bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal stability of water polyhedra with square faces
Authors: Gudkovskikh Sergey V. , Kirov Mikhail
Published: November 2021

The ability to form numerous crystalline modifications of ice and gas hydrate frameworks is a characteristic feature of water. In fact, this structural variety is much wider due to the proton disorder. Configurations with different arrangements of hydrogen atoms (protons) in hydrogen bonds are not equivalent in their properties. Polyhedral water clusters are convenient objects for studying the effect of proton disorder on the properties of ice-like systems. It was previously established that the stability of water polyhedra is determined by the competition of two factors. The geometric factor gives preference to tetrahedrally coordinated structures with a large number of pentagonal faces. The topological factor takes into account the number of energetically most favorable types of H-bonds. This number increases with the number of square faces. It was found that tetrahedrally coordinated structures are not the most stable. However, these calculations were performed without taking thermal effects into account [Kirov M. V., J. Phys. Chem. A, 2020, 124, 4463−4470]. The purpose of the present article is to study the structural stability of various water polyhedra at different temperatures. In the course of modeling, using the Amoeba force field, the advantage of configurations with a large number of square faces is demonstrated. The structure and energetics of surface defects are studied. Several very stable structures of unusual shape were found, including polyhedra which contain 4-coordinated molecules and polyhedra whose O–H groups are directed to the cluster center. The comparative analysis of cluster stability includes the temperature intervals of melting-like transitions.
Effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program on Mental Health Status Among Medical Student in Palestine During COVID Pandemic
Authors: Hanani Ahmad , Badrasawi Manal , Zidan Souzan , Hunjul Marah
Published: November 2021

Background: Mental illnesses are widely acknowledged among medical students, at the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant effect on medical students. The main purpose of this study to (1) determine the prevalence of mental disorders among medical students and their associated factors, and (2) to examine the effectiveness of cognitive behaviour therapy on mental health problems among medical students. Methods: Between March and May 2021, we conducted a randomized controlled study on two phases among medical students at An-Najah National University. Data were collected using an online questionnaire and the Arabic version of the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). We also used the MEDAS tool to assess their Mediterranean Diet (MD) adherence. In the second phase, sixty-six student were recruited and assigned randomly to control and intervention groups. Intervention impact was assessed using 12-item General Health Questionnaire at two time points; baseline, and 8 weeks post-intervention. The interventional model used was the cognitive behavioral therapy, and the control group received no treatment. Results: A total of 329 students were included in the analysis of the first phase of the study. Approximately 28% of students had mental health problems. We found a significant relationship between good mental health status with higher level of physical activity level, longer sleeping hours and shorter entertainment time (p< 0.05). In the second phase of the study, a total of 91 students were included. Overall, using CBT program showed a significant improvement in the outcome measures. At 8 weeks post-intervention, students had lower scores on total GHQ-12, depression and anxiety, and social dysfunction. Conclusion: These findings propose that adequate attention must be paid to the mental health of medical students, and that CBT program can be used for the management of mental health problems among medical students.
Hemispherical Solar Distiller With Truncated Circular Cone-Shaped Reflector Mirrors ( TCC-RM)
Authors: Attia Mohammed El Hadi , Kabeel Abd Elnaby , Elbar Ayman Refat Abd , Abdelgaied Mohamed
Published: November 2021

The present study aims to achieve the highest cumulative yield of the hemispherical distillers, by designing and constructing new reflector mirrors, which are truncated circular cone-shaped reflector mirrors (TCC-RM). To obtain the optimum inclination of TCC-RM that achieves a highest hemispherical distiller’s performance, eight inclination angles (10o, 15o, 20o, 25o, 30o, 35o, 40o and 45o with vertical) was experimentally studied. To achieve this, a series of experimental tests were carried out on the three hemispherical solar distillers, the first represents the reference distiller (traditional hemispherical solar distiller- THSD) and the other two devices are the hemispherical solar distiller with truncated circular cone-shaped reflector mirrors (HSD-TCCRM) with different inclination angles. The experimental results indicate that utilizing TCC-RM with a 25o inclination angle achieve the maximum cumulative yield of 8.35 L/m2 with an improvement of 42.74% compared to THSD. While the utilization of TCC-RM with the inclination angles by 30o, 35o, 20o, 40o, and 15o achieves the cumulative yield of 7.9, 7.3, 7.05, 6.67, 6.6 L/m2 compared with 5.85 L/m2 for THSD. On the contrary, adjusting the inclination angle of TCC-RM at 10o, and 45o affects negatively the cumulative yield of the HSD with TCC-RM in comparison with THSD. Based on the data of cumulative yield, daily efficiency, and the economics analysis its recommended to utilized TCC-RM with a 25o inclination angle to achieve the highest performance and minimum distillate cost of hemispherical solar distillers.
Assessing The Sustainable Safety Practices Based On Human Behavior Factors: An Application to Chinese Petrochemical Industry
Authors: Zhang Junqiao , Qu Qiang , Chen Xuebo
Published: November 2021

Many catastrophic accidents and irreversible environmental pollution have occurred in the petrochemical industry, most of which are caused by human factor errors. Therefore, sustainable safety development is one of the main tasks of petrochemical industry. Behavior-based safety (BBS) management is an effective means to improve human factor errors and reduce accidents. Previous BBS literature studies mainly focused on single method, while rarely combined with other quantitative technical methods. This study proposes an extended BBS approach that combines the application of fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE) to assess sustainable safety performance of a petrochemical industry. By using the FAHP for design and prioritizing the behavior factors to develop a BBS program and provide a guidance for the safety managers and employees on site. The FCE method is applied to evaluate the sustainable safety performance and this method is a new application of BBS management. To verify the validity of the proposed framework, the FCE results before and after BBS management are compared. The results show that the approach has a positive effect on human factor errors, accident reduction and sustainable safety development. This paper supplements the knowledge system of BBS program in terms of method and carry out two respects and provides leaders with guidance on sustainable safety development.
Influence of Agaricus Bisporus Establishment and Fungicidal Treatments on Casing Soil Metataxonomy During Mushroom Cultivation
Authors: Tello Maria Luisa , Lavega Rebeca , Pérez Margarita , Pérez Antonio J. , Thon Michael , Pérez Ernesto
Published: November 2021

The cultivation of edible mushroom is an emerging sector with a potential yet to be discovered. Unlike plants, it is a less developed agriculture where many studies are lacking to optimize the cultivation. Mushrooms are a source of resources still to be revealed, which have applications not only in food, but in many other sectors such as health, industry and biotechnology. Mushroom cultivation consists of the development of selective substrates through composting where the mushroom grows via solid fermentation process. In case of Agaricus bisporus, the compost fully colonized by mycelium hardly produces mushrooms and it is necessary to apply a casing layer with certain physical, chemical and biological characteristics to shift from the vegetative mycelium to the reproductive one, where the native microbiota plays crucial roles. Currently, the industry faces a challenge to substitute the actual peat based casing materials due to the limited natural resources and the impact on the peatlands where peat is extracted.In this work we have employed high-throughput techniques by next generation sequencing to screen the microbial structure of casing soil employed in mushroom cultivation while sequencing V3-V4 of the 16S rRNA gene for bacteria and the ITS2 region of rRNA for fungi in an Illumina MiSeq. In addition, the microbiome dynamics and evolution (bacterial and fungal communities) in peat based casing along the process of incubation of Agaricus bisporus have been studied, while comparing the effect of fungicidal treatment (Chlorothalonil and Metrafenone). Statistically significant changes in populations of bacteria and fungi were observed. Microbial composition differed significantly based on incubation day, changing radically from the original communities to a specific microbial composition adapted to enhance the A. bisporus mycelium growth. Chlorothalonil treatment seems to delay casing colonization by A. bisporus. Proteobacteria and Bacteroidota appeared as the most dominant bacterial phyla. We observed a great change in the structure of the bacteria populations between day 0 and the following days. Fungi populations changed more gradually, A. bisporus displacing the rest of the species as the cultivation cycle progresses. A better understanding of the microbial communities in the casing will hopefully allow us to increase the biological efficiency during production as well as possibly help us to have a clearer view of the microbial community-pathogen relationships as they are directly related to disease development.
Tumor Microenvironment-Aware, Single-Transcriptome Prediction of Microsatellite Instability in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Seo Mi-Kyoung , Kang Hyundeok , Kim Sangwoo
Published: November 2021

Background: Detecting microsatellite instability (MSI) in colorectal cancers (CRCs) is essential since it is therapeutic strategy determinant feature, including immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Yet, no attempt has been made to exploit transcriptomic profile and tumor microenvironment (TME) of it to unveil MSI status in CRC. Methods: Hence, we developed a novel TME-aware, single-transcriptome predictor of MSI for CRC, called MAP (Microsatellite instability Absolute single sample Predictor). MAP was developed utilizing recursive feature elimination-random forest with 466 CRC samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas, and its performance was validated in independent cohorts, including 1118 samples. Results: MAP showed robustness and predictive power in predicting MSI status in CRC. Additional advantages for MAP were demonstrated through comparative analysis with existing MSI classifier and other cancer types. Conclusions: Our novel approach will provide access to untouched vast amounts of publicly available transcriptomic data and widen the door for MSI CRC research and be useful for gaining insights to help with translational medicine.
Biased TCR gene usage in citrullinated Tenascin C specific T-cells in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Sharma Ravi , Boddul Sanjay V. , Yoosuf Niyaz , Turcinov Sara , Dubnovitsky Anatoly , Kozhukh Genadiy , Wermeling Fredrik , Kwok William W. , Klareskog Lars , Malmström Vivianne
Published: November 2021

Objectives
To search for common features in the autoreactive T cell receptor (TCR)-repertoire in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), focusing on the newly identified candidate antigen citrullinated Tenascin C (cit-TNC).
Methods
Mononuclear cells from peripheral blood or synovial fluid of eight RA-patients positive for the RA-associated HLA-DRB1*04:01 allele were in-vitro cultured with recently identified citrullinated peptides from Tenascin C. Antigen-specific T cells were isolated using peptide-HLA tetramer staining and subsequently single-cell sequenced for paired alpha/beta TCR analyses by bioinformatic tools. TCRs were re-expressed for further studies of antigen-specificity and T cell responses.
Results
Autoreactive T cell lines could be grown out from both peripheral blood and synovial fluid. We demonstrate the feasibility of retrieving true autoreactive TCR sequences by validating antigen-specificity in T cell lines with re-expressed TCRs. One of the Tenascin C peptides, cit-TNC22, gave the most robust T cell responses including biased TCR gene usage patterns. The shared TCR-beta chain signature among the citTNC22-specific TCRs was evident in blood and synovial fluid of different patients.
Conclusion
The identification of common elements in the autoreactive TCR repertoire gives promise to the possibility of both immune monitoring of the autoimmune components in RA and of future antigen- or TCR-targeted specific intervention in subsets of patients.
Acute pancreatitis in pregnancy: A 10-year, multi-center, retrospective study in Beijing
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Wang Guoxing , Cao Zheng , Huang Wenyang , Xiao Hongli , Wei Hongtao , Lu Junli , Liu Ruixia , Yin Chenghong
Published: November 2021

Objective

Acute pancreatitis in pregnancy (APIP) is a rare and serious complication during pregnancy. It has acute onset and is difficult to diagnose and treat. The aim of the present study was to describe the etiology, clinical manifestations, and maternofetal outcomes of APIP.
Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 32 pregnant women who were treated at three tertiary care hospitals in Beijing, China. The correlation between the causes of APIP, severity, laboratory indices, and outcomes was analyzed.
Results

The most common causes of APIP were hypertriglyceridemia (56.2%,18/32) and gallstones (28.1%, 9/32). Hypertriglyceridemia-induced APIP was associated with a higher rate of severe acute pancreatitis (P = 0.025). Serum level of triglycerides showed a positive correlation with the severity of APIP (P = 0.039). The most frequent presentation of APIP was abdominal pain (93.7%, 30/32). There were no maternal or fetal deaths in our study. Neonatal asphyxia was correlated with the severity of APIP (P = 0.039).
Conclusion

High level of triglycerides may serve as a useful marker of the severity of APIP. The severity of APIP was associated with higher risk of neonate asphyxia. Appropriate timing of termination of pregnancy is a key imperative for APIP patients.
Soot Distribution and Thermal Regeneration of Marine Diesel Particulate Filter
Authors: Wang Xiangli , Ni Peiyong
Published: November 2021

Particles from marine diesel engine exhaust gas have caused serious air pollution and human health. Diesel particulate filter (DPF) can effectively reduce particle emissions from marine diesel engines. The distribution and regeneration of soot in DPF are two important issues. In this paper, a mathematical model of a marine DPF was built up and the particle trap process and the regeneration dynamics were simulated. The results show that the cake soot mass concentrations during trap process increase linearly with the increase of the exhaust gas flows while the depth soot mass concentrations firstly increase linearly and then keep constant. Soot is mainly concentrated in the front and rear portion of the filter and less soot is in the middle. The soot distribution in the cake and depth layer shows the unevenness during the trap and regeneration process. The initial soot loadings have great effects on pressure drops and soot mass concentrations before regeneration, but little effect after regeneration. The exhaust gas temperature heated to 850 K can achieve 94% efficiency for the DPF regeneration. There is no obvious difference in pressure drops and soot mass concentrations between fast heating and slow heating. The heating duration of exhaust gas has an important impact on DPF regeneration.
Synergistic PAHs biodegradation by a mixed bacterial community: Based on a multisubstrate enrichment approach
Authors: Li Kang , Liu Yanzehua , Li Yangda , Li Dan , Liu Na , Wang Liping
Published: November 2021

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are highly hard-biodegradable compounds. Therefore, in this work, a multisubstrate enrichment approach was proposed to develop a bacterial community named MBF from activated sludge of coking wastewater plant capable of degrading mixed-PAHs consisting of phenanthrene and pyrene (50 mg/L of each) by 98.8% and 73.3% within 5 days, respectively. The bacterial community could maintain its degradation ability to mixed PAHs relatively under temperatures (20°C–35°C), pH values (5.0–9.0), and salinities (0–10 g/L NaCl). Additionally, the bacterial community MBF degraded 58.9%, 79.9%, and 80.7% of mixed PAHs in the presence of catechol, salicylic acid, and phthalic acid, respectively within 5 days. High-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicon analysis showed that the bacterial community MBF was dominated by Pseudomonas in most treatments, and Burkholderia was predominant under both acidic condition and high salt concentrations. Furthermore, the composition of microbial communities of the bacterial community was significantly different with/without addition of pathway intermediate metabolites after biodegradation of mixed PAHs, revealing the metabolic burden may be distributed between members of this bacterial community. Those results demonstrate that the biodegradation ability of MBF could be maintained with the bacterial community structure altering when facing environmental variations or changes in composition of target contaminants.
Contact Tracing During The COVID-19 Pandemic In District Health Directorate Example in Istanbul, Turkey
Authors: ARMAN İkbal Hümay , Arman Yusuf , ÖREN Meryem Merve
Published: November 2021

Background: After March 2020, with the first case of novel coronavirus, Turkish health care system switched to state of emergency to manage the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to control the pandemic, a scientific committee was established, guidelines were prepared, and filiation/contact tracing studies were started. Field investigation and isolation teams were established, and District Health Directorates (DHD) became frontline primary care organizations to manage contact tracing in Turkey. Case presentation: In this report, pandemic management and contact tracing were evaluated in example of Kartal DHD from Istanbul, Turkey. The report contains the details about the planning process, Kartal DHD Pandemic Management priorities, aim and planning of this policy, coordination and cooperation with other institutes to overcome this extraordinary state. Also, evaluation of the contact tracing and telemedicine usage in the pandemic management is examined as well with future implications. Conclusions: From the SWOT analysis to planning process, this report attempts to describe how this state of emergency was managed and how effective the contact tracing management process was. With its detailed key points of the pandemic management and future perspectives, it has been written in terms of preparation for the future pandemics.
Genetically predicted levels of the human plasma proteome and risk of stroke: a Mendelian Randomization study
Authors: Chen Lingyan , Peters James , Prins Bram , Persyn Elodie , Traylor Matthew , Surendran Praveen , Karthikeyan Savita , Yonova-Doing Ekaterina , Angelantonio Emanuele Di , Roberts David , Watkins Nick , Ouwehand Willem , Danesh John , Lewis Cathryn , Bronson Paola , Markus Hugh , Burgess Stephen , Butterworth Adam , Howson Joanna
Published: November 2021

Proteins are the effector molecules of biology and are the target of most drugs. To identify proteins and related pathways that may play a causal role in stroke pathogenesis, we used Mendelian randomisation (MR). We tested potential causal effects of 308 plasma proteins (measured in 4,994 blood donors from the INTERVAL study) on stroke outcomes (derived from the MEGASTROKE GWAS) in a two-sample MR framework and assessed whether these associations could be mediated by cardiovascular risk factors. We extended the analysis to identify whether pharmacological targeting of these proteins might have potential adverse side-effects or beneficial effects for other conditions through Phenome-wide MR (Phe-MR) in UK Biobank. MR showed an association between stroke and genetically predicted plasma levels of TFPI, IL6RA, MMP12, CD40, TMPRSS5 and CD6 (P≤1.62⋅10−4). We identified six risk factors (atrial fibrillation, body mass index, smoking, blood pressure, white matter hyperintensities and type 2 diabetes) that were associated with stroke (P≤0.0071) using MR. The association of TFPI, IL6RA and TMPRSS5 with stroke could be mediated by these risk factors, such as body mass index, white matter hyperintensity and atrial fibrillation. Thirty-six additional proteins were potentially causal for one or more of these risk factors. The Phe-MR suggested that targeting TFPI could have potential beneficial effects on other disorders of arteries and hyperlipidaemia in addition to stroke. Our results highlight novel causal pathways and potential therapeutic targets for stroke.
Human capital in the context of high levels of inequality in South Africa
Authors:   , Friderichs Tamaryn Jean
Published: November 2021

Piketty’s (2014) book titled “Capital in the Twenty-First Century” sparked widespread interest in global inequality, the distinction between wealth and income inequality and the economic, social and political processes accounting for changes in economic inequality over time. Piketty’s (2014) study controversially stated that widening economic inequality is the normal state of affairs in capitalist societies. The return from capital/wealth (terms used interchangeably) will almost always outpace the returns from labour. In contrast with Piketty’s (2014) thesis that the returns on non-human capital drive growing income inequality, economists such as Leibbrandt et al. (2012), Van der Berg (2014) and Hundenborn et al. (2016) have found that the labour market and human capital (HC) are the primary sources of income inequality. The research problem for this study stems from these contrasting views.
Survival of white blood cells of mice (Mus musculus L) on interval AD with CD post gamma radiation Co-60
Authors: Sutapa Gusti Ngurah , Ratini Ni Nyoman , Anggarani Ni Kadek Nova , Kasmawan I Gde Antha
Published: November 2021

One of the phenomena of the low-dose radiation effect is the radio adaptation response which is an important part of the response of molecules, cells, and body tissues to ionizing radiation. The phenomenon of radio adaptation response is a response that occurs when changes in gene expression can be induced by exposure to low doses of radiation (<0.5 Gy). Changes in the expression of this gene under certain circumstances serve to protect cells against the effects caused by subsequent exposure to higher doses of radiation, so this situation is known as an adaptive response or radio adaptation response. Cells can respond to very low doses of radiation with some changes in gene expression. Beginning with the administration of radiation to cells with a very low dose, known as the adaptation dose (AD), and then in a short period being given a larger dose of radiation, known as the challenge dose (CD), there was a decrease in the number of induced chromosome aberrations when compared to cells that were not irradiated at an adapted dose. The purpose of this study was to obtain a radiotherapy method that could show a reduction in the patient's dose.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visit to Sri Lanka and its impacts on Indo-Sri Lankan relations
Authors: Jeeva S. , Sivakumar D.
Published: November 2021

In Globe, no nation is not an isolate it depends upon one another to fulfill their needs as a result of these multilateral relations build-up. Such a strong relationship we need to maintain means we need strong leadership.  Such strong leaders are there before and after independence also. The several party leaders and their alliances are formed and implemented the policies for the development of India at the Internal level as well as external level. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government was formed under two prominent leaders known as Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi. After Vajpayee, the NDA Government under the leadership of Narendra Modi realized the importance of foreign policy and maintaining a good relationship. Sri Lanka is also one of the closest neighboring countries; Prime Minister Narendra Modi from 2014 to 2019 he officially visited Sri Lanka three times within these three visits he used to make several new initiatives in many fields.
Concerning the closeness of the form of Sufi Kashkul and the Slavic boats
Authors: Shkolna Olga V. , Sosik Olha D. , Barbalat Oleksandra V. , Buihasheva Alla B. , Zaitseva Veronika I.
Published: November 2021

The article deals with investigating the resemblance between the kashkul shape from the collection of the Istanbul Museum of Islamic and Turkish Art and the Slavic type of longship. The specified item is now being kept in the exposition of the specified collection as an item of the Sefevidian era period of the early 17th century under the inventory number 2960. The typological analysis of its shape, peculiarities of the use of similar items in the Orthodox tradition of the Old Rus, Byzantium, separate countries of the Christian world and Scandinavia prove the closeness of this item to the shapes that were common in the Orthodox society. Analysis of the item decoration, the method of its manufacture allows us to assume the contribution of Islamic craftsmen, possibly Persian, to casting of this artefact. The study results are reduced to the basic hypothesis that the object designated in the exposition of the Istanbul Museum of Islamic and Turkish Art called kashkul (a bowl for the poor or a container for alms) has a shape of a golden longship that was in common use between the 10th and 14th centuries in the Kyivan Rus-Byzantine tradition.
Foreign policy of Kyrgyzstan between Russia and the United States
Authors: Namatbekova Nurzat , Saliev Kalyynur T.
Published: November 2021

The relevance of the research topic is due to a number of factors. Studying the Central Asian region as a whole, as well as the individual states within it, it is necessary to take into account that this space is a place of intersection of the interests of major world political, economic players, as well as regional powers. The influence of these countries and large multinational corporations can be expressed in a variety of ways, both military and economic, which will be discussed in this article. In addition, it is necessary to take into account a number of challenges to regional (and in the future, global) security, which were either thrown in the past or remain relevant to the present. The purpose of the article is to create a descriptive description of the foreign policy of Kyrgyzstan, which is currently being implemented by the current leadership of the state, in addition, to build a forecast regarding the further steps of the Kyrgyz leadership to build a system of strategic and mutually beneficial cooperation primarily with the Russian Federation and the United States of America.
Queer asylum seekers in Belgium: Navigating reception centers
Authors: Ropianyk Anna , D’Agostino Serena
Published: November 2021

While Belgium is viewed as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in Europe, its asylum system operates on problematic assumptions, compelling forced queer migrants to be out in a particular way and rejecting those who do not conform. By applying a qualitative case-study and intersectionality-informed methodology, this study investigates the key factors that influence queer asylum seekers and refugees’ decision to come out (or not), and how they negotiate the closet within an environment that is often experienced as hostile. In doing so, this article shows that to both stay safe and receive protection, queer asylum seekers in reception centers in Belgium have to navigate a complex context where they need to constantly balance between their hypervisibility at the very individual level – as ‘queer’ – and their invisibility at the more structural level – within the asylum system itself.
Title Page & Table of Contents
Authors: Vindevogel Sofie , Van Wolvelaer Fien
Published: November 2021

      
Improving Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic through Online Psychoeducation
Authors: Fathiyah Kartika Nur , Widyastuti Tria , Setiawati Farida Agus , Romadhani Rahmatika Kurnia , Ayriza Yulia , Abdullah Yahya , Lilmuallafah Lu’lu Inayatul
Published: November 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic alters many aspects of everyday life that we have grown accustomed to. The enactment of various new policies to curb the spread of the disease, i.e., social distancing, work and study from home, restrictions on large-scale activities and restriction in travelling, compel each one of us to adjust. Not to mention the fear of being infected with COVID-19. These conditions led to various psychological problems such as anxiety, low hope, and negative emotions. Efforts to improve people’s mental health are urgently needed. One such step is to increase one’s understanding of self-management in facing psychological problems due to COVID-19. This study aims to improve the community’s mental health, namely the residents of Blotan hamlet during the COVID-19 pandemic through online self-management psychoeducation. To test the effectiveness of psychoeducation, this study used a one-group pre and post-test design. A total of 31 subjects participated in the activity in full. We can infer the effectivity through the anxiety score, hope, and positive emotions on the pre and post-test measurements. The results found that self-managed psychoeducation facing psychological problems during the pandemic significantly increased positive emotions (t = -2,753, df = 30, and p <.05). As for the measurement of anxiety and hope, there was no significant change due to the subject’s anxiety score and hope were already in the medium category.
Определение толщин и особенностей легирования многослойных 4H-SiC-структур методом частотного анализа инфракрасных спектров отражения
Authors: Афанасьев А.В. , Зубков В.И. , Ильин В.А. , Лучинин В.В. , Павлова М.В. , Панов М.Ф. , Трушлякова В.В. , Фирсов Д.Д.
Published: November 2021

Разработана методика частотного анализа ИК спектра отражения для определения толщин и порядка расположения слоев в эпитаксиальной структуре (ЭС) карбида кремния, выполнены расчеты для 4H-SiC ЭС, показана высокая чувствительность метода к оптическим границам, возникшим в результате последовательного увеличения уровня легирования в процессе роста слоя.
Нелокальная динамика электронов в AlGaN/GaN-транзисторных гетероструктурах
Authors: Богданов С.А. , Борисов А.А. , Карпов С.Н. , Кулиев М.В. , Пашковский А.Б. , Терёшкин Е.В.
Published: November 2021

The nonlocal electrons heating in transistor heterostructures based on gallium nitride and arsenide is compared. It is shown that if, in comparison with a pure bulk material, in the case of GaAs double doped pseudomorphic heterostructures, the real space transfer of electrons significantly reduces their drift velocity overshot in the region of a strong field, then for GaN-based heterostructures, the decrease of the drift velocity overshot in the studied cases does not exceed 30%.
Low rank approximation of positive semi-definite symmetric matrices using Gaussian elimination and volume sampling
Authors: Hegland Markus , De Hoog Frank
Published: November 2021

Positive semi-definite matrices commonly occur as normal matrices of least squares problems in statistics or as kernel matrices in machine learning and approximation theory. They are typically large and dense. Thus algorithms to solve systems with such a matrix can be very costly. A core idea to reduce computational complexity is to approximate the matrix by one with a low rank. The optimal and well understood choice is based on the eigenvalue decomposition of the matrix. Unfortunately, this is computationally very expensive. Cheaper methods are based on Gaussian elimination but they require pivoting. We show how invariant matrix theory provides explicit error formulas for an averaged error based on volume sampling. The formula leads to ratios of elementary symmetric polynomials on the eigenvalues. We discuss several bounds for the expected norm of the approximation error and include examples where this expected error norm can be computed exactly.
References

A. Dax. “On extremum properties of orthogonal quotients matrices”. In: Lin. Alg. Appl. 432.5 (2010), pp. 1234–1257. doi: 10.1016/j.laa.2009.10.034.
M. Dereziński and M. W. Mahoney. Determinantal Point Processes in Randomized Numerical Linear Algebra. 2020. url: https://arxiv.org/abs/2005.03185.
A. Deshpande, L. Rademacher, S. Vempala, and G. Wang. “Matrix approximation and projective clustering via volume sampling”. In: Proceedings of the Seventeenth Annual ACM-SIAM Symposium on Discrete Algorithm. SODA ’06. Miami, Florida: Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, 2006, pp. 1117–1126. url: https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.5555/1109557.1109681.
S. A. Goreinov, E. E. Tyrtyshnikov, and N. L. Zamarashkin. “A theory of pseudoskeleton approximations”. In: Lin. Alg. Appl. 261.1 (1997), pp. 1–21. doi: 10.1016/S0024-3795(96)00301-1.
M. W. Mahoney and P. Drineas. “CUR matrix decompositions for improved data analysis”. In: Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. 106.3 (Jan. 20, 2009), pp. 697–702. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0803205106.
M. Marcus and L. Lopes. “Inequalities for symmetric functions and Hermitian matrices”. In: Can. J. Math. 9 (1957), pp. 305–312. doi: 10.4153/CJM-1957-037-9.
Characteristics and quality of gray water and the possibility of reuse for irrigation purposes from the houses of some areas of the left side of the city of Mosul
Authors: Arshed Saadoon Safa , Fadeel Qasim Ayad
Published: November 2021

The research dealt with assessing the quality of gray water generated from houses in some areas of the left side of the city of Mosul and determining the suitability of reusing it for irrigation; for this purpose, 90 samples of gray water were collected from fifteen neighborhoods of the left side for a period of six months during the period from November 2020 to April 2021. The research aims to conduct a monthly study to assess the quality and suitability of gray water for irrigation by conducting physical, chemical, and biological tests for gray water generated from houses Where the values of E.C. ranged (751-1621) μS/cm and T.D.S. (483-684) mg/L, and pH ranged (6.3-8.2), and the concentration of sodium ions ranged between (7.8-147) mg/L as for the concentration of C.O.D. (Chemical Oxygen Demand) ranged between (69-200) mg/L While the C.O.D. values ranged between (69-200) mg /L , The S.A.R. values were between (0.18-2.98) meq/L, and the phosphate ions values ranged between (0.25-3.7) mg/L; finally, the average of fecal coliform bacteria was (0.0-4) x 105/100 ml. The study concluded that the water was classified under the category (C3-S1) high salinity - low sodium, which is suitable for irrigation of plants that are well tolerant to salinity and is suitable for use in soils that do not contain complex layers that prevent leaching because these soils will need to be washed when irrigated with this water. This study recommended diluting gray water by mixing it with fresh water and using it for irrigation.
Isolation and molecular identification of microorganisms isolated from soils contaminated with heavy metals in Mosul city
Authors: Alkazaz Sana R. , Khalil Mohammad I. , Fadhel Mazin N.
Published: November 2021

This research is concerned with organisms isolated from soils contaminated with heavy metals in industrial and residential areas in Mosul, the center of Nineveh Governorate, and the diagnosis of these organisms using molecular biology techniques. Samples were collected from four locations in the city between the industrial area and residential neighborhoods.
Soil samples were analyzed, and dilutions were prepared, then the dilutions were grown on potato extract and dextrose (PDA) medium for the development of fungi and Nutrient agar for bacterial development. The dilutions were planted by the casting method by three replications, then the process of purifying the fungal and bacterial colonies was carried out using the traditional methods. To diagnose these pure colonies using PCR technique, colonies of fungi were grown on the medium of PDA, and bacteria were grown on the medium of nutritious broth.
As a result, nine fungal species were diagnosed; two of them are new undiagnosed genera that have been registered in the gene bank, four of them contain genetic mutations, and three of them are known and previously diagnosed fungi. As for bacteria, two new strains were isolated and registered in the gene bank among the four diagnosed types. And some of these genera exhibited severe resistance to antibiotics, while others showed moderate resistance, in contrast to the control, which was very sensitive to antibiotics.
Phylogenetic and molecular evolutionary analysis of SENV DNA isolated from Iraqi Hepatitis Patients
Authors: Mujahid Al-Shuwaikh Arwa , Abbas khudair Ealaf , Basil Hanna Dalya
Published: November 2021

SEN Virus (SENV) is a newly discovered group of transmissible, hepatotropic, single-stranded, circular, non-enveloped DNA viruses that are distantly linked to the widely distributed Torque Teno Virus (TTV) family. This research aimed to use nucleotide sequencing to identify the genetic alterations of SEN-V and to investigate the similarities between isolates. Seven DNA samples of SENV, which were previously extracted from blood of post transfusion hepatitis, were used to identify the genetic variation of SEN-V by nucleotide sequencing. According to the current analysis results, specific primer pairs were used to detect SENV DNA sequences isolated from Iraqi patients with hepatitis; however, those specific primers can also detect two new variants of SENV that are closely related to the Torque Teno Virus. In addition, four SENV isolates showed several substitution mutations, and one of them revealed the replacement of Proline (P) at position 11 with Serine (S). Only one local isolate of SENV was 100% identical to the Iranian isolate (GenBank acc. no. GQ452051.1) from thalassemia.
Comparative study on Biochar salt absorption capacity in different saline concentrated solutions
Authors: Rocha Vanessa
Published: November 2021

Salt-affected soils are caused by excess accumulation of salts. As soil salinity increases, salt effects can result in the degradation of soils. Previous studies have determined that biochar has the potential to reduce salt stress in soils. In this study, the electroconductive properties of biochar to adsorb salts were investigated in different saline-concentrated solutions. Pelletized, fragmented and powdered biochar were placed in solutions with concentrations of 0, 50, 500, 1000, and 2000 parts per million sodium chloride, respectively. Control treatments consisted of deionized water mixed with salt and no biochar addition. A week after setting the experiment, the electroconductivity measurements were significantly higher relative to the first day. Significant differences were observed among treatments for pelletized, fragmented, and powdered biochar treatments. Increases in electroconductivity values are attributed to ambient temperature changes and differences in particle size. However, pelletized biochar declined in electroconductive values, which is attributed to ions being retained inside the pores of bigger particles. Our study concludes that biochar can adsorb salts at lower sodium chloride concentrations; therefore, it may help mitigate soil salt stress.
Conjugation of Silver Nanoparticles With De Novo–Engineered Cationic Antimicrobial Peptides: Exploratory Proposal
Authors: Hu Alvin
Published: November 2021

Background

Cationic antimicrobial peptides have broad antimicrobial activity and provide a novel way of targeting multidrug-resistant bacteria in the era of increasing antimicrobial resistance. Current developments show positive prospects for antimicrobial peptides and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) individually.

Objective

The primary objective is to propose another method for enhancing antimicrobial activity by conjugating AgNPs with cationic antimicrobial peptides, with a subsequent preliminary assessment of the minimum inhibitory concentration of multidrug-resistant bacteria. The secondary objective is to evaluate the safety of the conjugated compound and assess its viability for in vivo use.

Methods

The proposal involves 3 stages. First, WLBU2C, a modified version of the antimicrobial peptide WLBU2 with an added cysteine group, needs to be synthesized using a standard Fmoc procedure. It can then be stably conjugated with AgNPs ideally through photochemical means. Second, the WLBU2C-AgNP conjugate should be tested for antimicrobial activity according to the Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute manual on standard minimum inhibitory concentration testing. Third, the cytotoxicity of the conjugate should be tested using cell lysis assays if the above stages are completed.

Results

I-TASSER (iterative threading assembly refinement) simulation revealed that the modified peptide WLBU2C has a secondary structure similar to that of the original WLBU2 peptide. No other results have been obtained at this time.

Conclusions

The addition of AgNPs to already developed de novo–engineered antimicrobial peptides provides an opportunity for the development of potent antimicrobials. Future prospects include emergency last-line therapy and treatment for current difficult-to-eradicate bacterial colonization, such as in cystic fibrosis, implantable medical devices, cancer, and immunotherapy. As I do not anticipate funding at this time, I hope this proposal provides inspiration to other researchers.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/28307
Methods for Human-Centered eHealth Development: Narrative Scoping Review
Authors: Kip Hanneke , Keizer Julia , da Silva Marcia C , Beerlage-de Jong Nienke , Köhle Nadine , Kelders Saskia M
Published: November 2021

Background

Thorough holistic development of eHealth can contribute to a good fit among the technology, its users, and the context. However, despite the availability of frameworks, not much is known about specific research activities for different aims, phases, and settings. This results in researchers having to reinvent the wheel. Consequently, there is a need to synthesize existing knowledge on research activities for participatory eHealth development processes.

Objective

The 3 main goals of this review are to create an overview of the development strategies used in studies based on the CeHRes (Center for eHealth Research) Roadmap, create an overview of the goals for which these methods can be used, and provide insight into the lessons learned about these methods.

Methods

We included eHealth development studies that were based on the phases and/or principles of the CeHRes Roadmap. This framework was selected because of its focus on participatory, iterative eHealth design in context and to limit the scope of this review. Data were extracted about the type of strategy used, rationale for using the strategy, research questions, and reported information on lessons learned. The most frequently mentioned lessons learned were summarized using a narrative, inductive approach.

Results

In the included 160 papers, a distinction was made between overarching development methods (n=10) and products (n=7). Methods are used to gather new data, whereas products can be used to synthesize previously collected data and support the collection of new data. The identified methods were focus groups, interviews, questionnaires, usability tests, literature studies, desk research, log data analyses, card sorting, Delphi studies, and experience sampling. The identified products were prototypes, requirements, stakeholder maps, values, behavior change strategies, personas, and business models. Examples of how these methods and products were applied in the development process and information about lessons learned were provided.

Conclusions

This study shows that there is a plethora of methods and products that can be used at different points in the development process and in different settings. To do justice to the complexity of eHealth development, it seems that multiple strategies should be combined. In addition, we found no evidence for an optimal single step-by-step approach to develop eHealth. Rather, researchers need to select the most suitable research methods for their research objectives, the context in which data are collected, and the characteristics of the participants. This study serves as a first step toward creating a toolkit to support researchers in applying the CeHRes Roadmap to practice. In this way, they can shape the most suitable and efficient eHealth development process.
Experimental Modeling of Osteoporosis in Animals
Authors: Dedukh N.V. , Yakovenchuk N.N. , Nikolchenko O.A.
Published: November 2021

Experimental studies on animals under conditions of osteopenia and osteoporosis modeling significantly expand the view of the mechanisms of primary and secondary osteoporosis development, help determining the effect of various factors affecting the bone tissue, evaluate the effect of medications, new biomaterials, etc. Osteoporosis is a multifactorial disease; its clinical manifestations depend on a complex interplay of environmental, lifestyle and genetic factors. The review of the literature analyzes the data on the use of animals to assess the features of osteoporosis course when modeling this pathology by surgical and non-surgical methods. The article features the models of osteoporosis which are reproduced on rats and mice being the most accessible objects and the most frequently used by experimenters. The details of modeling the course of such types of osteoporosis as postmenopausal, senile, glucocorticoid-induced, testosterone deficiency (orchiectomy)-induced, immobilization, hypothermia, radiation-induced, etc. are explored. A specific aspect of recent advances in modeling osteoporosis is the creation of transgenic and knockout mice, whose models may be used to detect components of genetic lesions and will certainly contribute to the development of new methods of prevention and therapy of this severe pathology. The similarity and difference of experimental models of osteoporosis describing the pathophysiological changes in humans due to osteoporosis are noted. Emphasis is placed on bioethical norms of working with experimental animals.