergic signalling.
Genetic factors for susceptibility to and manifestations of neuromyelitis optica
Authors: Matsushita Takuya , Masaki Katsuhisa , Isobe Noriko , Sato Shinya , Yamamoto Ken , Nakamura Yuri , Watanabe Mitsuru , Suenaga Toshihiko , Kira Jun‐ichi ,   the Japan Multiple Sclerosis Genetic Consortium
Published: September 2020

Objective

To identify genetic factors associated with susceptibility to and clinical features of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD).

Methods

Genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping was conducted in 211 Japanese patients with NMOSD fulfilling the 2006 criteria with or without anti‐aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) antibody and 1,919 Japanese healthy controls (HCs). HLA‐DRB1 and HLA‐DPB1 alleles were genotyped in 184 NMOSD cases and 317 HCs. Multiple sclerosis (MS) risk alleles outside the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region were tested in NMOSD and MS genetic burden (MSGB) scores were compared between HCs and NMOSD.

Results

A SNP (rs1964995) in the MHC region was associated with NMOSD susceptibility (odds ratio (OR) = 2.33, P = 4.07 × 10−11). HLA‐DRB1*08:02 (OR = 2.86, P = 3.03 × 10−4) and HLA‐DRB1*16:02 (OR = 8.39, P = 1.92 × 10−3) were risk alleles for NMOSD susceptibility whereas HLA‐DRB1*09:01 was protective (OR = 0.27, P = 1.06 × 10−5). Three MS risk variants were associated with susceptibility and MSGB scores were significantly higher in NMOSD than in HCs (P = 0.0095). A SNP in the KCNMA1 (potassium calcium‐activated channel subfamily M alpha 1) gene was associated with disability score with genome‐wide significance (rs1516512, P = 2.33 × 10−8) and transverse myelitis (OR = 1.77, P = 0.011). KCNMA1 was immunohistochemically detected in the perivascular endfeet of astrocytes and its immunoreactivity was markedly diminished in active spinal cord lesions in NMOSD.

Interpretation

Specific HLA‐DRB1 alleles confer NMOSD susceptibility and KCNMA1 is associated with disability and transverse myelitis in NMOSD.
Excitatory and inhibitory neuron defects in a mouse model of Scn1b‐linked EIEE52
Authors: Hull Jacob M. , O’Malley Heather A. , Chen Chunling , Yuan Yukun , Denomme Nicholas , Bouza Alexandra A. , Anumonwo Charles , Lopez‐Santiago Luis F. , Isom Lori L.
Published: September 2020

Objective

Human variants in voltage‐gated sodium channel (VGSC) α and β subunit genes are linked to developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs). Inherited, biallelic, loss‐of‐function variants in SCN1B, encoding the β1/β1B subunits, are linked to early infantile DEE (EIEE52). De novo, monoallelic variants in SCN1A (Nav1.1), SCN2A (Nav1.2), SCN3A (Nav1.3), and SCN8A (Nav1.6) are also linked to DEEs. While these VGSC‐linked DEEs have similar presentations, they have diverse mechanisms of altered neuronal excitability. Mouse models have suggested that Scn2a‐, Scn3a‐, and Scn8a‐linked DEE variants are, in general, gain of function, resulting in increased persistent or resurgent sodium current (INa) and pyramidal neuron hyperexcitability. In contrast, Scn1a‐linked DEE variants, in general, are loss‐of‐function, resulting in decreased INa and hypoexcitability of fast‐spiking interneurons. VGSC β1 subunits associate with Nav1.1, Nav1.2, Nav1.3, and Nav1.6 and are expressed throughout the brain, raising the possibility that insults to both pyramidal and interneuron excitability may drive EIEE52 pathophysiology.

Methods

We investigated excitability defects in pyramidal and parvalbumin‐positive (PV +) interneurons in the Scn1b−/− model of EIEE52. We also used Scn1bFL/FL mice to delete Scn1b in specific neuronal populations.

Results

Scn1b−/− cortical PV + interneurons were hypoexcitable, with reduced INa density. Scn1b−/− cortical pyramidal neurons had population‐specific changes in excitability and impaired INa density. Scn1b deletion in PV + neurons resulted in 100% lethality, whereas deletion in Emx1 + or Camk2a + neurons did not affect survival.

Interpretation

This work suggests that SCN1B‐linked DEE variants impact both excitatory and inhibitory neurons, leading to the increased severity of EIEE52 relative to other DEEs.
Robust fault detection and adaptive parameter identification for DC‐DC converters via switched systems
Authors: Li Jian , Pan Kunpeng , Su Qingyu
Published: September 2020

In this paper, the problem of fault detection and identification for DC‐DC converters is presented. First, switched systems model and fault model are analyzed based the switched characteristics of the DC‐DC converters, taking the DC‐DC buck converter as an example. According to the switched Lyapunov function technique, a fault detection observer and a bank of linear switched fault identification observers are designed for the switched systems. Next, the fault detection observer detects the fault based on the residual produced by the observer output and actual output. After the fault is detected, fault identification observers are activated. The location of fault is identified by comparing the residual evaluation functions. Meanwhile, the adaptive parameter identification is achieved by choosing an appropriate adaptive law. Finally, in order to show the feasibility of the fault detection and identification, the simulation results are given in this article.
Responsive Polymer Brush Design and Emerging Applications for Nanotheranostics
Authors: Li Danyang , Xu Lizhou , Wang Jing , Gautrot Julien E.
Published: September 2020

Responsive polymer brushes are a category of polymer brushes that are capable of conformational and chemical changes in response to external stimuli. They offer unique opportunities for the control of bio−nano interactions due to the precise control of chemical and structural parameters such as the brush thickness, density, chemistry, and architecture. The design of responsive brushes at the surface of nanomaterials for theranostic applications has developed rapidly. These coatings can be generated from a very broad range of nanomaterials, without compromising their physical, photophysical, and imaging properties. Although the use of responsive brushes for nanotheranostic remains in its early stages, in this review, the aim is to present how the systems developed to date can be combined to control sensing, imaging, and controlled delivery of therapeutics. The recent developments for such design and associated methods for the synthesis of responsive brushes are discussed. The responsive behaviors of homo polymer brushes and brushes with more complex architectures are briefly reviewed, before the applications of responsive brushes as smart delivery systems are discussed. Finally, the recent work is summarized on the use of responsive polymer brushes as novel biosensors and diagnostic tools for the detection of analytes and biomarkers.
CW EPR Investigation of Red‐Emitting CaS:Eu Phosphors: Rationalization of Local Electronic Structure
Authors: Spencer Jacob N. , Merrikin Danielle , Pope Simon J. A. , Morgan David J. , Carthey Nicholas , Murphy Damien M.
Published: September 2020

A series of commercial and prepared CaS:Eu2+ rare earth activated phosphors are investigated following different post‐synthetic treatments. A number of species directly related to the function of the material are characterized using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Isolated Eu2+ sites are identified and associated with the substitutional doping for Ca2+ in the lattice which are responsible for the 645 nm emission of interest. Another inactive Eu2+ site based within a “EuO” type phase aggregated on the surface of the material is also identified, as well as competitive F+ center defects that are known to reduce emission from the Eu2+ sites. Intrinsic Mn2+ impurities are identified and used as local order probes to determine changes in ordering and symmetry upon cryo‐milling and heating treatments of the samples. X‐ray photoelectron (XPS) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopies are also conducted to complement the local structure observations. The reported data is useful in understanding how the nature of the lattice affects ground state electronic structure of functional defective sites, for the development of efficient and selective materials.
Thickness Identification of Thin InSe by Optical Microscopy Methods
Authors: Zhao Qinghua , Puebla Sergio , Zhang Wenliang , Wang Tao , Frisenda Riccardo , Castellanos-Gomez Andres
Published: September 2020

Indium selenide (InSe), as a novel van der Waals‐layered semiconductor, has attracted large research interest, thanks to its excellent optical and electrical properties in the ultrathin limit. Herein, four different optical methods to quantitatively identify the thickness of thin InSe flakes on various substrates, such as SiO2/Si or transparent polymeric substrates, are discussed. In the case of thin InSe deposited on a transparent substrate, the transmittance of the flake in the blue region of the visible spectrum is used to estimate the thickness. For InSe supported by SiO2/Si, the thickness of the flakes is estimated by either assessing their apparent colors or accurately analyzed using a Fresnel law‐based fitting model of the optical contrast spectra. Finally, the thickness dependency of the InSe photoluminescence emission energy is also studied, which provides an additional tool to estimate the InSe thickness, and it works both for InSe deposited on SiO2/Si and on a transparent polymeric substrate.