bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CHARACTERISTICS OF VIBRATOR ARRAYS DIRECTIVITY ON HARMONICS OF MAIN FREQUENCY
Authors:   O.S. Popov Odessa National Academy of Telecommunications, Tsaliev T.A. , Vakarchuk A.O.
Published: May 2021

Antenna patterns representing dependences of the directivity factor (DF) on angular coordinates for arrays formed from Yagi-Uda aerials are considered and discussed. The results of computer modelling are based on the decision of integral equations by the method of moments. Patterns that represent dependences of the coefficient of the directivity factor (DF) for an array and her elements from angular coordinates are counted on fundamental frequency and four harmonics. The data obtained confirmed the validity of the assumptions that the directivity properties of vibrator antenna arrays can significantly affect the EMC conditions for harmonics of the fundamental frequency. At these frequencies, several main maxima appear in the radiation patterns, the level of directivity in which may even exceed the maximum directivity in the main lobe at the fundamental frequency. The DF patterns shown in the article refer to the case of in-phase excitation of the active elements of the array (without supply lines). However, in the presence of such lines with sequential or mixed power supply circuits, the dependence of the directivity on the angular coordinates can change significantly. The presence of bandpass filters in the input and output stages of the radar will make it possible to largely suppress the levels of harmonic interference, however, if these filters are made on the basis of transmission line segments, their parameters at harmonic frequencies may be insufficient. Further research can be aimed at studying the spatial characteristics and directivity of vibrator antenna arrays based on wave channel antennas with an increased number of passive vibrators, as well as with various power supply and filtering schemes.
THE ICT INTEGRATION AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE INFLUENCE AND ITS IMPORTANCE ON SUSTAINABLE SOCIETY DEVELOPMENT
Authors:   The National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Dovgiy S.O. , Guliaev K.D. ,   The National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Vorobiyenko P.P. ,   О.S. Popov Odessa National Academy of Telecommunications
Published: May 2021

The purpose of the study is to determine the role of forecasting, its tasks and components in order to ensure the stable development of society in terms of integration of ICT and artificial intelligence. The study considers the indicators that characterize the results of society development due to scientific and technological progress. It also aims at analyzing the projected changes in society, as well as changes in the structure of infocommunication networks and technologies. It identifies the facts that significantly create instability in the global world in the form of military conflicts, huge military spending, famine and disease. Scientific novelty is to determine the purpose of forecasting and its active nature in terms of identifying and supporting factors, the introduction of which will stabilize society and improve the quality of life, which is determined by the happiness index. It is emphasized that the development of education and science can form a socio-political system in which the top of power will coincide with the top of wisdom and morality. Clearly and correctly formulated goals and forecast indicators will avoid many risks. Unemployment is one of the most dangerous.
COMBINED INFLUENCE OF DOPPLER EFFECT AND PILOT DE-ORTHOGONALIZATION ON 2×2 TO 4×4 MIMO SYSTEMS AND IMPROVEMENT OF ORTHOGONAL SEQUENCES
Authors:   O. S. Popov Odesa National Academy of Telecommunications, Romanuke V. V.
Published: May 2021

The Doppler effect in 2×2, 3×3, and 4×4 MIMO wireless communication systems with channel state estimation is studied. The orthogonal pilot signal approach is used for the channel estimation, where the Hadamard sequences are used for piloting along with the eight Romanuke orthogonal sets similar to the Walsh set. The Doppler effect is additionally aggravated by the pilot signal de-orthogonalization, where two negative-to-positive symbol errors are assumed to have occurred while signal is transmitted. MIMO transmissions are simulated for 10 cases of the frame length and pilot symbols per frame by no Doppler shift to 1100 Hz Doppler shift with a step of 100 Hz. By assuming that the carrier frequency is 5,9 GHz, the step corresponds to a motion speed of about 18.3 km/hr. Based on the simulations, it is ascertained that the Doppler effect negatively influences transmissions of long data packets. It is impracticable to apply MIMO transmissions of long packets at speeds exceeding 100 km/hr. To maintain an appropriate MIMO link data rate, the packet length should be shortened as the motion speed increases. On the other hand, the MIMO performance is substantially improved by increasing the number of antennas, except for the case of transmitting long packets. Besides, under the de-orthogonalization caused by two negative-to-positive symbol errors, the MIMO Walsh pilot sequences are outperformed by MIMO Romanuke pilot sequences, so the latter are considered as an improvement of MIMO orthogonal sequences. However, the performance difference between the Romanuke and Walsh pilot sequences decays as a greater number of transmit-receive antenna pairs is used and the motion speed increases.
A METHOD FOR FORMATION PARAMETERS OF CHAOS GENERATORS BASED ON HASH FUNCTIONS
Authors:   О.S. Popov Odessa National Academy of Telecommunications, Korchynskyi V.V. , Kildishev V.I. , Alfaion K. , Smazhenko К.О. , Valyhurskyi Y.P. , Polishchuk K.V.
Published: May 2021

Recently, more and more attention has been paid to the study issues of the properties phenomenon of dynamic chaos, which has penetrated practically all areas of scientific activity, including cryptography, radio-technical transmission systems, etc. Dynamic chaos opens new possibilities for the formation of random sequences that are used in cryptographic systems. Using such sequences, it is possible to solve problems of improving the cryptographic strength of streaming encryption systems. The reason for this is that the properties of dynamic chaos, which, as a rule, apply to gamma sequences: the motion of deterministic dynamic system under certain conditions has all the properties of the noise signal; the presence of nonlinearity and non-periodicity of the process. For the formation of gamma sequences, it is proposed to use software chaos generators, which, in contrast to linear congruent generators, have much a longer period. A characteristic feature of chaos generators is that minor changes in their initial parameters lead to the formation of new values of the oscillations. This allows the formation of various trajectories of the chaotic process, on the basis of which can create almost unlimited number combinations of gamma sequences of a given length. This article proposes a method of forming the initial parameters of program chaos generators based on conversion of the hash function of the password characters of the cryptographic system user
A NUMERICAL-ANALYTICAL METHOD FOR THE SYNTHESIS OF OPTIMAL IRREGULAR DWDM FREQUENCY PLANS
Authors:   О.S. Popov Odessa National Academy of Telecommunications, Odegov N.A. , Baleyev I.S.
Published: May 2021

The possibilities of increasing the throughput of fiber-optic transmission systems by using an uneven frequency grid are investigated. In this case, the bandwidth of each channel is selected so that the transmission rate is the same for all channels. In this work, both linear and some nonlinear effects are taken into account, leading to the distortion of the optical pulse. Simulation of nonlinear effects is based on a model in the form of a generalized nonlinear Schrödinger equation. The developed program provides modeling of linear and nonlinear distortions for the DWDM range (from 1460 to 1625 nm). The characteristics of different types of optical fiber are also provided. Non-linear effects are investigated for NZ DSF-type dispersion-shifted fiber. Differential equations are solved by the method of splitting according to physical factors. It is shown that for this type of fiber at distances of 100 km and more, a soliton transmission mode appears. In this case, the frequency band of the soliton regime can reach significant values (up to 5 THz) at typical lengths of the regeneration sections of the order of 100-300 km. A method for calculating the bandwidth of uneven frequency plans is proposed. This method has been tested for a 15 THz band. A specific example of calculations is given for the comparison base in the form of a uniform frequency plan with a single channel bandwidth of 50 GHz. It is shown that optimal non-uniform frequency plans can significantly increase the throughput of DWDM systems: in the given example, approximately 3 times. At the same time, the complexity of the equipment increases slightly.
Правозастосовча практика регулювання свободи наукових медико-біологічних досліджень в європейському союзі на прикладі Німеччини
Authors: Величко МВ , Радченко ВГ
Published: May 2021

Мета. На прикладі Німеччини, яка має передову економіку і дієву систему із забезпечення біологічної безпеки та біологічного захисту, дослідити практику правового регулювання в ЄС свобод наукових досліджень, зокрема в медико-біологічній царині.

Матеріали та методи. На підставі аналізу законодавства цієї країни проаналізовано підходи ЄС до створення системи нормативно-правового забезпечення даного напрямку на рівні розробки та вдосконалення загальної стратегії з біобезпеки та біозахисту, яка обов'язкова для реалізації в національних програмах держав-учасниць. Створення і набуття чинності конкретних нормативно-правових актів, які детально регламентують порядок проведення медико-біологічних науково-дослідних робіт. У кожній державі-учасниці вони здійснюються індивідуально із урахуванням національних особливостей.

Висновки. Запропоновано використання в Україні позитивного досвіду країн-учасниць ЄС із розробки національних програм біологічної безпеки і біологічного захисту та нормативно-правового забезпечення їхньої реалізації при створенні відповідної вітчизняної системи з протидії біотероризму, біологічним диверсіям та іншим загрозам біологічного характеру.

Ключові слова: біотероризм, біозагрози, біоризики, біологічна безпека, біологічний захист.
Pelatihan Membuat Proposal Pengajuan Dana CSR Perusahaan Untuk Bantuan Pembangunan Mushola At-Taqwa
Authors: Sari Rafika , Febrianti Reny Aziatul
Published: May 2021

Abstract: The problem that arises in the surrounding community is the lack of information regarding how to obtain funds in terms of village development and nearby places of worship,  the condition of the prayer room is quite apprehensive, both the road to the location and the place of ablution, in this case the purpose of this community service is  form an organization of holiness. mushola and has the ability to make fundraising proposals for the construction of a prayer room and can support the operational costs of the At-Taqwa . This community service is carried out. methods such as: Percentage, question and answer process so that problems making assistance proposals so that the board members can directly make a proposal and submit it to the party who will be the target. The results of the community service activities included. The training was attended by 20 participants consisting of administrators and residents around the mosque. Participants responded very well to the training and currently the management has been able to make and distribute proposals as an alternative withdrawing company csr funds as assistance in building a prayer room, several companies such as Bank Mandiri, provide funds for the rehabilitation of mosque constructionKeywords:  fund proposal; mushola; training.Abstrak: Permasalahan yang timbul dimasyrakat sekitar adalah kurangnaya informasi dalam terhadap bagimana memperloleh dana dalam hal pembangunan desa dan tempat ibadah disekitar, dimana kondisi mushola cukup memprihatinkan baik jalan untuk ke lokasi maupun tempat wudhu dalam hal ini Tujuan dari  Pengabdian kepada masyarat ini agar terbentuknya organisasi kepengerusan mushola dan memiliki kemampuan untuk membuat proposal pengalangan dana demi pembangunan mushola dan dapat menunjang biaya operasional mushola At-Taqwa. Pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini dilakukan dengan beberapa metode pengabdian  diantaranya: Persentasi,  proses tanya jawab agar permasalahan dalam pembuatan proposal  pendampingan agar tik pengurus dapat secara langsung membuat proposal dan mengajukanya ke pihak pihak yang akan menjadi target. Hasil dari kegiatan pengabdian pada masyarakat ini antara lain:  Pelatihan ini berjalan dengan baik dan sukses para tim pengurus sangat antusias dalam membuat proposal untuk pembangina mushola. Pelatihan dihadiri oleh 20 orang peserta terdiri dari pengurus dan warga sekitar mushola, Peserta merespon  pelatihan dengan sangat baik dan saat ini pengurus sudah dapat membuat dan menyalurkan proposal sebagai alternatif dalam menarik dana csr perusahaan sebagai bantuan dalam pembangunan mushola, beberapa perusahaan seperti bank Mandiri, memberikan dana untuk rehab pembangunan musholaKata Kunci: mushola; pelatihan; proposal dana.
Perencanaan Strategi Pengembangan Usaha Kain Tenun Sutra Dengan Pendekatan Metode Balanced Scorecard (Studi Kasus Di Pabrik Sutra Tiga Putra)
Authors:   Sekolah Tinggi Teknologi Garut, Aulia Dewi , Ikhwana Andri
Published: May 2021

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengidentifikasi faktor-faktor internal dan eksternal perusahaan serta merumuskan dan merencanakan strategi pengembangan usaha kain tenun sutra di pabrik sutra Tiga Putra dalam upaya memperoleh banyak relasi bisnis dan menambah nilai profitabilitas bagi perusahaan. Didalam penelitian ini metodologi yang digunakan dalam perencanaan strategi pengembangan usaha ini yaitu dengan pendekatan metode Balanced Scorecard (BSC), metode balanced scorecard pada awalnya diciptakan untuk mengatasi problem tentang kelemahan sistem pengukuran kinerja yang berfokus pada aspek keuangan, selanjutnya balanced scorecard mengalami perkembangan implementasinya bukan hanya sebagai alat pengukur kinerja namun meluas sebagai pendekatan dalam penyusunan rencana stratejik (Mulyadi, 2001). Sehingga hasil dari penelitian ini adalah menunjukkan bahwa penggunaan model Balanced Scorecard (BSC) dapat dilakukan untuk merencanakan dan merumuskan strategi pengembangan usaha kain tenun sutra dengan tidak melupakan kapasitas dari perusahaan itu sendiri.
Research of the possibility of increasing the rationality of planned preparations of medicinal vegetable raw materials for providing qualitative phytorehabilitation of the military
Authors:   Ukrainian Military Medical Academy, Kyiv, Кuchmistova О.F. , Shmatenko O.P. ,   Ukrainian Military Medical Academy, Kyiv, Rudenkо V.V. ,   Ukrainian Military Medical Academy, Kyiv, Sirota P.S. ,   Ukrainian Military Medical Academy, Kyiv, Prykhodko T.V. ,   Ukrainian Military Medical Academy, Kyiv, Tarasenko V.A. ,   Ukrainian Military Medical Academy, Kyiv, Кuchmistov V.О. ,   Ukrainian Military Medical Academy, Kyiv
Published: May 2021

Keywords: wild medicinal plants, phyto-raw materials, dosage form, themilitary, rehabilitation, regions of Ukraine. The aims of the research were theoretical substantiation of scientific and practical approach to detection and analysis of distribution of wild medicinal plants with significant resource potential in regions of Ukraine and development of a theoretical platform for substitution therapy during the rehabilitation that based on the generalization of information on domestic floristic resources. The authors structured and fragmentarily presented information about botanical and geographical zoning of medicinal plants with a significant raw material resource for each of the 25 regions of Ukraine as an element of their natural and recreational potential that may be use as a replacement therapy for military medicine. The leading regions are identified in terms of the total number and diversity of species, the volume of raw materials. Attention was focused on 40 wild medicinal plants, the most common in each region.The relationship between the chemical composition and treatment and prevention of certain plants, possible dosage forms and directions of pharmacotherapeutic action have been studied. Significant advantage of infusions and decoctions (made on water or milk) of anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, analgesic, antipyretic, hemostatic action is revealed.Emphasis is placed on the high therapeutic effect of phytomedicines in the treatment of purulent wounds, burns, ulcers, abscesses, fistulas;opportunities to accelerate regeneration processes. Comparative phytoanalysis allowed to unify 10 medicinal plants with a wide raw material resource in the vast majority of regions of the country.A sample of possible formulations of extemporaneous and industrial production is made, the general technological principles of their production are analyzed. The collected material will significantly adjust the plans for possible procurement of vegetable raw materials for the needs of military medicine.
Experimental determination of the efective dose (ed50) values of IRIS HUNGARICA leaf and rhizome dry extracts with potential anabolic properties
Authors:   National University of Pharmacy, Kharkiv, Kerimova G.F. , Rybak V.A. ,   National University of Pharmacy, Kharkiv
Published: May 2021

Keywords: effective dose, anabolic activity, extract, hungarian iris. Acknowledging the importance of plants in the correction of negative nitrogen balance and mild to moderate muscular atrophy, the following advantages of herbal medicinal products over synthetic drugs were taken into account: optimal bioavailability at the systemic, organ and cellular levels; biochemical digestibility of intermediate and end products of metabolism, which decreases the probability of accumulation significantly; organotropic, allergenic and toxic action. The study objective was to determine ED50 values of Iris hungarica leaf and rhizome dry extracts by application of the least square method to the anabolic activity in the intact animals. The study was conducted in 72 white outbred male rats, weighing 230 to 240 g. The anabolic activity of the extracts is estimated by the following indicators: body weight gain of animals; relative weight of internal organs – heart, gastrocnemius muscle, testes; total protein in blood serum, gastrocnemius and cardiac muscles. The experimental animals were administered extracts in doses of 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, and 300 mg/kg. The mean effective dose was 148.81±23.91 mg/kg for Iris hungarica dry leafextract, and 147.27±26.11 mg/kg for Iris hungarica dry rhizome extract as determined by signs of the anabolic effect in the intact animals. Thus, the presence of anabolic effect in dry extracts of leaves and rhizomes of Hungarian iris shows the potential of herbal medicinal products, and the need for more pharmacological studies in order to create a new medicinal product for the correction of negative nitrogen balance and mild to moderate muscular atrophy.
Dampak Objek Wisata Kebun Raya Massenrempulu Enrekang Terhadap Kehidupan Sosial Budaya Masyarakat Batu Mila Enrekang
Authors: Widya Ningsih
Published: May 2021

Berawal dari keberadaan kebun Raya Massenrempulu Enrekang yang memberikan dampak pada kehidupan sosial budaya masyarakat setempat. Maka, penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan kehidupan sosial budaya masyarakat Batu Mila setelah adanya Kebun Raya Massenrempulu Enrekang. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode pendekatan deskriptif kualitatif. Data diperoleh melalui wawancara, observasi, dokumentasi. Hasil penelitian ini, menunjukkan bahwa keberadaan Kebun Raya Massenrempulu Enrekang, memberikan pengaruh positif atau dampak positif bagi masyarakat setempat. Sebelum adanya Kebun Raya Massenrempulu Enrekang terutama ibu-ibu hanya menjadi ibu rumah tangga biasa namun dengan keberadaan kebun raya massenrempulu Enrekang, ibu-ibu IRT menjadi pegawai tetap di kebun raya, memiliki penghasilan tetap setiap bulan. Selain itu, berdampak pula terhadap gaya hidup masyarakat yang terlihat dari aktivitas olahraga yang mereka lakukan di Kebun Raya Massenrempulu Enrekang, Kebun Raya Massenrempulu Enrekang dijadikan sebagai tempat refreshing, rekreasi, kumpul-kumpul, foto-foto. Implikasi lainnya adalah berdampak terhadap hubungan sosial masyarakat yang semakin dalam dan akrab. Sebagai tempat konservasi tumbuh-tumbuhan Kebun Raya Massenrempulu Enrekang memberikan dampak pendidikan dimana Kebun Raya Enrekang dijadikan sebagai tempat penelitian mahasiswa dan anak sekolah.
Inventarisasi Sarana dan Prasarana, Daya Tarik Wisata Kabupaten Barru dengan Pemodelan Sistem Informasi Geografis
Authors: Herry Rachmat Widjaja  , Muhammad Musawantoro  , Masri Ridwan
Published: May 2021

Penelitian ini untuk mengidentifikasi, mengelompokkan dan memetakan sarana dan prasarana daya tarik wisata di Kabupaten Barru. Teknik pengumpulan data dengan survey, wawancara, dokumentasi dan kajian referensi. Data sekunder diperoleh dari Portal Geospasial Indonesia, Dinas Pariwisata dan Badan Pusat Statistik Kabupaten Barru. Teknik analisis data dengan analisis spasial menggunakan Sistem Informasi Geografis. Penyajian data menggunakan deskriptif kualitatif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Daya Tarik Wisata (DTW) Kabupaten Barru terdiri dari Alam, Budaya, Sejarah, Bahari dan Buatan. Zona 1 (Kecamatan Mallusetasi dan Soppeng Riaja) terdapat 10 DTW; Zona 2 (Kecamatan Balusu dan Kecamatan Barru) terdapat 12 DTW; Zona 3 (Kecamatan Tanete Rilau, Kecamatan Tanete Riaja dan Kecamatan Pujananting) terdapat 17 DTW. Inventarisasi Sarana dan Prasarana, Daya Tarik Wisata Kabupaten Barru berupa data atribut dan data spasial. Rekomendasi hasil temuan diintegrasikan dengan aplikasi android berupa Sistem Informasi serta website resmi Dinas Pariwisata Kabupaten Barru, sehingga dapat diakses oleh publik.
Ataerkil Güç İlişkileri Bağlamında Baba-Oğul Etkileşimi | Father-Son Interactıon In The Context Of Patrıarchal Power Relatıons
Authors: YÜZER İlayda , DEMEZ Gönül
Published: May 2021

Bu çalışma ataerkil sistem içerisinde hegemonik erkekliğin inşa süreçlerini babalık rolleri üzerinden baba-oğul etkileşimine odaklanarak çözümlemeyi amaçlamaktadır. Bu bağlamda ataerkilliğin babalığı nasıl anlamlandırdığını ve kurguladığını, toplumsal değişimlere paralel biçimde değişen babalık ve annelik rollerini irdelemeyi de kapsayacak biçimde tartışmaktadır. Ataerkilliğin hâkim olduğu toplumlarda babalığın uygulanışı otorite ekseninde gerçekleşmekte ve baba-oğul ilişkilerinin de mesafeli şekilde ilerlediği görülmektedir. Bu tartışmalardan yola çıkılarak yirmi yedi erkek ile derinlemesine mülakat tekniği ile görüşmeler gerçekleştirilmiştir. Nitel araştırma modeli ile hazırlanan bu çalışma yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formu yardımıyla yüz yüze görüşmeler biçiminde gerçekleştirilmiş ve görüşmeler 2020 yılı içerisinde İstanbul ve Antalya illerinde yapılmıştır. Görüşmelerden de anlaşılacağı gibi ataerkil sistemin gündelik hayatın her alanını düzenlediğini ve babalığın anlamını ve gündelik pratiklerini de belirlediğini söylemek mümkündür. Erkekliğin duygulardan uzak bir biçimde inşa edilen bir toplumsal rol olması dikkate alındığında, bu durumun; babalık rolünün ailede otorite ve iktidarın merkezi olarak inşa edilmesine neden olduğu söylenebilir. Böylece bulgulardan hareketle babalık statüsü ve rol kalıplarının erkeklerin çocuklarıyla mesafeli ilişki kurmalarına neden olduğu ve söz konusu etkileşimi bu çerçevede biçimlendirdiği söylenebilir. Bu anlamda ilgili literatürde erkekliğe ve babalığa ilişkin araştırmalar yaygın olmasına karşın ataerkil sistem ve baba-oğul etkileşimini, erkeklerin anlatılarından hareketle tartışmaya yönelik alan araştırmalarının sayıca az olması nedeniyle çalışmanın bu alandaki boşluğu doldurmada bir nebze katkı sağlayacağı ve yeni soruları gündeme taşıyabileceği düşünülebilir.
The Representation of ‘the New Woman’ in Kate Chopin’s the Awakening and in Halit Ziya Uşaklıgil’s Aşk-ı Memnu | Kate Chopin’in Uyanış ile Halit Ziya Uşaklıgil’in Aşk-ı Memnu Romanlarında “Yeni Kadın” Temsiliyeti
Authors: ACAR Yasin , ÖZENÇ Ardeniz
Published: May 2021

Social changes often take place when a culture is confronted with the influence of an overpowering, ‘higher’ culture with predetermined sets of values. In Kate Chopin’s The Awakening, the Creole culture is changing due to the influence of the North (of America) and in Halit Ziya Uşaklıgil’s Aşk-ı Memnu, Turkish culture is affected by the West (Europe). The results of these influences are observed best in the characters of women and conceptions about womanhood. Two heroines of these novels, Edna and Bihter, do not conform to the norms of their society, resulting in conflicts in their family and friend circles and leading to their subsequent suicides. They represent the new type of woman or the ‘new woman’, who seeks to set the rules of her own life and enjoys the same social freedom as men do, however, these women cannot manage the overwhelming social changes and eventually falter. The aim of this research is to analyse the periods of big social and political transitions in the communities and the representation of new women in the face of these changes.
lncRNA Profiles Enable Prognosis Prediction and Subtyping for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Shujun , Li Juan , Gao Huiru , Tong Yao , Li Peilong , Wang Yunshan , Du Lutao , Wang Chuanxin
Published: May 2021

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as useful prognostic markers in many tumors. In this study, we investigated the potential application of lncRNA markers for the prognostic prediction of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). We identified ESCC-associated lncRNAs by comparing ESCC tissues with normal tissues. Subsequently, Kaplan–Meier (KM) method in combination with the univariate Cox proportional hazards regression (UniCox) method was used to screen prognostic lncRNAs. By combining the differential and prognostic lncRNAs, we developed a prognostic model using cox stepwise regression analysis. The obtained prognostic prediction model could effectively predict the 3- and 5-year prognosis and survival of ESCC patients by time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (area under curve = 0.87 and 0.89, respectively). Besides, a lncRNA-based classification of ESCC was generated using k-mean clustering method and we obtained two clusters of ESCC patients with association with race and Barrett’s esophagus (BE) (bothP< 0.001). Finally, we found that lncRNA AC007128.1 was upregulated in both ESCC cells and tissues and associated with poor prognosis of ESCC patients. Furthermore, AC007128.1 could promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of ESCC cells by increasing the activation of MAPK/ERK and MAPK/p38 signaling pathways. Collectively, our findings indicated the potentials of lncRNA markers in the prognosis, molecular subtyping, and EMT of ESCC.
Important Physiological Changes Due to Drought Stress on Oat
Authors: Xie Hongying , Li Mengran , Chen Youjun , Zhou Qingping , Liu Wenhui , Liang Guoling , Jia Zhifeng
Published: May 2021

As temperatures rise and water availability decreases, the water decit is gaining attention regarding future agricultural production. Drought stress is a global issue and adversely affects the productivity of different crops. In this study, drought-tolerant varieties of oats were screened to determine drought-tolerant varieties that may be employed in drought-prone areas to achieve sustainable development and mitigate the impact of climate change. To do so, the growth and stress adaptive mechanism of 15 domestic and overseas oat cultivars at the seedling stage were analyzed. Water stress was simulated using 20% polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000). The results showed that the soluble protein content and superoxide dismutase activity of variety DY2 significantly increased under drought stress, whereas the photochemical efficiency and relative water content decreased slightly. The relative electrical conductivity (REC) and drought damage index of the QH444 and DY2 varieties increased the least. The peroxidase content of Q1 and DY2 significantly increased, and the catalase activity of Q1, QH444, and DY2 also substantially increased. Principal component analysis revealed that nine physiological and biochemical parameters were transformed into three independent comprehensive indexes. The comprehensive evaluation results showed that DY2, LN, and Q1 exhibited a strong drought resistance capacity and could be used as a reference material for a drought-resistant oat breeding program. The gray correlation analysis also indicated that Fv/Fm, chlorophyll, REC, and malondialdehyde could be used as key indexes for evaluating the drought resistance of oat.
Prospects of Neutralizing Nanobodies Against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Chen Fangfang , Liu Zhihong , Jiang Fan
Published: May 2021

Since December 2019, the SARS-CoV-2 has erupted on a large scale worldwide and spread rapidly. Passive immunization of antibody-related molecules provides opportunities for prevention and treatment of high-risk patients and children. Nanobodies (Nbs) have many strong physical and chemical properties. They can be atomized, administered by inhalation, and can be directly applied to the infected site, with fast onset, high local drug concentration/high bioavailability, and high patient compliance (no needles). It has very attractive potential in the treatment of respiratory viruses. Rapid and low-cost development of Nbs targeting SARS-CoV-2 can quickly be achieved. Nbs against SARS-CoV-2 mutant strains also can be utilized quickly to prevent the virus from escaping. It provides important technical supports for the treatment of the SARS-CoV-2 and has the potential to become an essential medicine in the toolbox against the SARS-CoV-2.
Seasonal Change in Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Is Associated With Renal Outcome and Mortality in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: See Chun Yin , Tseng Chien-Tzu , Lin Wei-Ren , Chao Jo-Yen , Kuo Te-Hui , Wang Ming-Cheng
Published: May 2021

Background: Blood pressure (BP) variation may result in poor cardiovascular and renal outcomes. We investigated the pattern of seasonal BP change and its association with outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) living in southern Taiwan.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of a prospective observational cohort consisting of outpatients with CKD for the period between December 2014 and December 2019. These patients were grouped according to the pattern of seasonal BP variation, namely, consistently higher average systolic BP (≥8 mmHg) in wintertime than summertime (Group A), consistently lower average systolic BP (≥8 mmHg) in wintertime than summertime (Group B), large variation of average systolic BP (≥8 mmHg) without a specific pattern related to weather (Group C), and little fluctuation of average systolic BP (<8 mmHg) throughout the years (Group D). The study endpoints were ≥40% reduction in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), end stage renal disease (initiation of dialysis or transplantation), or death.

Results: We analyzed 507 eligible patients, of whom 17.2% exhibited consistent BP elevation in the wintertime. There were 56.8% of patients conducting regular home BP monitoring. Cox regression analysis showed home BP monitoring was independently associated with better outcome in 507 CKD patients (HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.56–0.94, P = 0.0162). Compared with the other three groups, patients with BP elevation in the wintertime (Group A) were older, had a higher prevalence of diabetic nephropathy and nephrotoxic agent use, a lower prevalence of statin use, higher eGFR decline rate, and a worse outcome. Patients with BP reduction in the wintertime (Group B) were associated with the best outcome. Cox regression analysis indicated that consistent BP elevation in the wintertime in 288 CKD patients with home BP monitoring was significantly associated with a worse composite outcome (i.e., ≥40% reduction in eGFR, end stage renal disease, or death) after adjustment for various confounding factors.

Conclusion: Home BP monitoring is crucial, and associated with better outcome in CKD patients. Consistent home BP elevation from summertime to wintertime in patients with CKD was associated with a poorer composite outcome.
Current Status of the Evaluation and Management of Lupus Patients and Future Prospects
Authors: Yavuz Sule , Lipsky Peter E.
Published: May 2021

The vastly diverse nature of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) poses great challenges to clinicians and patients, as well as to research and drug development efforts. Precise management of lupus patients would be advanced by the ability to identify specific abnormalities operative in individual patients at the time of encounter with the clinician. Advances in new technologies and bioinformatics have greatly improved the understanding of the pathophysiology of SLE. Recent research has focused on the discovery and classification of sensitive and specific markers that could aid early accurate diagnosis, better monitoring of disease and identification of appropriate therapy choices based on specific dysregulated molecular pathways. Here, we summarize some of the advances and discuss the challenges in moving toward precise patient-centric management modalities in SLE.
Engineering Host Microbiome for Crop Improvement and Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Kaul Sanjana , Choudhary Malvi , Gupta Suruchi , Dhar Manoj K.
Published: May 2021

Dynamic consortium of microbial communities (bacteria, fungi, protists, viruses, and nematodes) colonizing multiple tissue types and coevolving conclusively with the host plant is designated as a plant microbiome. The interplay between plant and its microbial mutualists supports several agronomic functions, establishing its crucial role in plant beneficial activities. Deeper functional and mechanistic understanding of plant-microbial ecosystems will render many “ecosystem services” by emulating symbiotic interactions between plants, soil, and microbes for enhanced productivity and sustainability. Therefore, microbiome engineering represents an emerging biotechnological tool to directly add, remove, or modify properties of microbial communities for higher specificity and efficacy. The main goal of microbiome engineering is enhancement of plant functions such as biotic/abiotic stresses, plant fitness and productivities, etc. Various ecological-, biochemical-, and molecular-based approaches have come up as a new paradigm for disentangling many microbiome-based agromanagement hurdles. Furthermore, multidisciplinary approaches provide a predictive framework in achieving a reliable and sustainably engineered plant-microbiome for stress physiology, nutrient recycling, and high-yielding disease-resistant genotypes.
Exploring the Binding Interaction of Raf Kinase Inhibitory Protein With the N-Terminal of C-Raf Through Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Parate Shraddha , Rampogu Shailima , Lee Gihwan , Hong Jong Chan , Lee Keun Woo
Published: May 2021

Protein-protein interactions are indispensable physiological processes regulating several biological functions. Despite the availability of structural information on protein-protein complexes, deciphering their complex topology remains an outstanding challenge. Raf kinase inhibitory protein (RKIP) has gained substantial attention as a favorable molecular target for numerous pathologies including cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. RKIP interferes with the RAF/MEK/ERK signaling cascade by endogenously binding with C-Raf (Raf-1 kinase) and preventing its activation. In the current investigation, the binding of RKIP with C-Raf was explored by knowledge-based protein-protein docking web-servers including HADDOCK and ZDOCK and a consensus binding mode of C-Raf/RKIP structural complex was obtained. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were further performed in an explicit solvent to sample the conformations for when RKIP binds to C-Raf. Some of the conserved interface residues were mutated to alanine, phenylalanine and leucine and the impact of mutations was estimated by additional MD simulations and MM/PBSA analysis for the wild-type (WT) and constructed mutant complexes. Substantial decrease in binding free energy was observed for the mutant complexes as compared to the binding free energy of WT C-Raf/RKIP structural complex. Furthermore, a considerable increase in average backbone root mean square deviation and fluctuation was perceived for the mutant complexes. Moreover, per-residue energy contribution analysis of the equilibrated simulation trajectory by HawkDock and ANCHOR web-servers was conducted to characterize the key residues for the complex formation. One residue each from C-Raf (Arg398) and RKIP (Lys80) were identified as the druggable “hot spots” constituting the core of the binding interface and corroborated by additional long-time scale (300 ns) MD simulation of Arg398Ala mutant complex. A notable conformational change in Arg398Ala mutant occurred near the mutation site as compared to the equilibrated C-Raf/RKIP native state conformation and an essential hydrogen bonding interaction was lost. The thirteen binding sites assimilated from the overall analysis were mapped onto the complex as surface and divided into active and allosteric binding sites, depending on their location at the interface. The acquired information on the predicted 3D structural complex and the detected sites aid as promising targets in designing novel inhibitors to block the C-Raf/RKIP interaction.
Chemogenetic Activation of Feed-Forward Inhibitory Parvalbumin-Expressing Interneurons in the Cortico-Thalamocortical Network During Absence Seizures
Authors: Panthi Sandesh , Leitch Beulah
Published: May 2021

Parvalbumin-expressing (PV+) interneurons are a subset of GABAergic inhibitory interneurons that mediate feed-forward inhibition (FFI) within the cortico-thalamocortical (CTC) network of the brain. The CTC network is a reciprocal loop with connections between cortex and thalamus. FFI PV+ interneurons control the firing of principal excitatory neurons within the CTC network and prevent runaway excitation. Studies have shown that generalized spike-wave discharges (SWDs), the hallmark of absence seizures on electroencephalogram (EEG), originate within the CTC network. In the stargazer mouse model of absence epilepsy, reduced FFI is believed to contribute to absence seizure genesis as there is a specific loss of excitatory α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPARs) at synaptic inputs to PV+ interneurons within the CTC network. However, the degree to which this deficit is directly related to seizure generation has not yet been established. Using chemogenetics andin vivoEEG recording, we recently demonstrated that functional silencing of PV+ interneurons in either the somatosensory cortex (SScortex) or the reticular thalamic nucleus (RTN) is sufficient to generate absence-SWDs. Here, we used the same approach to assess whether activating PV+ FFI interneurons within the CTC network during absence seizures would prevent or reduce seizures. To target these interneurons, mice expressing Cre recombinase in PV+ interneurons (PV-Cre) were bred with mice expressing excitatory Gq-DREADD (hM3Dq-flox) receptors. An intraperitoneal dose of pro-epileptic chemical pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) was used to induce absence seizure. The impact of activation of FFI PV+ interneurons during seizures was tested by focal injection of the “designer drug” clozapine N-oxide (CNO) into either the SScortex or the RTN thalamus. Seizures were assessed in PVCre/Gq-DREADD animals using EEG/video recordings. Overall, DREADD-mediated activation of PV+ interneurons provided anti-epileptic effects against PTZ-induced seizures. CNO activation of FFI either prevented PTZ-induced absence seizures or suppressed their severity. Furthermore, PTZ-induced tonic-clonic seizures were also reduced in severity by activation of FFI PV+ interneurons. In contrast, administration of CNO to non-DREADD wild-type control animals did not afford any protection against PTZ-induced seizures. These data demonstrate that FFI PV+ interneurons within CTC microcircuits could be a potential therapeutic target for anti-absence seizure treatment in some patients.
Epidemiology of Pediatric Surgical Conditions Observed in a First-Level Hospital in Burundi
Authors: Gortan Marianna , Caravaggi Paola , Brooks Giulia , Butoyi Jean Marie Vianney , Bambara Sylvestre , Nkurunziza Joel , Mulemangabo Mimico , Nzeyimana Gordien , Harakaneza Protais , Nshimirimana Mwajuma , Tognon Costanza , Gamba Piergiorgio , Parigi Gian Battista , Dalla Gasperina Daniela
Published: May 2021

Background: Little is known about the surgical conditions affecting the pediatric population in low-income countries. In this article we describe the epidemiology of pediatric surgical diseases observed in Mutoyi hospital, a first-level hospital in Burundi.

Methods and Findings: We retrospectively reviewed the records of all children (0–14 years) admitted to the Surgery ward from January 2017 to December 2017. We also reviewed the records of all the patients admitted to the Neonatology ward in 2017 and among them we selected the ones in which a surgical diagnosis was present. Five hundred twenty-eight children were admitted to the surgical ward during the study period. The most common conditions requiring hospitalization were abscesses (29.09%), fractures (13.59%), osteomyelitis (9.76%), burns (5.40%) and head injuries (4.36%). The average length of stay was 16 days. Fifty-six newborns were admitted to the Neonatology ward for a surgical condition; 29% of them had an abscess.

Conclusions: Conditions requiring surgical care are frequent in Burundian children and have a completely different spectrum from the western ones. This is due on one side to an under-diagnosis of certain conditions caused by the lack of diagnostic tools and on the other to the living conditions of the population. This difference should lead to intervention plans tailored on the actual necessities of the country and not on the western ones.
Effect of Group Contingency Type on Walking: Comparisons of Effectiveness and Cost Efficiency
Authors: Kim Heewon , Lee Changseok , Lee Seoi , Chung Kyong-Mee
Published: May 2021

Group contingency (GC) is an effective and cost-efficient strategy that can be successfully applied to technology-based interventions. This study examined the relative effectiveness and cost efficiency of three types of technology-based group contingencies on walking among adults. Seventy two students were divided into teams of three. Each team was randomly assigned to one of three GC conditions (independent, interdependent, or dependent) and underwent 66 days of technology-based group contingency intervention. Sixty five participants completed the intervention and 61 completed the follow-up assessment 2 months later. Step counts and self-reported walking activity increased after the intervention under all three conditions. The proportion of participants that met the target step counts was significantly higher under the dependent group contingency condition. However, 2 months later, intervention effects were not maintained under any condition. For cost efficiency, the increase in step count per point was significantly higher under the interdependent group contingency condition. Group cohesion and social validity (point satisfaction and point utility) were significantly higher under the dependent group contingency condition. Finally, the clinical implications and limitations of this study are discussed.
Estimating Aggregate Environmental Risk Score in Psychiatry: The Exposome Score for Schizophrenia
Authors: Pries Lotta-Katrin , Erzin Gamze , Rutten Bart P. F. , van Os Jim , Guloksuz Sinan
Published: May 2021

To understand the role of environment in the pathoetiology of psychosis spectrum disorders, research has thus far mainly investigated the effects of single exposures in isolation, such as the association between cannabis use and schizophrenia. However, this approach fails to acknowledge the complexity of the exposome, which represents the totality of the environment involving many exposures over an individual's lifetime. Therefore, contemporary research adopting the exposome paradigm has aimed at capturing the combined effect of different environmental exposures by utilizing an aggregate environmental vulnerability score for schizophrenia: the exposome score for schizophrenia. Here, we attempt to provide a comprehensive overview of studies applying the exposome score for schizophrenia. First, we describe several approaches estimating exposomic vulnerability for schizophrenia, which falls into three categories: simple environmental sum scores (sum of dichotomized exposures), meta-analysis-based environmental risk score (sum scores weighted by estimates from meta-analyses), and the exposome score (sum score weighted by estimates from an analysis in an independent training dataset). Studies show that the exposome score for schizophrenia that assumes interdependency of exposures performs better than scores that assume independence of exposures, such as the environmental sum score and the meta-analysis-based environmental risk score. Second, we discuss findings on the pluripotency of the exposome score for schizophrenia and summarize findings from gene-environment studies using the exposome score for schizophrenia. Finally, we discuss possible scientific, clinical, and population-based applications of exposome score for schizophrenia, as well as limitations and future directions for exposome research to understand the etiology of psychosis spectrum disorders.
Depression and Associated Factors in Chinese Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease Without Dialysis: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Duan Difei , Yang Lin , Zhang Min , Song Xiaoli , Ren Wen
Published: May 2021

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been a globally public health problem over the past decades. The maintenance of physical and mental health is of importance for patients nowadays. Notably, depression is prevalent and associated with various adverse events in CKD patients without dialysis. Prior studies have reported that pain, negative illness perception, pain, and low self-esteem are potential risk factors of depression, while few studies have comprehensively investigated the mechanisms among these factors and depression among this population.

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the prevalence of depression and further explore the factors associated with depression among CKD patients without dialysis in China.

Design and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in patients with diagnosed CKD to investigate the prevalence of depression was by the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). The data on pain interference, illness perception, and self-esteem were also collected via self-administered questionnaires. A structural equation model (SEM) was used to examine the factors associated with depression.

Main Findings: From June to October 2019, we successfully interviewed 334 CKD patients at the outpatient clinics. Their mean age was 45.6 years (ranging from 19 to 74 years), and 48.5% were male. Most respondents were at early CKD stages (77.5% stage 1–3) and the prevalence of depression was 22.2%. We found a moderate association between illness perception and depression, which was modified by self-esteem. Similar but weaker association was found between pain interference and depression.

Conclusion and Recommendations: Negative illness perception, low self-esteem and severe pain interference were associated with depression among Chinese CKD patients without dialysis. Future studies are warranted to investigate the underlying mechanism and formulate the intervention strategies for this high-risk population.