bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis on the Seismic Performance of Shock Absorption Layer Applied in Tunnel Lining Structure Using Shaking Table Model Tests
Authors: Wen Y. M. , Xin C. L. , Yin Z. H. , Huang Z. M. , Li X. M. , Wen H. Y.
Published: October 2021

Shock absorption layer is a relatively simple and effective aseismic measure, which can bear the adverse effects of surrounding rock deformations and buffer the forces acting on lining structure with seismic action. This paper conducts a series of shaking table model tests to analyze and compare the aseismic performances of tunnel lining structure with and without shock absorption layer in different grades of surrounding rocks, in which the superior thickness of shock absorption layer is determined. Therein, it is concluded that the shock absorption layer has prominent influence on reducing the acceleration responses of surrounding rock and lining structure with seismic excitation. The setting of the shock absorption layer can reduce the acceleration amplitude of tunnel lining with seismic excitation by about half. Furthermore, the setting of 1 cm shock absorption layer will increase the Fourier amplitudes and change the vibration frequencies of surrounding rock and lining structure with seismic excitation, while the setting of 2 cm shock absorption layer can significantly decrease the Fourier amplitudes and keep the vibration frequencies of surrounding rock and lining structure with seismic excitation. Therefore, the aseismic effect of 2 cm shock absorption layer is better than the aseismic effect of 1 cm shock absorption layer, which can both reduce the acceleration amplitude and Fourier amplitude of tunnel lining with seismic excitation while keep its characteristics in frequency domain. This research on the aseismic performance of shock absorption layer can contribute to the construction of tunnel engineering and improve the safety of tunnel lining structure.
Developing the Patient Falls Risk Report: A mixed methods study on sharing falls-related clinical information from home care with primary care providers
Authors: Nova Amanda Aguilar da
Published: October 2021

Background: The interRAI home care (interRAI-HC) instrument is valid, reliable, and capable of enhancing integration across health settings. However, its uptake has been met with criticism. If interRAI-HC information were shared with primary care providers in a useable, actionable, and context-appropriate manner, evidence suggests that its implementation could enhance care provision and integration between these providers. The objective of this study was to co-develop an information sharing tool with primary care providers for sharing clinical information from the interRAI-HC (named the Patient Falls Risk Report). Methods: This mixed-methods study, conducted from December 2019 to May 2020, employed qualitative and quantitative methods to develop and test the usability of the Patient Falls Risk Report. After recruiting primary care providers via snowball and maximum variation sampling, we employed semi-structured interviews in-person and over the telephone. The interview transcripts were analyzed through iterative thematic analysis and informed development of the report. Next, online surveys based on the System Usability Scale instrument were completed by a voluntary response sample of primary care providers and residents and descriptively analyzed to test the usability of the report.Results: Of the interview sample (n=9), we found that most believed that the Patient Falls Risk Report could support patient care by sharing relevant and actionable falls-related information. However, criticisms were identified including insufficient detail, lack of clarity, and limited support for shared care planning. After incorporating participants’ suggestions for improvement, a sample of primary care providers and primary care residents (n=27) determined that the report had excellent usability with an overall usability score of 83.4 (95% CI = 78.7, 88.2). Conclusions: By emphasizing usability and utility, and prioritizing the needs of end-users, sustainable interRAI-HC interventions can be developed and implemented to support care planning in primary care.
Identification of Crucial Genes of Pyrimidine Metabolism as Biomarkers for Gastric Cancer Prognosis
Authors: Wu Zhengxin , Tan Jinshui , Zhuang Yifan , Zhong Mengya , Xiong Yubo , Ma Jingsong , Yang Yan , Gao Zhi , Zhao Jiabao , Ye Zhijian , Zhou Huiwen , Zhu Yuekun , Lu Haijie , Hong Xuehui
Published: October 2021

Background
Metabolic reprogramming has been reported in various kinds of cancers and is related to clinical prognosis, but the prognostic role of pyrimidine metabolism in gastric cancer (GC) remains unclear.
Methods
Here, we employed DEG analysis to detect the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in pyrimidine metabolic signaling pathway and used univariate Cox analysis, Lasso-penalizes Cox regression analysis, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis to explore their prognostic roles in GC. The DEGs were experimentally validated in GC cells and clinical samples by quantitative real-time PCR.
Results
Through DEG analysis, we found NT5E, DPYS and UPP1 these three genes are highly expressed in GC. This conclusion has also been verified in GC cells and clinical samples. A prognostic risk model was established according to these three DEGs by Univariate Cox analysis and Lasso-penalizes Cox regression analysis. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis suggested that patient cohorts with high risk score undertook a lower overall survival rate than those with low risk score. Stratified survival analysis, Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis of this model confirmed that it is a reliable and independent clinical factor. Therefore, we made nomograms to visually depict the survival rate of GC patients according to some important clinical factors including our risk model.
Conclusion
In a word, our research found that pyrimidine metabolism is dysregulated in GC and established a prognostic model of GC based on genes differentially expressed in pyrimidine metabolism.
Dosimetric Effect of Respiratory Motion On Planned Dose In Whole-Breast Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy Using Standard And Ultra-Hypofractionation
Authors: Mankinen Mikko , Virén Tuomas , Seppälä Jan , Hakkarainen Heikki , Koivumäki Tuomas
Published: October 2021

Background and purpose: The interplay effects of respiratory motion and MLC movement on the planned dose in right-sided whole-breast irradiation (WBI) were studied by simulating hypofractionated VMAT treatment courses.Materials and methods: Ten patients with phase-triggered 4D-CT images were included in the study. VMAT plans targeting the right breast were created retrospectively with prescription doses of 26 Gy (5 fractions) and 40.05 Gy (15 fractions). 3D-CRT plans were generated as a reference. All plans were divided into respiratory phase-specific plans in fraction-by-fraction basis. The phase-specific dose distributions were deformed and superimposed onto the planning image, forming the course-specific, respiratory motion perturbed dose distribution. Distributions were compared with the original plans and changes due to respiratory motion and choice of fractionation were evaluated.Results: The respiratory motion perturbed PTV coverage (V95%) decreased by 1.7% and the homogeneity index increased by 0.02 for VMAT techniques, compared to the planned values. Highest decrease in CTV coverage was 0.7%. The largest dose differences were located in the areas of steep dose gradients parallel to respiratory motion. The largest difference in DVH parameters between fractionation schemes was 0.4% of the prescribed dose. Clinically relevant changes to the doses of organs at risk were not observed.Conclusion: The VMAT techniques were found feasible for WBI with 5 and 15-fraction treatments in terms of respiratory motion induced error. The CTV dose coverage was retained despite the decrease in PTV coverage. No clinical significance was found due to the choice of fractionation.
Neuromorphic object localization using resistive
memories and ultrasonic transducers
Authors: Moro Filippo , Hardy Emmanuel , Fain Bruno , Dalgaty Thomas , Clemencon Paul , De Prá Alessio , Castellani Niccolò , Blard Francois , Gardien Francois , Mesquida Thomas , Rummens Francois , Esseni David , Casas Jérôme , Indiveri Giacomo , Payvand Melika , Vianello Elisa
Published: October 2021

Real-world sensory-processing applications require compact, low-latency, and low-power computing systems. Enabled by their in-memory event-driven computing abilities, hybrid memristive-CMOS neuromorphic architectures provide an ideal hardware substrate for such tasks. To demonstrate the full potential of such systems, we propose and experimentally demonstrate an end-to-end sensory processing solution for a real-world object localization application. Drawing inspiration from the barn owl’s neuroanatomy, we developed a bio-mimetic, event-driven object localization system that couples state-of-the-art piezoelectric micromachined ultrasound transducer (pMUT) sensors to a neuromorphic resistive memories-based computational map. We present measurement results from the fabricated system comprising resistive memories-based coincidence detectors, delay line circuits, and a full-custom pMUT sensor. We use these experimental results to calibrate our system-level simulations. These simulations are then used to estimate the angular resolution and energy efficiency of the object localization model. The results reveal the potential of our approach, evaluated in orders of magnitude greater energy efficiency than a microcontroller performing the same task.
Preclinical Evaluation of [99mTc]Tc-Labeled Anti-EpCAM Nanobody for EpCAM Receptor Expression Imaging By Immuno-SPECT/CT
Authors: Liu Tianyu , Wu Yue , Shi Linqing , Li Liqiang , Hu Biao , Wang Yanpu , Gao Hannan , Yu Xiaolu , Zhang Xin , Zhao Huiyun , Wan Yakun , Jia Bing , Wang Fan
Published: October 2021

Purpose Overexpression of epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) plays essential roles in tumorigenesis and tumor progression in almost all epithelium-derived cancer. Monitoring EpCAM expression in tumors can be used for the diagnosis, staging and prognosis of cancer patients, as well as guiding the individualized treatment of EpCAM-targeted drugs. In this study, we described the synthesis and evaluation of a site-specifically [99mTc]Tc-labeled EpCAM-targeted nanobody for the SPECT/CT imaging of EpCAM expression. Methods We first prepared the [99mTc]Tc-HYNIC-G4K, then it was site-specifically connected to EpCAM-targeted nanobody NB4. The in vitro characteristics of [99mTc]Tc-NB4 were investigated in HT-29 (EpCAM-positive) and HL-60 (EpCAM-negative) cells, while the in vivo studies were performed using small-animal SPECT/CT in the subcutaneous tumor models and the lymph node metastasis model to verify the specific targeting capacity as well as the potential applications of [99mTc]Tc-NB4. Results [99mTc]Tc-NB4 displayed a high EpCAM specificity both in vitro and in vivo. SPECT/CT imaging revealed that [99mTc]Tc-NB4 was cleared rapidly from the blood and normal organs except for the kidneys, and HT-29 tumors were clearly visualized in contrast with HL-60 tumors. The uptake value of [99mTc]Tc-NB4 in HT-29 tumors was increased continuously from 3.77 ± 0.39 %ID/g at 0.5 h to 5.53 ± 0.82 %ID/g at 12 h after injection. Moreover, the [99mTc]Tc-NB4 SPECT/CT could clearly image tumor-infiltrating lymph nodes. Conclusion [99mTc]Tc-NB4 is a broad-spectrum, specific and sensitive SPECT radiotracer for the noninvasive imaging of EpCAM expression in the epithelium-derived cancer, and revealed a great potential for the clinical translation.
Improved prediction of protein-protein interactions using AlphaFold2
Authors: Bryant Patrick , Pozzati Gabriele , Elofsson Arne
Published: October 2021

Predicting the structure of interacting protein chains is fundamental for understanding the function of proteins. Here, we examine the use of AlphaFold2 (AF2) for predicting the structure of heterodimeric protein complexes. We find that using the default AF2 protocol, 44% of the models in a test set can be predicted accurately. However, by optimising the multiple sequence alignment, we can increase the accuracy to 59%. In comparison, the alternative fold-and-dock method RoseTTAFold is only successful in 10% of the cases on this set, template-based docking 35% and traditional docking methods 22%. We can distinguish acceptable (DockQ>0.23) from incorrect models with an AUC of 0.85 on the test set by analysing the predicted interfaces. The success is higher for bacterial protein pairs, pairs with large interaction areas consisting of helices or sheets, and many homologous sequences. Further, we test the possibility to distinguish interacting from non-interacting proteins and find that by analysing the predicted interfaces, we can separate truly interacting from non-interacting proteins with an AUC of 0.82 in the ROC curve, compared to 0.76 with a recently published method. In addition, when using a more realistic negative set, including mammalian proteins, the identification rate remains (AUC=0.83), resulting in that 27% of interactions can be identified at a 1% FPR. All scripts and tools to run our protocol are freely available at: https://gitlab.com/ElofssonLab/FoldDock.
Quality of Knee Strengthening Exercises Performed at Home Deteriorates After One Week
Authors: Mitchell Ulrike H. , Lee Hyunwook , Dennis Hayden E. , Seeley Matthew K.
Published: October 2021

Background: To compare the performance (as determined by lower extremity kinematics) of knee exercises in healthy middle-aged and older individuals immediately after instruction and one week later. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study in a laboratory setting. Nineteen healthy volunteers (age [y] 63.1 ± 8.6, mass [kg] 76.3 ± 14.7, height [m] 1.7 ± 0.1) participated in this study. High speed video and reflective markers were used to track motion during four exercises. The exercises were knee flexion, straight leg raise, and “V“ in supine position, and hip abduction in side lying position. All participants received verbal and tactile cues during the training phase and the therapist observed and, if necessary, corrected the exercises. Upon return a week later the participants performed the same exercises without any further instructions. Knee and hip sagittal and rotational angles were extracted from the motion capture. A repeated measures t-test was used to compare the motions between two visits. Results: Participants demonstrated more knee flexion during straight leg raise and “V in” exercises at the 2nd visit compared to the 1st visit (both p < 0.05). During the “V out” exercise, they performed more external rotation (p < 0.05) while they showed more internal rotation during the “V in” exercise at the 2nd visit compared to the 1st visit. Conclusions: Exercise performance declined significantly in healthy middle-aged and older individuals one week after instruction. This decline occurred despite an instructional exercise sheet being given to every participant. Improper execution of exercise programs might prolong the rehabilitation time and increase levels of pain and impairment unnecessarily.
Optimal Overlays for Preservation of Concrete Slabs in Cold Climate: Decision Making by the Method of Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation Combined with AHP
Authors: Li Zhipeng , Dang Yudong , Tang Zhen , Xie Ning , Lu Shuang , Shi Xianming
Published: October 2021

Overlays have been extensively employed as an effective preservation or rehabilitation tool to extend the service life of concrete bridges and pavements, especially these deteriorated concrete slabs suffering from salt scaling and abrasion. However, limited attention has been paid to the durability and performance of these overlays which can be jeopardized when they are exposed to freeze/thaw-wet/dry cycles, deicer applications, studded tires, and their coupled effects as well. Various overlays feature different engineering properties, and they might be only effective in specific service environments but not others, and research is lacking to examine the adaptation of various overlays in different environments. This study subjected five overlay products on concrete slabs to the combined action of freeze/thaw (F/T) and wet/dry (W/D) cycles with periodical exposure to either 15 wt.% NaCl solution or 15 wt.% MgCl2 solutions, to simulate the typical field scenarios in an accelerated manner. The bond strength, splitting tensile strength, and abrasion resistance of the overlaid concrete slabs were tested to evaluate the effectiveness of various overlays against the deicer scaling and the abrasion by studded tires. Based on the experimental data, this study demonstrated a multi-criteria decision making method, fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE) combined with analytic hierarchy process (AHP), for the selection of optimal overlays in three different service scenarios (e.g., states of Washington and Oregon [USA] and British Columbia [Canada]). The analysis results indicated that one epoxy overlay exhibited the comprehensively best performance and could be a promising candidate in all three given scenarios, another polymer overlay took second place, while the adaptability of the three cement-based overlays varied in different environments.
Measuring and tailoring Li-ion interfacial transport in hybrid solid electrolytes
Authors: Liu Ming , Eck Ernst van , Ganapathy Swapna , Wagemaker Marnix
Published: October 2021

Development of commercial solid-state batteries so far been hindered by the individual limitations of inorganic and organic solid-electrolytes, motivating hybrid concepts. However, room-temperature performance of hybrid-solid electrolytes is still insufficient in terms of ion conductivity, where especially the role and impact of the inorganic and organic interphases is largely unexplored. A key challenge is to assess the Li-ion transport over the interfaces directly and relate this to the surface chemistry. Here the lithium-ion conductivity in hybrid-solid electrolytes, the interface structure and Li+ interface transport was investigated by state-of-art solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance methodologies. In a hybrid-solid Polyethylene oxide polymer – inorganic electrolyte, two representative types of ionic liquids, having a different miscibility with the polymer, were used as a benchmark to tailor the local environment at the interface between the inorganic and organic solid electrolytes species. The poor miscibility ionic liquid wets the polymer-inorganic interface and raises the local polarizability, thereby lowering the diffusional barrier, which activates the high conductivity of the inorganic solid-electrolyte, resulting in and overall room temperature conductivity of 0.25 mS/cm. A very high critical current density of 0.25 mA/cm2 versus a Li-metal anode is achieved, demonstrating improved stability, and a LiFePO4 – Li-metal full solid-state cell can be cycled at room temperature at an Coulombic efficiency of 99.9%. The local interface environment between the solid electrolyte phases in hybrid solid electrolytes, is thus demonstrated to be the bottleneck and tailoring the interface properties appears a viable route towards the design of highly conducting hybrid-solid electrolyte concepts.
Post-exercise Stretching Protects Strain of Knee Joint Movement System by Relieving Knee Pain and Iliotibial Band Tension
Authors: Yin Le , Zhu Li-ming , Zhou Ye-qi , Ma Hai-tao
Published: October 2021

Background Studies have reported that exercise stretching therapy has a certain effect on improving knee joint pain and knee joint function.However, few studies have compared the effects of post-exercise stretching and non-stretching on strain of knee joint movement system. The purpose of this study is to observe the influence of whether people have stretched after exercise on knee joint pain and iliotibial band tension,and to compare the difference between the stretched group and the unstretched group after exercise for further discussion.Methods Collecting data analysis of 71 people who love sports in the First People's Hospital of Xiaoshan District from December 2019 to October 2020, including the non-stretching group after exercise (group A, n=40) and post-exercise stretching Group (Group B, n=31), compare the differences in knee pain and iliotibial band tension between the two groups and analyze the relationship between this difference and stretching.Results The incidence of knee pain and iliotibial band tension in group A was significantly higher than that in group B (P<0.05). The risk of knee pain in group A was 2.940 times greater than that in group B. The incidence of iliotibial band tension in group A was 4.190 times higher than that in group B. Conclusions 1. People who do not stretch after exercise are at higher risk of knee pain than those who stretch. 2. People who do not stretch are more likely to develop iliotibial band tension than those who stretch. 3. Stretching after exercise helps to relieve the stiffness of the iliotibial band, maintain the stability of the knee joint, and reduce the occurrence of knee pain.
The Role of Female’s Participation in Economic Activity to Household Income The Case of Mizan Aman Town, South Nation Nationality And People’s Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Ahmed Kemal Omer
Published: October 2021

The main aim of the study was to examine the role of females' economic participation in household income. To achieve this objective both primary and secondary sources of data were collected from 400 sample size using simple random sampling method. The obtained data were first analyzed using a descriptive method to describe socio-economic characteristics of women in the study area. Secondly, to identify determinants of women’s participation in economic activities and household decision-making process logit model was employed and finally, multiple linear regression method was applied to identify factors affecting the level of women's contribution to household income. The result shows that female participation in economic activities positively determines by women's training and woman’s education level and is negatively affected by the presence of children under five years of age. The contribution of women to household income on average was estimated birr 32,400.50 per annum which was nearly 36.8percent of the overall household income. The possible recommendation is government and other respective bodies must encourage women to learn more and more.
Bacterial Contamination of Healthcare worker’s Mobile Phones; a Case Study at Two Referral Hospitals in Uganda
Authors: Fred Tusabe
Published: October 2021

Background Hospital and Community-acquired infections are escalating and pose significant public health unhealthiness worldwide. The advancements of telemedicine and automation of healthcare records are supported by cellphones, laptops and wearable devices. This study focused on the incidence of healthcare workers’ mobile phones becoming contaminated with pathogenic bacteria and their possible roles as vehicles of transmission of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria.Method: A case study at two referral hospitals in Uganda between May and October 2020. Self-administered questionnaires were administered to participants after informed consent. Mobile phones of the participants in different departments of the hospitals were swabbed and samples were collected and transported to the microbiology laboratory for bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibility tests. Results: The point prevalence of Healthcare workers’ mobile phone bacterial contamination with one or more species was 93%. Organisms isolated were E. coli 5.6% (1), Micrococcus spp 11.1% (2), Coagulase-negative staphylococci, CoNS, 61.1% (11) and Bacillus spp 22.2% (4). About 45% of the organisms were multidrug-resistant. Resistance was major to penicillin, cotrimoxazole, ciprofloxacin and Gentamycin respectively. The isolated E. coli was resistant to all antibiotics used in the study. Only 15% (2) of the participants disinfected their phones at least once a week and 8% cleaned their hands after using a mobile phone.Conclusion: Healthcare Workers’ mobile phones can act as fomites for the transmission of multidrug-resistant micro-organisms. This study provides strong evidence for developing and strengthening disinfection protocols for mobile phones and does not underscore the importance of hand hygiene in the middle of a patient encounter especially when the HCW grabs a phone but doesn't re-clean their hands before patient contact.
Combinatorial G x G x E CRISPR screening and functional analysis highlights SLC25A39 in mitochondrial GSH transport
Authors: Shi Xiaojian , Reinstadler Bryn , Shah Hardik , To Tsz-Leung , Byrne Katie , Summer Luanna , Calvo Sarah , Goldberger Olga , Doench John , Mootha Vamsi , Shen Hongying
Published: October 2021

The SLC25 carrier family consists of 53 transporters that shuttle nutrients and co-factors across mitochondrial membranes1-3. The family is highly redundant and their transport activities are coupled to metabolic state. Here, we introduce a pooled, dual CRISPR screening strategy that knocks out
pairs of transporters in four metabolic states — glucose, galactose, OXPHOS inhibition, and absence of pyruvate — designed to unmask the inter-dependence of these genes. In total, we screened 63 genes in four metabolic states, corresponding to 2016 single and pair-wise genetic perturbations. We recovered 19 gene-by-environment (GxE) interactions and 9 gene-by-gene (GxG) interactions. One GxE interaction hit illustrated that the fitness defect in the mitochondrial folate carrier (SLC25A32) KO cells were genetically buffered in galactose due to a lack of substrate in de novo purine biosynthesis. Another GxE interaction hit revealed non-equivalence of the paralogous ATP/ADP exchangers (ANTs) with ANT2 specifically required during OXPHOS inhibition. GxG analysis highlighted a buffering interaction between the iron transporter SLC25A37 and the poorly characterized SLC25A39. Mitochondrial metabolite profiling, organelle transport assays, and structure-guided mutagenesis suggest SLC25A39 is critical for mitochondrial glutathione (GSH) transport. Our work underscores the importance of systematically investigating family-wide genetic interactions between mitochondrial transporters across many metabolic environments.
Becoming a wage earned or a self-employed: Does Young Educational Level determine the Choice of the Working Labour Force Status in Cameroon?
Authors: Maximilien KOUL NGWE MANGUELLE
Published: October 2021

If employment is recognized as a key driver for growth, development and well-being improvement, human capital is probably a main determinant of the labour force participation. By often analyzing this relationship in wage earning jobs, studies used to leave self-employment untreated despite the fact that its proportion is growing significantly in several countries. This leads us to the following question: does human capital accumulated determine access to all forms of employment? Focusing on young people, this article analyzes effects of educational level used as a proxy of the human capital accumulated on the choice of the working labour force status in Cameroon. Using discrete-choice models on data draw from the second Employment and Informal Sector Survey carried out by the National Institute of Statistics, empirical findings reveal that educated young people are more disposed to make a decision to work as wage earned and the corresponding probability rises with the increasing of their educational levels. However, their willingness to become self-employed decline with the rising of their educational levels. Therefore, compared to the decision to work as a wage earned, becoming a self-employed does not appear as a human capital outcome. This paradoxical result for a low wage economy suggests a reform of the educational or training system starting at least in high school level with emphasizes in sectors with a high potential of self-employment and a setting-up of an apprenticeship plan.
The effective Ni(II) removal of red mud modified chitosan from aqueous solution
Authors: Luu Thi-Thuy , Nguyen Duy-Khoi , Nguyen Tu Thi Phuong , Ho Thien-Hoang , Dinh Van-Phuc , Kiet H.A. Tuan
Published: October 2021

To remove Ni(II) ions from an aqueous solution, researchers used red mud modified by chitosan (RM/CS) material as a new adsorbent. According to the findings, the surface area of red mud is nearly doubled after being treated with chitosan, from 68.6 m2/g to 105.7 m2/g. The effects of pH solution, contact time, and material dosage on the Ni(II) uptake were examined. In comparison with the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models, the intra-diffusion model was the most suitable kinetic model for the Ni(II) removal. Besides, the three-parameter Sips model was used to predict the Ni(II) adsorption of RM/CS from aqueous solution. Furthermore, the Langmuir maximum Ni(II) uptake capacity of this material was 31.66 mg/g at 323K, which was higher than red mud and several other natural materials. Notably, thermodynamic investigations demonstrated that Ni(II) adsorption on RM/CS is both exothermic and physic.
Clinical performance of the Roche Elecsys SARS-CoV-2 Antigen fully automated electrochemiluminescence immunoassay
Authors: Salvagno Gian Luca , Pighi Laura , De Nitto Simone , Lippi Giuseppe
Published: October 2021

Objective: We assessed the clinical performance of novel Roche Elecsys SARS-CoV-2 Antigen fully automated electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA). Design and Methods: We tested 160 subjects, 110 (68.8%) with positive molecular test for SARS-CoV-2 infection in nasopharyngeal samples with Altona Diagnostics RealStar SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Kit and Roche Elecsys SARS-CoV-2 Antigen. The local imprecision was validated by analyzing three nasopharyngeal samples with different antigen concentration (1.84, 9.51 and 423.30 TCID50/mL) for 20 consecutive times (intra-assay imprecision) or for 10 consecutive working days (inter-assay imprecision).Results: The local intra- and inter-assay imprecision of Elecsys SARS-CoV-2 Antigen ECLIA was found to be comprised between 2.0-2.0% and 5.8-7.6%, yielding to a total imprecision of 6.2-7.8%. Highly significant correlation was found between Elecsys SARS-CoV-2 Antigen ECLIA and cycle threshold (Ct) values of SARS-CoV-2 S and E genes (both r=-0.91; p<0.001). The area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity of Elecsys SARS-CoV-2 Antigen ECLIA were 0.83, 0.43 and 1.00 in all samples, 0.99, 0.87 and 0.99 in those with both Ct values <30, as well as 1.00, 1.00 and 0.89 in samples with both Ct values <25. Conclusion: Roche Elecsys SARS-CoV-2 Antigen ECLIA may be a surrogate of molecular testing for identification of super-spreaders.
The evaluation of Melatonin and EGF interaction on breast cancer metastasis
Authors: Akbarzadeh Maryam
Published: October 2021

Background
Breast cancer is currently one of the most common types of cancer in women, and metastasis is the first cause of death in breast cancer patients. The epidermal growth factor (EGF) increases the invasion, growth, and migration of cancer cells. In the present study, melatonin, as a natural hormone, in EGF-induced tumor metastasis, was investigated.
Methods
First, MDA-MB-231 and MCF7 cells were cultured, and then the effects of melatonin on cell viability were determined by MTT assay. Transwell invasion assay was employed to identify the invasiveness of these breast cancer cell lines. Real-time RT-PCR then investigated the expression of MMP9 and MMP2. Cell proliferation was also determined under EGF and melatonin treatment using Ki67 assessment by flow cytometry.
Results
The rate of invasion and migration of EGF-treated cells increased in both groups, in which melatonin caused increased invasion by EGF in MCF7 cells. MMP9 and MMP2 expression increased significantly in both cell lines under EGF treatment, and melatonin increased these genes' expression in both cell lines (p <0.05). EGF increased the MMP9 and MMP2 gene expression, and melatonin increases EGF-induced expression(p <0.05). The EGF reduced the expression of the Ki67 protein in the MCF7 cell line, which was negatively affected by Melatonin and EGF. In contrast, along with Melatonin, EGF did not affect the proliferation of the MDA-MB-231 cell line.
Conclusions
Our results show that melatonin, as a natural compound, can increase the effects of EGF in the proliferation, migration, and invasion of cancer cells at low dosages.
KSHV transactivator-derived small peptide traps coactivators to attenuate MYC function and kills leukemia and lymphoma
Authors: Shimoda Michiko , Lyu Yuanzhi , Wang Kang-Hsin , Kumar Ashish , Miura Hiroki , Meckler Joshua F. , Davis Ryan R. , Chantarasrivong Chanikarn , Izumiya Chie , Tepper Clifford G. , Nakajima Ken-ichi , Tuscano Joseph , Barisone Gustavo , Izumiya Yoshihiro
Published: October 2021

In herpesvirus replicating cells, host cell gene transcription is frequently down-regulated because important transcriptional apparatuses are appropriated by viral transcription factors. Here, we identified a small peptide derived from the Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus transactivator (K-Rta) sequence, which attenuates cellular c-MYC expression, reduces cell proliferation, and selectively kills cancer cell lines in both tissue culture and a xenograft tumor mouse model. Mechanistically, the peptide functions as a decoy to block the recruitment of coactivator complexes consisting of Nuclear receptor coactivator 2 (NCOA2), p300, and SWI/SNF proteins to the MYC promoter in primary effusion lymphoma cells. Thiol(SH)-linked alkylation for the metabolic sequencing of RNA (​SLAM seq) with target-transcriptional analyses further confirmed that the viral peptide directly attenuates MYC and MYC-target gene expression. This study thus provides a unique tool to control MYC activation, which may have significant potential as a therapeutic payload to treat MYC-dependent diseases such as cancers and autoimmune diseases.
Den Münzen der römischen Republik verpflichtet – Der Numismatiker Max von Bahrfeldt (1856-1936)
Authors: Willing Matthias
Published: October 2021

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Web management as a marketing management determinant: case for pharmaceutical enterprises
Authors: Lazorenko Valeriia , Saher Liudmyla , Jasnikowski Adam
Published: October 2021

Nowadays, the online business is fast-growing since it is convenient, more profitable, and less energy-consuming. The changing consumers’ needs force companies and organizations to adjust and modernize their marketing strategies. The authors emphasized that Internet advertising channels would overcome the traditional ones. Therefore, it is relevant to consider the latest trends in e-commerce to provide effective advertising campaigns. This study aims to conduct the competitive analysis of Ukrainian veterinary enterprises’ websites as one of the key marketing management determinants. The study object are the most prominent Ukrainian veterinary enterprises. The methodological basis for this paper includes trend, bibliometric, and comparative content analysis. The trend analysis results showed a constant interest in web management worldwide. In turn, there are significant fluctuations over the previous five years in Ukraine. The findings indicated that search requests for «pharmaceutics» worldwide are gradually increasing, while there is not enough statistic data in Ukraine. The bibliometric analysis for Scopus publications addressed the marketing management in the pharmaceutical were visualized by 4 clusters. The first cluster covers marketing, management, and risk issues; the second – pharmaceutical industry, the third – economy; and the fourth – quality control. The findings showed that veterinary medicine was mostly associated with drug efficacy, management, investment, management, risk, organization and management, patents, and quality control. This issue has been most actively studied by scientists from the United States, Britain, Germany, India, and Italy. This study provided the comparative analysis of veterinary enterprises web sites based on the main indicators as follows: usability, site structure, site indexation, number of external pages, overall traffic, behavioral factors (bounce rate, pages per visit, time on site), traffic sources (direct, referrals, SEO, SMM, e-mail, and display advertising), and adaptability to the mobile versions. The obtained results showed that all Ukrainian biological vaccines manufacturers for animals were represented on the Internet. In turn, as of September 2020, Biotestlab most effectively used the Internet to promote products. In second place is the Sumy Biological Factory, and then – Kherson Biological Factory.
Distribution of Growth-inhibitory Activity, Mineral Contents, and Functional Components in Different Tissue Parts of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) and Availability of Unusable Parts
Authors: Motoki Satoru , Taguchi Takumi , Kato Ayaka , Inoue Katsuhiro , Nishihara Eiji
Published: October 2021

Asparagus is a popular vegetable rich in healthy functional components. However, the process of its production leaves ferns from aboveground parts and roots from underground parts as unusable parts, and this is an issue to be resolved. In our previous studies, large amounts of rutin were noted in the cladophylls and storage roots (brown and epidermis), and the protodioscin content was high in buds, in the soil-covered section of spears, and in rhizomes. This study was conducted to examine the distribution of growth-inhibitory activity and mineral contents in different parts of asparagus. Correlations, including representative functional components (rutin and protodioscin), were examined. The results suggest there are differences in growth-inhibitory activity of different parts of asparagus. The growth-inhibitory activity was strong in the buds, rhizome, and absorptive and storage roots, and weak in the cladophylls and lateral branches. The percent N content of the aboveground part of asparagus was high compared with that in the aboveground part of other crops. Although the percent K content was similar to the mean of the aboveground part of other crops, it was higher than that in general green manure, suggesting the residual stems and leaves of the aboveground part of asparagus are effective green manure. In the aboveground part of asparagus, the rutin content and percent N and K content were higher, whereas growth-inhibitory activity tended to be low, suggesting that when no disease developed in the aboveground part, it can be used as an organic substance.
Challenges of small and medium enterprises during the COVID-19 pandemic: Case of Georgia
Authors: Maglakelidze Amiran , Erkomaishvili Gulnaz
Published: October 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on SMEs in Georgia, identify the challenges of SMEs in pandemic conditions, and analyze government economic policy measures. For this purpose, 102 small and medium entrepreneurs from different regions of Georgia were interviewed. The survey was conducted by sending a questionnaire through digital channels. The results were processed using data analysis, quantitative and qualitative research methods, and presented graphically. As a result, key challenges and development directions that are typical for SMEs operations in Georgia during the pandemic were identified. For 60.8% of surveyed SME owners, lockdown is the main challenge. Sales volume of 45.1% of SMEs decreased. In addition, 39.3% of the surveyed SME owners increased the innovative capabilities of a company and 37.2% increased the sales volume of a company through digital channels. The main challenge of the pandemic, lockdown, gave impetus to a change in entrepreneurial behavior. In a pandemic, entrepreneurial activity has become more favorable through digital channels. During the pandemic, there is a need to continue the government’s program of tax incentives and subsidies for SMEs. In addition, the government should promote education in the fields of entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology.
Analysis of Aspects Required to Improve Customer Experience in Indonesia’s Internet Broadband
Authors: Junaidi Wendy
Published: October 2021

In the digital age, transactions range from hailing a taxi to watching TV shows on demand that depend on an internet connection. As consumers have more power than ever before, today’s internet service providers face more demanding service expectations from customers than in the past, they recognize the need to improve certain aspects of business, including the quality of the experience they provide to customers. In other words, meeting the demands of broadband internet has its own challenges. The purpose of this study is to provide insights regarding challenges along the customer journey as the opportunities for improvement. The results showed that longer time from ordering to installation and frequent network disconnection are prioritized customer experience issues in internet broadband business and service providers need to focus on improving on the way companies engage the customers through reliable touch points and resetting the way people work in the organization to be more customer-centric.
Pemanfaatan Media Sosial Sebagai Komunikasi Kreatif Institusi Pendidikan Tinggi Indonesia di Masa Pandemi COVID-19
Authors: Suhendra Haris
Published: October 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced higher education institutions to change the way they communicate so that the number of new students can continue to grow. The use of social media is a strategy for higher education institutions that must be carried out in building awareness and strong relationships with students and alumni to achieve this growth. Therefore, this study aims to look at the performance of social media during the COVID-19 pandemic by examining upload movement activities on social media. The focus of this research is using social media analytics through performance metrics Impressions, Audience Demographics & Growth, Publishing Behavior, Engagement. The object of this research is to study all activity uploads on Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok during the period July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021. The frequency of uploads is collected per day and analyzed for one year. This study analyzes the content, frequency and time period of uploads on Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok. The results of this study show the performance of Social Media metrics on Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok by comparing the performance of the research period taken in this study with the previous one year period. Higher Education Institutions are advised to use Social Media as an effective creative communication channel to build the advantages of Higher Education Institutions and build relationships with the public during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Computer Vision for Supporting Visually Impaired People: A Systematic Review
Authors: Anthony Evania Joycelin , Kusnadi Regina Anastasia
Published: October 2021

Globally around the world in 2010, the number of people of all ages visually impaired is estimated to be 285 million, of whom 39 million are blind according to the study of World Health Organization (Global Data on Visual Impairments, 2010). Visual impairment has a significant impact on individuals’ quality of life, including their ability to work and to develop personal relationships. Almost half (48 %) of the visually impaired feel “moderately” or “completely” cut off from people and things around them (Hakobyan, Lumsden, O’Sullivan, & Bartlett, 2013). We believe that technology has the potential to enhance individuals’ ability to participate fully in societal activities and to live independently. So, in this paper we focused to presents a comprehensive literature review about different algorithms of computer vision for supporting blind/vision impaired people, different devices used and the supported tasks. From the 13 eligible papers, we found positive effects of the use of computer vision for supporting visually impaired people. These effects included: the detection of obstacles, objects, door and text, traffic lights, sign detections and navigation. But the biggest challenge for developers now is to increase the speed of time and improve its accuracy, and we expect the future will have a complete package or solution where blind or vision impaired people will get all the solution together (i.e., map, indoor-outdoor navigation, object recognition, obstacle recognition, person recognition, human crowd behavior, crowd human counting, study/reading, entertainment etc.) in one software and in hand-held devices like android or any handy devices.
Graphite-Polyurethane Composite Electrode Modified with Molecularly Imprinted Polymer for Determination of Diclofenac
Authors: Pereira Abigail , Cervini Priscila , Rivera Victor , Cavalheiro Éder
Published: October 2021

A molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was prepared using the anti-inflammatory diclofenac (DCF) as a template. A non-imprinted polymer (NIP) was also prepared as a control. These MIP and NIP were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), revealing a higher porosity in the first. Then both were used in the modification of graphite-polyurethane composites electrodes (GPUE). Differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry was used for DCF determination at GPUE-MIP-DCF containing 2.5% (m/m) of the modifier in perchloric acid, pH = 2.0, after previously optimized conditions such as 300 s of accumulation time, +0.2 V accumulation potential (vs. SCE (saturated calomel electrode)), 50 mV pulse amplitude and 10 mV s–1 scan rate. A linear dynamic range from 0.010 to 0.20 μmol L–1 and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.99 nmol L–1 were found, using GPUE-2.5-MIP-DCF. DCF was determined in commercial pharmaceutical formulations and in synthetic urine samples, with recoveries between 101 and 102% (n = 3) and 101% (n = 3), respectively. The results agreed with the reference high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) within 95% confidence level, according to Student’s t-test. Interference from meclofenamic and mefenamic acids, which are structurally similar to DCF, was also evaluated. Interferences could not be totally avoided, but MIPs presented a considerable ability in discriminating the voltammetric response for DFC, despite the close structural similarity with the interferents.
Dört Noktalı Eğme Testi Altında Yapıştırıcı ile Birleştirilmiş Bindirme Bağlantısının Deneysel ve Sonlu Elemanlar Analizi
Authors: AKPINAR Salih , ÇALIK Ahmet
Published: October 2021

Yapıştırıcı ile birleştirilmiş bağlantıların kullanımı otomotiv ve havacılık sektörlerinde oldukça yaygındır. Korozyona dayanıklılığı, titreşim absorbe yeteneği ve düşük kütleye sahip olması yapıştırıcıların bağlantılarda sıkça tercih edilmelerinin başlıca nedenleri olarak sıralanabilir. Bu çalışmada, yapıştırılarak bağlanan bindirme bağlantılar üzerinde dört noktalı eğme testi deneysel ve sayısal olarak incelenmiştir. Deneysel çalışmada bindirme uzunluğu ve yapışkan kalınlığı sabit 5 farklı geometrideki numunelere 9 faklı konumda bükme yüklemesi uygulanmıştır. Deneysel çalışmadan kullanılan numunelerin sonlu eleman modelleri ANSYS yazılımında aynı yükleme şartlarında analiz edilmiş ve soyulma ve kesme gerilmeleri bindirme uzunluğu boyunca elde edilmiş ve deneysel sonuçlar sonlu elemanlar sonuçları ile doğrulanmıştır. Mevcut çalışma gösteriyor ki yapıştırıcı ile birleştirilmiş bağlantılarda bükme yükünün konumu test sonuçlarına belli oradan etki etmektedir.