bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A QSAR Study on the 4-Substituted Coumarins as Potent Tubulin Polymerization Inhibitors
Authors: Dinparast Leila , Dastmalchi Siavoush
Published: February 2020

Purpose: Despite the discovery and synthesis of several anticancer drugs, cancer is still a major life threatening incident for human beings after cardiovascular diseases. Toxicity, severe side effects, and drug resistance are serious problems of available commercial anticancer drugs. Coumarins are synthetic and natural heterocycles that show promising antiproliferative activities against various tumors. The aim of this research is to computationally study the coumarin derivatives in order to develop reliable quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models for predicting their anticancer activities. Methods: A data set of thirty one coumarin analogs with significant antiproliferative activities toward HepG2 cells were selected from the literature. The molecular descriptors for these compounds were calculated using Dragon, HyperChem, and ACD/Labs programs. Genetic algorithm (GA) accompanied by multiple linear regression (MLR) for simultaneous feature selection and model development was employed for generating the QSAR models. Results: Based on the obtained results, the developed linear QSAR models with three and four descriptors showed good predictive power with r2 values of 0.670 and 0.692, respectively. Moreover, the calculated validation parameters for the models confirmed the reliability of the QSAR models. Conclusion: The findings of the current study could be useful for the design and synthesis of novel anticancer drugs based on coumarin structure.
Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-derived Microvesicles on Megakaryocytic Differentiation of CD34+ Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Authors: Aqmasheh Sara , Shamsasenjan Karim , Khalaf Adeli Elham , Movassaghpourakbari Aliakbar , Akbarzadehlaleh Parvin , Pashoutan Sarvar Davod , Timari Hamzeh
Published: February 2020

Purpose: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) release hematopoietic cytokines, growth factors, and Microvesicles (MVs) supporting the hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). MVs released from various cells, playing a crucial role in biological functions of their parental cells. MSC-derived MVs contain microRNAs and proteins with key roles in the regulation of hematopoiesis. Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is a source for transplantation but the long-term recovery of platelets is a main problem. Therefore, we intend to show that MSC-MVs are able to improve the differentiation of UCB-derived CD34+ cells to megakaryocyte lineage. Methods: In this descriptive study, MSCs were cultured in DMEM to collect the culture supernatant, which was ultracentrifuged for the isolation of MVs. HSCs were isolated from UCB using MACS method and cultured in IMDM supplemented with cytokines and MVs in three different conditions. Megakaryocyte differentiation was evaluated through the expression of specific markers and genes after 72 hours, and the data was analyzed by t test (P<0.05). Results: The expression of specific megakaryocyte markers (CD41 and CD61) in the presence of different concentrations of MSC-MVs did not show any significant difference. Also, the expression of specific genes of megakaryocyte lineage was compared with control group. The expression of GATA2 and c-Mpl was significantly increased, GATA1 was not significantly decreased, and FLI1 was significantly decreased. Conclusion: MSC-MVs could improve the expression of specific megakaryocyte genes; however, there was no significant expression of CD markers. Further studies, including the evaluation of late stages of megakaryocyte differentiation, are required to evaluate platelet production and shedding
Variational Iteration Algorithm-I with an Auxiliary Parameter for Solving Boundary Value Problems
Authors: Ahmad Hijaz , Rafiq Muhammad , Cesarano Clemente , Durur Hulya
Published: February 2020

In this article, the variational iteration algorithm-I with an auxiliary parameter (VIA-I with AP) is elaborated to initial and boundary value problems. The effectiveness, absence of difficulty and accuracy of the proposed method is remarkable and its tractability is well suitable for the use of these type of problems. Some examples have been given to show the effectiveness and utilization of this technique. A comparison of variational iteration algorithm-I (VIA-I) along VIA-I with AP has been carried out. It can be seen that this technique is more appropriate than as VIA-I.
Reliable Iterative Methods for Solving the Falkner-Skan Equation
Authors: AL-JAWARY Majeed
Published: February 2020

In this work, we suggest reliable iterative methods to solve the Falkner-Skan problem to obtain new approximate solutions. The suggested methods. are Tamimi-Ansari method.(TAM), Daftardair-Jafari. method.(DJM) and Banach countraction method.(BCM). We compare the obtained numerical results with other numerical methods like the Runge-Kutta (RK4) and Euler methods. The fixed point theorm is presented to test the convergence of the suggested methods. Moreover, the results of the remaining maximum error values showing that the suggested methods are reliable and effective. The Software used in our calculations for this work is Mathematica® 10.
Slash Maxwell Distribution: Definition, Modified Maximum Likelihood Estimation and Applications
Authors: ACITAŞ Şükrü , ARSLAN Talha , ŞENOĞLU Birdal
Published: February 2020

In this study slash Maxwell (SM) distribution, defined as a ratio of a Maxwell random variate to a power of an independent uniform random variate, is introduced. Its stochastic representation and some distributional properties such as moments, skewness and kurtosis measures are provided. The maximum likelihood (ML) method is used for estimating the unknown parameters. However, closed forms of the ML estimators cannot be obtained since the likelihood equations include nonlinear functions of the unknown parameters. We therefore use Tiku's (1967,1968) modified maximum likelihood (MML) methodology which allows to obtain explicit forms of the estimators. Some asymptotic properties of the MML estimators are derived. A Monte-Carlo simulation study is also carried out to compare the performances of the ML and MML estimators. Two data sets taken from the literature are modelled using the SM distribution in application part of the study.
Design of Epoxy Modified Recycled Rubber-Based Composites: Effects of Different Contents of Nano-Silica, Alumina and Graphene Nanoplatelets Modification on the Toughening Behavior
Authors: İREZ Alaeddin Burak , BAYRAKTAR Emin
Published: February 2020

Multifunctional composite materials are recently drawing attention in many field including automotive, aeronautic and transport. The primary goal of this work is to propose low-cost and lightweight material for the automotive industry. In this study, recycled rubber-based composites were developed by using low cost manufacturing methods. At the beginning, recycled rubbers were devulcanized by microwaves to improve the bounding quality with the epoxy. Then, fine particles of recycled rubbers and solid epoxy were mixed together. After incorporating and rigorously distributing various contents of graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs), silica and γ-alumina particles in the matrix, hot compaction was used to manufacture the composites. As the second objective of this study, effect of reinforcement 5-10-15 wt. % of silica, and various contents of GnPs and γ-alumina particles on toughening was examined. In this regard, notched specimens were used to determine critical stress intensity factor and critical strain energy release rate. Fracture toughness showed some fluctuations by the incremental quantity of the reinforcements. Moreover, flexural strength and elasticity modulus were calculated by means of bending tests (three-point, 3PB). Positive effects of reinforcements on elasticity modulus were observed by 3PB tests. In addition, Charpy impact tests were done to assess energy absorbing capacity of the composites. To check the dispersion quality and to identify toughening mechanisms, scanning electronic microscopy was used. The main toughening mechanisms in these composites were identified as crack pinning, crack deflection shear band formation as well as. Finally, wear resistance of the specimens was assessed by macro-scratch tests.
KLASIFIKASI JENIS KENDARAAN MENGGUNAKAN METODE CONVOLUTIONAL NEURAL NETWORK (CNN)
Authors: Fadlia Nur , Kosasih Rifki
Published: February 2020

Kemacetan merupakan suatu keadaan padatnya lalu lintas yang dapat disebabkan oleh banyak faktor. Salah satu faktor yang menyebabkan kemacetan adalah banyaknya kendaraan yang melintas di jalan. Salah satu usaha yang dapat dilakukan untuk mengurangi masalah kemacetan yaitu dengan membuat jalur khusus yang hanya boleh dilalui kendaraan roda dua, empat atau lebih. Akan tetapi, terdapat pengendara yang masih menggunakan jalur yang tidak sesuai seperti di jalan Margonda Raya, Depok. Kendaraan roda dua (motor) yang telah disiapkan jalur khusus, sering kali mengambil jalur untuk kendaraan roda empat sehingga diperlukan suatu kegiatan pengawasan penggunaan jalur lalu lintas. Oleh karena itu, pada penelitian ini dibuat pengenalan jenis-jenis kendaraan menggunakan metode Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). Data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini sebanyak 120 citra yang terdiri dari citra mobil, motor dan sepeda. Hasil uji coba dan evaluasi model terhadap tiga jenis kendaraan menggunakan package Keras menunjukkan akurasi sebesar 94,4% pada tahap pelatihan dan 73,3% pada tahap pengujian.
«NEW ECONOMY» IN THE CONTEXT OF GLOBAL KNOWLEDGE, INFORMATION AND INNOVATION MANAGEMENT
Authors: KURYLIAK Vitalina , KURYLIAK Maksym
Published: February 2020

The article deals with the innovative mechanism of the new economy in the aspects of regional and national peculiarities of its functioning in the global and EU space. The general tendency of strengthening the orientation of national economies towards international trade in services, internationalization of research networks and expansion of creative human resources have been determined. Contrarily, evaluating the results of the Lisbon Strategy has demonstrated the need to prioritize employment, productivity and social cohesion to achieve global leadership. The concentration of scientific and technical potential of the leading countries of the international market on breakthroughs for economic development is an important tendency in the conditions of globalization. It has been shown that the implementation of new economy ideas sharpens competition for the skilled labour as a major component in research, innovation and entrepreneurship. At the same time, there are processes of transition from being an emigration country to being an immigration one. A comparison of EU and Chinese investment policy has been made, demonstrating the potential of using national sources, community mutual funds and fiscal federalization. It has been argued that the development of innovative products through the integration of science and production is an important factor in the development of new economy.
ECONOMIC CONVERGENCE IN THE EUROPEAN INTEGRATION SPACE IN THE CONTEXT OF RELATIONS BETWEEN UKRAINE AND THE VISEGRAD FOUR
Authors: SAVELYEV Yevhen , SMALYUK Halyna
Published: February 2020

The problem of economic convergence of Ukraine is considered as a crucial way of reaching the goal of European integration and membership in the European Union. It takes into account the current economic situation in the country, the main feature of which is a significant lag behind all EU Member States, especially in terms of GDP per capita. The external factor is crucial in the concept because of the inability to singlehandedly accomplish convergence tasks in Europe and in the global space in a reasonable timeframe. The more substantial the changes, the more important the factors related to the development of international economic relations. The author’s proposals concentrate on making economic convergence central in the development of overall convergence. Ukraine has great potential for mutually beneficial cooperation in all spheres with the Visegrad Four because it is a union of neighbouring countries and has gained experience reducing a relatively large economic lag from the «old» EU members. The scope of the investigation is not limited to traditional forms of international cooperation, but is oriented towards new solutions. They are represented by the organizational model «V4 + UA» (Visegrad Four + Ukraine) with the prospect of developing into an enlarged association «Visegrad Five», which will continue to play the role of the internal structure of the European Union, and include a candidate for membership, i.e. Ukraine. Sustainable economic growth of a new group must rely on a unified market, Europe’s greatest advantage, and concentrated structural reforms that can drive the production in the areas of growing demand. The author also admits the possibility of future establishment of confederate government in the model «V4 + UA» in order to use the competitive advantages of large state entities such as Germany, France, Italy, Spain).
PROSPECTS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF RESTAURANT BUSINESS IN AGRARIAN AND INDUSTRIAL STATE
Authors: GUMENYUK Yuriy
Published: February 2020

The role of the service sector in the development of the national economy of the country is substantiated. It is proved that the artificial cultivation of the service sector in the conditions of degradation of the branch structure and the reduction of effective aggregate demand can not bring it into the rank of the engine of economic development. Methodologically substantiated the author's position regarding the synergy of the level of household income, the structure of their expenditures, the investment attractiveness of the country and the productivity of its economy. The direct-to-person segment of the service sector is also characterized by technological and technological innovation, which is reflected in the deepening of personalization of the provision of catering services.
Application of R-Squared in The Analysis of Estimated Water Encroachment into a Reservoir
Authors: Oloro O. J.
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this paper is to apply R-squared in the analysis of estimated water encroachment into the reservoir. The data used for this work were gotten from records and these data were used to estimate water encroachment using Van Everdingen-Hurst (VEH) and Carter-Tracy models. The R-squared was obtained by plotting the value of estimated water encroachment against time. The results show that all the R-squared gotten in this work are more than 90% as indicated in all the graphs plotted. These results indicated that the variables involved in the computation of water encroachment are all considered, and the results also show that VEH is more reliable since it has higher R-squared. This method of analysis is faster and easy when compared with other methods like Durbin Watson and t-test.
Determination of Heavy Metal Contamination in Soil and Accumulation in Cassava (Manihot Esculenta) in Automobile Waste Dumpsite at Ohiya Mechanic Village
Authors: Ogbonna P. C. , Osim O. O. , Biose E.
Published: February 2020

Human health challenges resulting from consumption of food contaminated by heavy metals necessitated the investigation of soil and cassava plants around automobile waste dumpsite at Ohiya mechanic village, Abia State, Nigeria. Soil and cassava samples collected randomly at the site were analyzed for cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and chromium (Cr). The values of highest concentration of Cu and Pb in soil was recorded in 0-10 cm, Cr was obtained in 21-30 cm while Cd was in 11-20 cm soil depth. The concentration of Cd (0.11±0.00 to 0.26±0.00 mg/kg) in soil exceed maximum permitted level of 0.1 mg/kg (Cd) by FAO/WHO. The concentration of Pb (0.01±0.001 to 3.24±0.00 mg/kg) and Cd (0.07±0.00 to 2.08±0.00 mg/kg) in cassava plants exceed the permissible limit of 0.3 mg/kg (Pb) and 0.2 mg/kg (Cd) set by FAO/WHO. The Pearson correlation analysis show very strong positive relationship between Cu and Cu (r=0.996) and Pb and Pb (r=0.986) while strong negative relationship exist between Cr and Cr (r= -0.686) and Cd and Cd (r= -0.981) in soil and plant. Based on our findings, the concentrations of Cd in soil vis-à-vis Pb and Cd in plants which exceed maximum permitted level set by Codex Alimentarius Commission FAO/WHO will expose man and animals that relied on soil and cassava plants for food to serious health risks. Consequently, Abia State government should prevent farmers’ access to the site by fencing round the automobile waste dumpsite.
Exploring Third-Age Foreign Language Learning from the Well-being Perspective: Work in Progress
Authors: Matsumoto Dorota
Published: February 2020

The third age in the life of many people in developed countries is considered to be a culmination; time for personal achievement and fulfilment after retirement. While much discussion is focused on the challenges of an ageing society, there are also opportunities. Popularity of language courses among third-agers, who do not seek further career advancement nor wish to live abroad, indicates that there are other aspects of learning a foreign language than attaining linguistic proficiency. This qualitative study will investigate third-agers’ perceptions, behaviours and emotions experienced when learning a foreign language, and how such experience contributes to their well-being. Through the lens of positive psychology, especially by exploring the concept of savouring, this study will aim to gain insights into how third-agers conceptualize their learning experience, what their savouring capacities are, and what impact these have on their overall well-being. First, an in-depth interview was conducted with a senior lifelong language learner. In the study that will follow, more data will be collected in a snowball fashion through personal connections.
Hague convention on the civil aspects of international child abduction: content and methodological approaches to the application in judicial education
Authors: Fuley Tetiana , Kuchiv Oksana
Published: February 2020

The article is focused on the most essential issues of the application of the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction of 25 October 1980 (“the Hague Convention”) in the judgements of Ukrainian courts and some methodological aspects of workshop development on the topic.

The Hague Convention recently has been applied more often as an important international act. Moreover, there are at least 3 judgements of the European Court of Human Rights v. Ukraine on the matter (Chabrowski v. Ukraine, no. 61680/10, 17 January 2013; Vilenchik v. Ukraine, no. 21267/14, 3 October 2017, M.R. and D.R. v. Ukraine, no. 63551/13, 22 May 2018). The Court reiterates that in the area of international child abduction, the obligations that Article 8 of the ECHR imposes on the Contracting State must be interpreted, in particular, in the light of the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction of 25 October 1980 which also attaches paramount importance to the best interests of the child.

Therefore such a topic was selected for a workshop to be developed and implemented in the educational process of the National School of Judges of Ukraine (NSJU).

According to the Concept of National Standards of Judicial Training, which was approved by the Science and Methodology Council of the NSJU, and later became a part of the Rules of Procedure of the NSJU, all training courses for judges and candidates are developed taking into consideration three dimensions – so-called 3D (dimension) – which encompass knowledge, skills, and values. Therefore the workshop on the Hague Convention is designed using all 3D, and is aimed to consolidate knowledge and to develop judicial skills in application of the Hague Convention, Article 8 of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR) and ECtHR case law as well as to contribute to strengthening of the values of respect for human rights, rule of law, and enforcement of Ukraine’s international obligations.

In order to achieve these goals, there certain tools and techniques that are effective in basic courses on the ECtHR case-law were used. In particular, the use of interactive adult learning methods – mini lectures, filling the analytical framework, video review, express survey etc.

The development of the workshops took place jointly with a scientific research in this field, specifically focused of the new Supreme Court jurisprudence, the best practices and lessons learned. The results of the research has been used for the workshop development with the help of the modern innovative tools.

Key words: Hague Convention of 25 October 1980 (Convention of Abduction), international child abduction, place of ordinary residence, Article 8 of the ECHR, practice of the ECHR, judicial education, methodological support, workshop.
Recent developments in photoredox-catalyzed remote ortho and para C–H bond functionalizations
Authors: Siddiqui Rafia , Ali Rashid
Published: February 2020

In recent years, the research area of direct C–H bond functionalizations was growing exponentially not only due to the ubiquity of inert C–H bonds in diverse organic compounds, including bioactive natural and nonnatural products, but also due to its impact on the discovery of pharmaceutical candidates and the total synthesis of intricate natural products. On the other hand, more recently, the field of photoredox catalysis has become an indispensable and unparalleled research topic in modern synthetic organic chemistry for the constructions of challenging bonds, having the foremost scope in academia, pharmacy, and industry. Therefore, the development of green, simpler, and effective methodologies to accomplish direct C–H bond functionalization is well overdue and highly desirable to the scientific community. In this review, we mainly highlight the impact on, and the utility of, photoredox catalysts in inert ortho and para C–H bond functionalizations. Although a surge of research papers, including reviews, demonstrating C–H functionalizations have been published in this vital area of research, to our best knowledge, this is the first review that focuses on ortho and para C–H functionalizations by photoredox catalysis to provide atom- and step-economic organic transformations. We are certain that this review will act as a promoter to highlight the application of photoredox catalysts for the functionalization of inert bonds in the domain of synthetic organic chemistry.
Peningkatan Kualitas Lahan Menggunakan Pupuk Organik Terhadap Sifat- Sifat Tanah Untuk Pertanian Berkelanjutan
Authors: Budiyanto Arief , Juarsah Ishak , Handayani Etik Puji
Published: February 2020

Penggunan pupuk organik sebagai bahan pembenah tanah (soil conditioner) dapat meningkatkan kandungan C-organik dalam tanah. Kandungan unsur hara yang dimiliki pupuk organik antara laian:1). Mengandung unsur hara dalam jenis dan jumlah bervariasi tergantung bahan asal, 2) menyediakan unsur hara secara lambat (slow rease) dan dalam jumlah terbatas, dan 3) mempunyai fungsi utama memperbaiki kesuburan dan kesehatan tanah. Pupuk organik yang berasal dari pupuk kandang merupakan bahan pembenah tanah yang paling baik dibanding bahan pembenah lainya. Kadar hara yang dikandung pupuk organik pada umumnya rendah dan sangat bervariasi. sebagai bahan pembenah tanah, pupuk organik membantu dalam mencegah terjadinya erosi dan mengurangi terjadinya retakan tanah. bahan organik sebagai pembenah tanah mampu memperbaiki sifat fisik, kimia dan biologi tanah anatara lain: meningkatkan kelembaban tanah dan memperbaiki porositas tanah, serta kandungan hara dalam tanah. Penggunaan pupuk organik 5 ton/ha berasal dari pupuk kandang ayam lebih baik dibanding dengan pupuk organik sapi dan kambing terhadap peningkatan produksi tanaman jagung dan kedelai pada Ultisol di Jambi. Pupuk organik ayam mengandung hara Ca dan P yang lebih tinggi dari sapi dan kambing yaitu berturut-turut sebesar 6,09 dan 1,5 %, sedangkan pupuk organik kambing mengandung C-organik K dan Cu lebih tinggi dari sapi dan ayam masing-masing sebesar 12,46, 0,47 dan 135 %.
A New Method to Classify Type IIP/IIL Supernovae Based on Their Spectra
Authors: Kou Shihao , Chen Xingzhuo , Liu Xuewen
Published: February 2020

Type IIP and Type IIL supernovae are defined on the basis of their light curves, but the spectral criteria for distinguishing these two types of supernovae (SNe) remain unclear. We propose a spectral classification method. First, we subtract the principal components of different wavelength bands in the spectra based on the functional principal components analysis method. Then, we use support vector machine and artificial neural network to classify these two types of SNe. The best F1_Score of our classifier is 0.871 for SNe IIL, and 0.974 for SNe IIP. We found that by only using the Hαline at 6150–6800 Å for classification, the F1_Score up to 0.961 for Type IIP, and 0.818 for Type IIL SNe can be obtained. These results indicate that the profile of the Hαspectral line is the key to distinguishing the two types of SNe.
The Gravitational Lensing Signatures of BOSS Voids in the Cosmic Microwave Background
Authors: Raghunathan Srinivasan , Nadathur Seshadri , Sherwin Blake D. , Whitehorn Nathan
Published: February 2020

We report a

detection of the gravitational lensing effect of cosmic voids from the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Data Release 12 seen in the Planck 2018 cosmic microwave background (CMB) lensing convergence map. To make this detection, we introduce new optimal techniques for void stacking and filtering of the CMB maps, such as binning voids by a combination of their observed galaxy density and size to separate those with distinctive lensing signatures. We calibrate theoretical expectations for the void lensing signal using mock catalogs generated in a suite of 108 full-sky lensing simulations from Takahashi et al. Relative to these templates, we measure the lensing amplitude parameter in the data to be A

L
 = 1.10 ± 0.21 using a matched-filter stacking technique and confirm it using an alternative Wiener-filtering method. We demonstrate that the result is robust against thermal Sunyaev–Zel’dovich contamination and other sources of systematics. We use the lensing measurements to test the relationship between the matter and galaxy distributions within voids and show that the assumption of linear bias with a value consistent with galaxy clustering results is discrepant with observation at ∼3σ; we explain why such a result is consistent with simulations and previous results, and is expected as a consequence of void selection effects. We forecast the potential for void CMB lensing measurements in future data from the Advanced ACT, Simons Observatory, and CMB-S4 experiments, showing that, for the same number of voids, the achievable precision improves by a factor of more than 2 compared to Planck.
The Ultraluminous X-Ray Sources Population of the Galaxy NGC 7456
Authors: Pintore F. , Marelli M. , Salvaterra R. , Israel G. L. , Castillo G. A. Rodríguez , Esposito P. , Belfiore A. , Luca A. De , Wolter A. , Mereghetti S. , Stella L. , Rigoselli M. , Earnshaw H. P. , Pinto C. , Roberts T. P. , Walton D. J. , Bernardini F. , Haberl F. , Salvaggio C. , Tiengo A. , Zampieri L. , Bachetti M. , Brightman M. , Casella P. , D’Agostino D. , Dall’Osso S. , Fürst F. , Harrison F. A. , Mapelli M. , Papitto A. , Middleton M.
Published: February 2020

Ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs) are a class of accreting compact objects with X-ray luminosities above 1039 erg s−1. The ULX population counts several hundred objects but only a fraction are well studied. Here we present a detailed analysis of all ULXs hosted in the galaxy NGC 7456. It was observed in X-rays only once in the past (in 2005) by XMM-Newton. but the observation was short and strongly affected by high background. In 2018, we obtained a new, deeper (∼90 ks) XMM-Newton observation that allowed us to perform a detailed characterization of the ULXs hosted in the galaxy. ULX-1 and ULX-2, the two brightest objects (L

X
 ∼ 6−10 × 1039 erg s−1), have spectra that can be described by a model with two thermal components, as often found in ULXs. ULX-1 also shows one order of magnitude in flux variability on short-term timescales (hundreds to thousands of kiloseconds). The other sources (ULX-3 and ULX-4) show flux changes of at least an order of magnitude, and these objects may be candidate transient ULXs, although longer X-ray monitoring or further studies are required to ascribe them to the ULX population. In addition, we found a previously undetected source that might be a new candidate ULX (labeled as ULX-5), with a luminosity of ∼1039 erg s−1 and hard power-law spectral shape, whose nature is still unclear and for which a background active galactic nucleus cannot be excluded. We discuss the properties of all the ULXs in NGC 7456 within the framework of super-Eddington accretion onto stellar-mass compact objects. Although no pulsations were detected, we cannot exclude that the sources host neutron stars.
Larval morphology and life history of Eutrichosoma mirabile Ashmead and description of a new species of Eutrichosoma (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea)
Authors: Baker Austin J. , Heraty John M.
Published: February 2020

The larval morphology and life history of the weevil parasitoidEutrichosoma mirabileAshmead (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea, Pteromalidae) are described, and the phylogenetic placement of the subfamily Eutrichosomatinae within Chalcidoidea is determined using larval morphological characters. A description ofEutrichosoma burskisp. nov.and key to the species ofEutrichosomaare provided.
Integration of Case Study and Digital Technologies in Physics Teaching Through the Medium of a Foreign Language
Authors: Ramankulov Sherzod Zhumadullaevich , Dosymov Elmurat , Turmambekov Torebay , Azizkhanov Dilmurad , Kurbanbekov Sherzod , Bekbayev Sattarbek
Published: February 2020

Abstract. The purpose of this study is to determine the possibilities of digital technolo-gies and case study method in the development of creativity of the future teachers in physics teaching through the medium of a foreign language. The Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University has created computer models of various physical processes and phenomena on the basis of Optics in English training course and has developed a method of their application. Since English opens the way to the formation of creativity, we have evaluated the effectiveness of the methodology we have developed, through the evaluation of creativity. The nearly 73 students were engaged in an experiment presented below in chronological order. The reliability of results obtained at the beginning and at the end of forming stage for each criteria of creativity, as well as for the integral indicator is provided by Pearson criterion . At the beginning of the experiment it is seen that that means there are no differences between the development level of students’ creativity from both experimental and target groups. At the end of the experiment , that means there are significant differences in the development level of students’ creativity.
Éducation muséale en ligne et engagement : La participation des musées à l’éducation à l’environnement
Authors: Boudjema Cédric
Published: February 2020

Cet article porte sur une analyse de sites Web de musées en lien avec l’éducation relative à l’environnement et montre les dispositifs pédagogiques sous-jacents. Il met en avant l’implication pédagogique en matière d’éducation muséale en ligne en s’appuyant sur des méthodologies mobilisées en muséologie de l’environnement notamment pour l’analyse des objectifs d’expositions itinérantes environnementales. Il entend ainsi démontrer que le faire valoir constitue une forme potentielle de l’ERE en ligne ce qui n’est pas sans engendrer des questionnements sur le mode de fonctionnement des musées.
FPGA IMPLEMENTATION SYSTEM FOR QRS COMPLEX DETECTION
Authors: Meddah Karim , Talha Malika Kedir , Zairi Hadjer , Nouah Mohammed , Hadji Said , Ait Mohammed A. , Bessekri Besma , Cherrih Hachemi
Published: February 2020

Due to the rising number of cardiovascular diseases death, the monitoring of cardiac patients has become a primary objective in the world. In this context, a fully FPGA-based system, for ECG signal monitoring and cardiac arrhythmia detection, has been proposed. The proposed QRS detection method is inspired by the Pan and Tompkins algorithm. It is optimized to be implemented in FPGA board Spartan 3 E (Nexys 2) using the VHDL language on the Xilinx ISE 14.2. In order to evaluate the effectiveness and reliability of our system, three comparative studies have been performed. The first comparison targeted the different results obtained with a floating-point representation under Matlab on one hand, and a fixed point representation under Xilinx ISE on the other hand, both using the MIT-BIH arrhythmia database records. The second comparison concerns the results obtained from the records of eight preselected subjects, with a commercialized electronic armband device ROMED BP-WR20 in a real-time test. The third is a comparison between the performance of our proposed method with the recent works in terms of reducing the FPGA resources list. The full embedded system has been realized completely from the signal acquisition to the display using the analog discovery device. The designed architecture has been validated using records obtained from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology — Beth Israel Hospital (MIT-BIH) arrhythmia database. It has also been validated in real-time via the analog discovery device. The overall accuracy and sensitivity are obtained as 97.6% and 97.3%, respectively.
BIOMECHANICS OF SUPERPARAMAGNETIC NANOPARTICLES FOR LASER HYPERTHERMIA
Authors: Fatima Maryam , Sohail Ayesha , Akram Khush Bakhat , Sherin Lubna , Butt Saad Ihsan , Abid M. , Bég O. Anwar
Published: February 2020

Nanoparticle hyperthermia treatment is progressing with the passage of time, and with the development in the field of hybrid nanoparticles synthesis. The transient heat transfer in magnetite–graphene nanocomposite in three dimension under conduction is studied during this research. The proposed model is simulated in finite element solver framework. Novel hybrid nanoparticles were synthesized. Their chemical properties and their heat transfer properties were examined. By mathematical modeling results, the effective hybrid nanoparticle is chosen that can be used as a drug in hyperthermia process. Current developments in nanotechnology have improved the ability to precisely modify the features and properties of MNPs for these biomedical applications. The accurate control on the magnetic properties of the particle is the key in hyperthermia applications. By these magnetic particles, wished temperature can be achieved for laser hyperthermia. In this paper, study is done for understanding the properties and novelty of the new nanoparticles. The merits and demerits of synthesized hybrid nanoparticles are also discussed either the composites can used as a drug or not.
TCRs with Distinct Specificity Profiles Use Different Binding Modes to Engage an Identical Peptide–HLA Complex
Authors: Coles Charlotte H. , Mulvaney Rachel M. , Malla Sunir , Walker Andrew , Smith Kathrine J. , Lloyd Angharad , Lowe Kate L. , McCully Michelle L. , Martinez Hague Ruth , Aleksic Milos , Harper Jane , Paston Samantha J. , Donnellan Zoe , Chester Fiona , Wiederhold Katrin , Robinson Ross A. , Knox Andrew , Stacey Andrea R. , Dukes Joseph , Baston Emma , Griffin Sue , Jakobsen Bent K. , Vuidepot Annelise , Harper Stephen
Published: February 2020

The molecular rules driving TCR cross-reactivity are poorly understood and, consequently, it is unclear the extent to which TCRs targeting the same Ag recognize the same off-target peptides. We determined TCR–peptide–HLA crystal structures and, using a single-chain peptide–HLA phage library, we generated peptide specificity profiles for three newly identified human TCRs specific for the cancer testis Ag NY-ESO-1157–165–HLA-A2. Two TCRs engaged the same central peptide feature, although were more permissive at peripheral peptide positions and, accordingly, possessed partially overlapping peptide specificity profiles. The third TCR engaged a flipped peptide conformation, leading to the recognition of off-target peptides sharing little similarity with the cognate peptide. These data show that TCRs specific for a cognate peptide recognize discrete peptide repertoires and reconciles how an individual’s limited TCR repertoire following negative selection in the thymus is able to recognize a vastly larger antigenic pool.
Psychometric properties and validation of the Polish adaptation of the Light Triad Scale
Authors: Gerymski Rafał , Krok Dariusz
Published: February 2020

Background

The aim of the study was to examine the development and structural validation of the Polish version of the Light Triad Scale, which measures three factors: Faith in Humanity, Humanism, and Kantianism. This tool reflects caring and beneficent orienta-tion toward other people, which is demonstrated in everyday behaviour.

Participants and procedure

The participants included 400 people aged between 18 and 80 (M = 29.17, SD = 10.60). To measure psychometric properties and for validation of the scale, we used the Polish Dirty Dozen scale and International Personality Item Pool-Big Five Aspect Scales.

Results

Confirmatory factor analysis, reliability analysis using α and ω coefficients, and two measures of validity (content and criterion validity) were applied. The statistical analyses confirmed an acceptable fit of the three-factor model. The α and ω reliability coef-ficients were satisfactory, with the highest value for Faith in Humanity, and the lowest one for Kantianism. The validity indices of CVR and CVI indicated that the Polish scale items fit well into the concept of the Light Triad.

Conclusions

Overall, the Polish version of the Light Triad Scale proved to be a valuable and reliable tool which presents an innovative ap-proach to measuring positive features of personality and behaviour. Our results demonstrated that the scale as a whole has good psychometric properties that allow its use in further research.
Comparing the effectiveness of eye movement desensitization reprocessing and cognitive behavioral therapy in reducing post traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Moghadam Sahar , Kazemi Reza , Taklavi Somayyeh
Published: February 2020

Background

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is prevalent in children, adolescents and adults. It can occur alone or in comorbidity with other disorders. A broad range of psychotherapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) have been developed for the treatment of PTSD. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of eye movement desensitization reprocessing and cogni-tive behavioral therapy in reducing post-traumatic stress disorder.

Participants and procedure

The population of this investigation was composed of 450 veterans of holy war who referred to military health services. The study sample contained 225 veterans who were randomly selected and asked to complete the Mississippi Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Questionnaire. From 80 respondents who achieved above the min-imum score in the questionnaire, 40 persons were chosen randomly and assigned to two experimental groups and one control group. Subjects in the experimental group received eight sessions of CBT training and 8 ses-sions of EMDR therapy. Post tests were taken from all participants after therapy sessions. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA in SPSS version 25.

Results

Our findings indicated a significant difference between EMDR and CBT groups in term of average PTSD. We also found a significant difference in terms of average PTSD between the control group and CBT as well as EMDR groups.

Conclusions

The results of the present study indicated that the eye movement desensitization reprocessing method and cognitive behavioral therapy are effective in reducing post-traumatic stress disorder. We also found that EMDR is more effective than CBT.
Sonographic soft tissue arthritic changes associated with post-stroke hemiplegic knee pain: utility of musculoskeletal ultrasound in a resource-limited setting
Authors: Aderibigbe Adeniyi S. , Famurewa Olushola C. , Komolafe Morenikeji A. , Omisore Adeleye D. , Adetiloye Victor A.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Post-stroke arthritic changes that may compromise rehabilitation have been described in the upper and lower limbs. We aimed at evaluating the soft tissue arthritic changes associated with pain in hemiplegic knees of stroke patients in our environment.

Material and methods

Hemiplegic and non-hemiplegic knees of 48 stroke patients as well as both knees of 26 apparently healthy controls were evaluated with a 7.5-12 MHz linear ultrasound probe. History of knee pain, and socio-demographic, laboratory, and clinical data were recorded for all study participants. Muscle tone and power as well as functional ambulatory category (FAC) were graded for the stroke patients. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20.

Results

Pain was reported more often in hemiplegic than non-hemiplegic knees (n = 16 vs. n = 6, p = 0.021). The frequencies of soft tissue arthritic changes found, which included reduced lateral and medial femoral cartilage thickness, suprapatellar effusion, and irregular cartilage-bone margin, were similar between hemiplegic and non-hemiplegic knees (p > 0.05). Suprapatellar effusion and reduced lateral femoral cartilage thickness were more prevalent in the hemiplegic knees compared to the healthy control knees (p < 0.05). Stroke patients with pes anserinus tendinosis had greater risk of hemiplegic knee pain (HKP) when compared to stroke patients without this lesion (OR = 10; 95% CI: 1.7-61). FAC, muscle tone, and power showed no association with HKP.

Conclusions

Soft tissue arthritic changes associated with knee pain are comparable between hemiplegic and non-hemiplegic knees of stroke patients. The risk of knee pain in stroke is higher in the presence of pes anserinus tendinosis.
Comparative effect of constraint-induced movement therapy and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on upper limb function of chronic stroke survivors
Authors: Abba Muhammad Aliyu , Muhammad Abubakar Shuaibu , Badaru Umar Muhammad , Abdullahi Auwal
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on upper limb function of chronic stroke survivors.

Methods

Overall, 30 stroke survivors were recruited via convenient sampling and consecutively assigned into 2 groups (15 participants each). Group A received CIMT while group B received PNF techniques. All treatments were administered on the affected upper limb, 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) scale was used to evaluate upper limb function. Descriptive statistics served to summarize the demographic characteristics of the participants and inferential statistics of t-test was used to determine the effect of the interventions within the groups and between the groups on the basis of FMA. All statistical analysis was performed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (version 16.0) at the alpha level of 0.05.

Results

The participants’ mean age was 59.53 ± 9.92 and 63.00 ± 7.27 years for group A and B, respectively. No significant baseline difference was observed between the groups in the upper limb FMA (p > 0.05). A statistically significant post-intervention effect was noted for both treatment approaches; however, when the groups were compared, CIMT resulted in a better improvement than PNF.

Conclusions

CIMT and PNF interventions are both beneficial in improving upper limb function, with CIMT being more advantageous. CIMT may be the preferred approach for the management of chronic upper limb post-stroke impairments.
The day-to-day co-variability between mineral dust and cloud glaciation: a proxy for heterogeneous freezing
Authors: Villanueva Diego , Heinold Bernd , Seifert Patric , Deneke Hartwig , Radenz Martin , Tegen Ina
Published: February 2020

Abstract. To estimate the global co-variability between mineral dust aerosol and cloud glaciation, we combined an aerosol model reanalysis with satellite retrievals of cloud thermodynamic phase. We used the CALIPSO-GOCCP product from the A-Train satellite constellation to assess whether clouds are composed of liquid or ice and the MACC reanalysis to estimate the dust mixing ratio in the atmosphere. Night-time retrievals within a temperature range from +3 to −42 ∘C for the period 2007–2010 were included. The results confirm that the cloud thermodynamic phase is highly dependent on temperature and latitude. However, at middle and high latitudes, at equal temperature and within narrow constraints for humidity and static stability, the average frequency of fully glaciated clouds increases by +5 to +10 % for higher mineral dust mixing ratios. The discrimination between humidity and stability regimes reduced the confounding influence of meteorology on the observed relationship between dust and cloud ice. Furthermore, for days with similar mixing ratios of mineral dust, the cloud ice occurrence frequency in the Northern Hemisphere was found to be higher than in the Southern Hemisphere at −30 ∘C but lower at −15 ∘C. This contrast may suggest a difference in the susceptibility of cloud glaciation to the presence of dust. Based on previous studies, the differences at −15 ∘C could be explained by higher feldspar fractions in the Southern Hemisphere, while the higher freezing efficiency of clay minerals in the Northern Hemisphere may explain the differences at −30 ∘C.