bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A first principle simulation of adsorption behavior of HF, CS2 and COF2 on Au-doped anatase TiO2 (101)
Authors: Nie Ling , Li Wei , Cao Zhengqin , Hu Gang , Yao Qiang , Wei Gang
Published: February 2021

HF, CS2 and COF2 are three kind key partial discharge decomposition gas products of SF6 electrical insulation medium, which could be used for monitoring the type and degree of defect in gas insulated equipment. In this paper, the adsorption property including adsorption entropy change, adsorption distance, density of states, and frontier molecular orbitals, of HF, CS2 and COF2 on Au-doped anatase TiO2 (101) surfaces were simulated and analysis based on density function theory. The results demonstrated that Au-TiO2 incentive upon HF, CS2 and COF2 due to the little conductivity change and low adsorption entropy change, and this material could be not suitable to be used as a gas sensor for three decomposition gas detection in the application of condition monitoring and defect diagnosis in SF6 gas-insulated equipment based on DCA.
Survival and treatment of cranial and spinal cord chordomas: a population-based study
Authors: Li Huan , Zhang Gui-Jun , Cui Yu-Shi
Published: February 2021

ObjectiveChordomas are rare, slow-growing malignant tumors. Given the paucity of data on it, the treatment strategies are disputed.MethodsWe collected survival and clinical information on patients with chordoma diagnosed between 1975 and 2016 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database and screened them according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Then, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to identify significant prognostic factors, and nomograms was constructed to visualize the results. The concordance index, receiver operating characteristic, calibration and decision curves were used to assess the predictive ability of the nomogram.ResultsA total of 1797 patients were initially enrolled, including 762 (42.4%) cranial and 1035 (57.6%) spinal cord chordoma. A total of 1504 patients, after screening, were further evaluated by statistical analysis. In the cranial group, the surgery (gross total resection (GTR), HR=0.434, 95% CI=0.270-0.699, p=0.001, overall survival (OS); HR=0.455, 95% CI=0.252-0.867, p=0.009, cancer-specific survival (CSS)) and tumor extension (distant metastasis, HR=2.036, 95% CI=1.326-3.125, p=0.001, OS; HR=2.321, 95% CI=1.366-3.943, p=0.002, CSS), the age (HR=2.766, 95% CI=1.635-4.682, p<0.001, OS) were independent prognostic factors for survival. In the spinal cord group, the age (HR=0.339, 95% CI=0.161-0.713, p=0.004), location (HR=0.288, 95% CI=0.155-0.533, p<0.001), GTR (HR=0.304, 95% CI=0.223-0.415, p<0.001), and tumor extension (distant metastasis, HR=2.391, 95% CI=1.734-3.297, p<0.001) were independent prognostic factors for OS; the age (HR=0.335, 95% CI=0.151-0.743, p=0.007), histological type (HR=4.600, 95% CI=2.356-8.983, p=<0.001), GTR (HR=0.284, 95% CI=0.178-0.453, p<0.001) radiation (HR=1.406, 95% CI=1.060-1.866, p=0.018), chemotherapy (HR=2.023, 95% CI=1.222-3.351, p=0.006), and tumor extension (HR=3.381, 95% CI=2.237-5.109, p<0.001) were independent prognostic factors for CSS.ConclusionsIn this large cohort, a significant association was noted between extent of resection and outcome. Even though adjuvant radiation or chemotherapy did not benefit patients with chordoma, the effect on prognosis should be explored in a further study.
The effect of prophylactic bilateral salpingectomy on ovarian reserve in patients who underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy
Authors: Wang Shizhuo , gu jiahui
Published: February 2021

Background

Bilateral salpingectomy has been proposed to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, but it is not clear whether the surgery affects ovarian reserve. This study compares the impact of laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign disease with or without prophylactic bilateral salpingectomy on ovarian reserve.
Methods

Records were reviewed for 373 premenopausal women who underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy with ovarian reserve for benign uterine diseases. The serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), and three-dimensional antral follicle count (AFC) were assessed before surgery and 3 and 9 months postoperatively to evaluate ovarian reserve. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether they underwent prophylactic bilateral salpingectomy. The incidence of pelvic diseases was monitored until the ninth month after surgery.
Results

There was no significant difference between the two surgery groups in terms of baseline AMH, E2, FSH, LH, and AFC (all P > 0.05). There was no difference in potential bias factors, including patient age, operative time, and blood loss (all P > 0.05). There was also no significant difference between the two groups 3 months after surgery with respect to AMH (P = 0.763), E2 (P = 0.264), FSH (P = 0.478), LH (P = 0.07), and AFC (P = 0.061). Similarly, there were no differences between groups 9 months after surgery for AMH (P = 0.939), E2 (P = 0.137), FSH (P = 0.276), LH (P = 0.07) and AFC (P = 0.066). At 9 months after the operation, no patients had malignant ovarian tumors. The incidences of benign ovarian tumors in the salpingectomy group were 0% and 2.68% at 3 and 9 months after surgery, respectively, and the corresponding values in the control group were 0% and 5.36%. The incidences of pelvic inflammatory disease in the salpingectomy group were 10.72% and 8.04% at 3 and 9 months after surgery, respectively, while corresponding values in the control group were 24.13% and 16.09%.
Conclusion

Prophylactic bilateral salpingectomy did not damage the ovarian reserve of reproductive-age women who underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy. Prophylactic bilateral salpingectomy might be a good method to prevent the development of ovarian cancer. Larger clinical trials with longer follow-up times are needed to further evaluate the risks and benefits.
MES7 Modulates Seed Germination Via Regulating Salicylic Acid Content in Arabidopsis
Authors: Gao Wenrui , Liu Yan , Huang Juan , Chen Yaqiu , Chen Chen , Lu Lu , Zhao Hongwei , Men Shuzhen , Zhang Xiaoming
Published: February 2021

Seed germination is an important phase transitional period of angiosperm plants and sensitive to environment condition. Although seed germination is under the regulation of salicylic acid (SA) and other hormones, the molecular mechanism underlying these regulations remains mysterious. In this study, we determined the expression of SA methyl esterase (MES) family genes during seed germination. We found that MES7 expression decreases significantly in imbibed seeds, and the dysfunction of MES7 decreases SA content. Furthermore, MES7 reduces and promotes seed germination under normal and salt stress conditions, respectively. The application of SA restores the seed germination deficiencies of mes7 mutants under different conditions. Taking together, our observations uncover a MeSA hydrolyzation enzyme, MES7, regulates seed germination via altering SA titer under normal and abiotic stress conditions.
A Comparison of Swarm-Based Optimization Algorithms in Linear Antenna Array Synthesis
Authors: Durmus Ali , KURBAN Rifat , KARAKOSE Ercan
Published: February 2021

Today, the design of antenna arrays is very important in providing effective and efficient wireless communication. The purpose of antenna array synthesis is to obtain a radiation pattern with low side lobe level (SLL) at a desired half power beam width (HPBW) in far-field. The amplitude and position values ​​of the array elements can be optimized to obtain a radiation pattern with suppressed SLLs. In this paper swarm-based meta-heuristic algorithms such as Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Artificial Bee Colony (ABC), Mayfly algorithm (MA) and Jellyfish Search (JS) algorithms are compared to realize optimal design of linear antenna arrays. Extensive experiments are conducted on designing 10, 16, 24 and 32-element linear arrays by determining the amplitude and positions. Experiments are repeated 30 times due to the random nature of swarm-based optimizers and statistical results show that performance of the novel algorithms, MA and JS, are better than well-known methods PSO and ABC.
Use of Stand-Alone Intersomatic Titanium Interbody Cage Cespace for Cervical Anterior Arthrodesis and Fusion in Cervical Degenerative Diseases
Authors: Cacciola Fabio , Ghetti Ilaria , Caruso Gerardo , Ferri Simona , Caffo Maria , Fata Giuseppe La , Cardali Salvatore M. , Germanò Antonino
Published: February 2021

Background: Cespace is a solid titanium spacer used for arthrodesis and fusion between vertebral cervical bodies in the treatment of degenerative diseases of cervical spine. Methods: We present our clinical experience in a group of 180 patients, affected by cervical myelo-radiculopathy due to spondylosis or cervical disc herniation and undergone surgical operation. All patients underwent an anterior discectomy and interbody fusion through positioning of one or more levels Cespace device. Patients were evaluated by clinical and radiological assessment pre-operatively, immediately post-operatively and at follow-up. We assess clinical outcome using visual analogue scale for pain and a modified Japanese Ortho­pedic Association scale for myelopathy. We also considered functional outcome, using Odom classification. Results: After surgical treatment we report a significant relief of pain and clinical improvement. Radiological evaluations showed no change in cervical lordosis. No case of junctional syndrome was observed over all follow-up period. Conclusion: Cespace is a safety and efficacious orientated solution for cervical interbody fusion.
The Effect of Live Demonstration and Flipped Classroom with Continuous Formative Assessment on Dental Students’ Orthodontic Wire-bending Performance
Authors: Sivarajan Saritha , Soh Eunice Xinwei , Zakaria Nor Nadia , Kamarudin Yasmin , Lau May Nak , D.Bahar Aufa , Tahir Norhidayah Mohd , Hassan Wan Nurazreena Wan , Wey Mang Chek , Othman Siti Adibah , M.Razi Roziana , Naimie Zahra
Published: February 2021

Background: In some dental schools, undergraduate students are taught wire-bending to train their manual dexterity. Traditionally, live demonstration (LD) was used as the sole teaching method until recently, either live video demonstration or flipped classroom (FC) teaching are being employed. Continuous formative assessment can be used as a systematic approach for personalised learning. This allows monitoring of the students’ progress and enhances learning by enabling students to identify their strengths and weaknesses. This study aims to evaluate the effects of live demonstration and flipped classroom teaching methods, supplemented with continuous formative assessment on dental students’ performances in bending six types of wire components for removable orthodontic appliances. By knowing the effectiveness of the teaching methods, appropriate method can be implemented in view of the current Covid-19 pandemic. Methods: Forty third-year undergraduate dental students were randomly assigned into FC (n = 20) or LD (n = 20) cohorts. They attended six teaching sessions, for six types of wire components each, with either LD or FC teaching methods. Submission of wire assignments was required after each session, for blinded wire-bending assessment, which were distributed to the students, lecturers, and technicians before the next session, as part of their formative assessment. Students also completed a self-reported questionnaire after the first session (T0) and at the end of all six sessions (T1). Results: The mean wire-bending scores for FC was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than LD for two of the six assignments, namely the Adams clasp and Z-spring. In LD and FC, formative assessment was found to have contributed a significant increase in scores over time. No statistically significant correlation was found between the wire-bending scores and utilisation of videos. T0 and T1 questionnaires showed that students were satisfied with both teaching methods. Conclusions: Both LD and FC are equally effective in transferring practical skills of orthodontic wire-bending and well-received by students. Continuous formative assessment enhanced students’ learning of orthodontic wire-bending skills.
A novel, automated SARS-CoV-2 saliva PCR test protects a global asymptomatic workforce
Authors: Carter Nikki , Clausen Maryam , Halpin Rebecca , Blackmore Colin , Cai Kang , Delpuech Oona , kohlmann Alexander , Magnusson Otto , March Ruth , O'Neill Daniel , Parkash Kasthuri , Sherwood James , Sundin Tabetha , Swift Jason , Tarakameh Azar , Wijdicks Marilou , Wise Daniel , Fidock Mark
Published: February 2021

Regular PCR testing of nasopharyngeal swabs from symptomatic individuals for SARS-CoV-2 virus has become the established method by which health services are managing the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses such as AstraZeneca have also prioritised voluntary asymptomatic testing to keep workplaces safe and maintain supply of essential medicines to patients. We describe the development of an internal automated SARS-CoV-2 testing programme including the transformative introduction of saliva as an alternative sample type.
The Mimivirus 1.2 Mb dsDNA genome is elegantly organized into a nuclear-like weapon
Authors: Abergel Chantal , Casares Alejandro Villalta , Quemin Emmanuelle , Schmitt Alain , Alempic Jean-Marie , Lartigue Audrey , Prazak Vojta , Vasishtan Daven , Colmant Agathe , Honore Flora , Coute Yohann , Gruenewald Kay , Belmudes Lucid
Published: February 2021

Mimivirus is the prototype of the Mimiviridae family of giant dsDNA viruses, initially isolated in Acanthamoeba1. Little is known about the organization of the viral genome inside the membrane limited nucleoid2 and whether unpacking or other rearrangements are required prior to transcription and replication. Here we show that opening of its large icosahedral capsid in vitro leads to the release of electron dense, 30 nm diameter rod-shaped objects that appear to be expelled from the particles and unwinding. We developed a purification procedure and characterized the detailed structure at various stages of decompaction using cryo-electron microscopy single particle analyses and its composition by proteomics. This revealed that the viral genome is encased into a helical protein shell surprisingly made of the two GMC-type oxydoreductases that are also the major components of the glycosylated fibrils surrounding the capsid3. The 1.2 Mb genome is folded to follow a 5- or 6-start left-handed helix, depending on the nature of the GMC-oxydoreductase, with each helical strand lining the interior of the protein shell. Proteomic analyses of the purified genomic fibre revealed the presence of several RNA polymerase subunits as well as additional proteins involved in genome compaction that can fit into the central channel of the protein shield. Such an elegant supramolecular organization represents a remarkable evolutionary solution for packaging while protecting the viral genome, in a state ready for immediate transcription upon unwinding in the host cytoplasm. We expect that a dedicated energy-driven machinery is required for the assembly of this rod-shaped giant viral chromosome and its further compaction in the membrane limited electron dense nucleoid, characteristic of the mature Mimivirus particles2,4,5.The parsimonious implication of the same protein in two functionally unrelated substructures of the virion is also unexpected for a giant virus with a thousand genes at its disposal.
Genetic variation within a species of parasitic nematode, Skrjabingylus chitwoodorum, in skunks
Authors: Denham Allie N. , Hughes Malorri R. , Dowler Robert C. , Negovetich Nicholas J. , Ammerman Loren K.
Published: February 2021

Carnivores in the families Mustelidae and Mephitidae are essential hosts for the cranial roundworm genus Skrjabingylus. A high prevalence of Skrjabingylus chitwoodorum has been observed in the striped skunk, Mephitis mephitis. Genetic barcoding studies of other nematodes have successfully used the cytochrome oxidase I (COI) mitochondrial gene to analyze genetic variation and divergence. We tested the hypothesis that low population structuring occurs within S. chitwoodorum because M. mephitis is widespread across much of North America and has high levels of gene flow. We extracted DNA from 38 samples of Skrjabingylus removed from the sinuses of M. mephitis and one from the plains spotted skunk, Spilogale putorius interrupta, for amplification and sequencing of COI. Analysis of 492 base pairs confirmed all samples were S. chitwoodorum and showed low genetic divergence (1.0%) within Texas, but high haplotype diversity. Supporting our hypothesis, no obvious divergent lineages based on geographic location were recovered within the samples based on Maximum Likelihood analysis and median joining haplotype network analysis. In fact, samples of Skrjabingylus from New York and South Dakota showed little difference compared with samples from Texas.
Princípios de Hong Kong para a Avaliação de Pesquisadores: Promovendo a Integridade em Pesquisa
Authors: Moher David , Bouter Lex , Kleinert Sabine , Glasziou Paul , Har Sham Mai , Barbour Virginia , Coriat Anne-Marie , Foeger Nicole , Dirnagl Ulrich
Published: February 2021

Para que o conhecimento beneficie a pesquisa e a sociedade, ele deve ser confiável. A pesquisa confiável é robusta, rigorosa e transparente em todos as etapas relativas ao desenho, execução e relato. Apesar desse avanço, a inclusão de considerações relacionadas à confiabilidade, ao rigor e à transparência continua sendo rara. Os Princípios de Hong Kong (HKPs) foram desenvolvidos como parte da 6a Conferência Mundial sobre Integridade em Pesquisa, com foco sobre a necessidade de impulsionar o aprimoramento da pesquisa, garantindo que os pesquisadores sejam explicitamente reconhecidos e recompensados por atitudes que fortalecem a integridade. Apresentamos cinco princípios: práticas de pesquisa responsáveis; relato transparente; ciência aberta (pesquisa aberta); valorização da diversidade de tipos de pesquisa; reconhecimento de todas as contribuições para a pesquisa e atividade acadêmica. Para cada princípio, oferecemos uma justificativa, com exemplos que ilustram onde esses princípios já estão sendo adotados.
Seepage losses from trapezoidal earth canals with an impervious layer under the bed
Authors: El-Molla Doaa A. , El-Molla Mohamed A.
Published: February 2021

Seepage of irrigation water from earth canals is one of the most significant causes of water loss. It should be carefully studied and controlled. This research aims to study the effect of the presence of an impervious layer under the bed of trapezoidal earth canals on the amount of seepage discharge. The finite element numerical model SEEP2D is used in the study. Different scenarios for the canal's dimensions and side slopes are considered. Various values for the vertical distance between the canal's bed and the impervious layer are also studied. The numerical model's results are verified using Vedernikov's equations. The results show that the presence of an impervious layer can reduce the amount of seepage discharge by up to 82.7% compared to that calculated without it, depending on the depth of the pervious layer, the ratio between canal's bed width to water depth, and the side slopes. It is recommended to have boreholes at canal construction sites in order to investigate if an impervious layer exists under the canal's bed. This helps to estimate the correct amount of seepage discharge based on the vertical distance from the canal's bed to the impervious layer under it. Design charts are also provided.
The Role of Sialylation in Respiratory Viral Infection and Treatment
Authors: Steele Harrison , Tague Andrew J. , Skropeta Danielle
Published: February 2021

Respiratory infections caused by viruses such as influenza and coronavirus are
a serious global problem due to their high infection rates and potential to spark pandemics,
such as the current COVID-19 pandemic. Although preventing these infections
by using vaccines has been the most successful strategy to date, effective vaccines are
not always available. Therefore, developing broad-spectrum anti-viral drugs to treat such
infections is essential, especially in the case of immunocompromised patients or for outbreaks
of novel virus strains. Sialic acids have been highlighted as a key molecule in the
viral infection cycle, with terminally sialylated glycans acting as a target for several viral
proteins involved in infection, particularly respiratory infection. Inhibitors of one such
protein, neuraminidase, are the only anti-influenza drugs currently on the market.
Problems with neuraminidase inhibitors, including the development of resistance and a
relatively narrow spectrum of activity, drive the need for an improved understanding of
the viral infection cycle and the development of more resilient, broader-spectrum anti-viral
treatments. Hence, this review outlines the various roles played by sialic acids in respiratory
viral infection and provides examples of drugs that exploit sialic acids to inhibit viral
infections. It has been concluded that drugs targeting host cell expression of sialic
acid could be especially well suited to inhibiting a broad spectrum of respiratory infections.
This warrants the continued design and improvement of such drugs in an attempt
to lessen the burden of respiratory infections.
Antimicrobial Activity of 5-membered Nitroheteroaromatic Compounds beyond Nitrofurans and Nitroimidazoles: Recent Progress
Authors: Kalinin Stanislav , Vedekhina Tatiana , Paramonova Polina , Krasavin Mikhail
Published: February 2021

The last decade has been characterized by the development and approval of
pretomanid and delamanid, which are nitroimidazole based drugs for multidrug -resistant
tuberculosis. This attracted renewed attention to the nitroheterocyclic scaffolds as a
source of safe and efficient antimicrobial agents. While the primary focus is still on nitrofurans
and nitroimidazoles, well known as bioreducible prodrugs, a number of studies
have been published on other 5-membered nitroheteroaromatic compounds. The latter not
only show promising antimicrobial activity but also demonstrate modes of action different
from the conventional reductive activation of the nitro group. Considering the potential of
these efforts to impact the continuing race against drug-resistant pathogens, herein we review
non-furan/imidazole-based 5-membered nitroheteroaromatics investigated as antimicrobial
agents in 2010-2020.
Unravelling the Immune Modulatory Effect of Indian Spices to Impede the
Transmission of COVID-19: A Promising Approach
Authors: Devan Aswathy R. , Nair Bhagyalakshmi , Kumar Ayana R. , Gorantla Jaggaiah N. , T. S. Aishwarya , Nath Lekshmi R.
Published: February 2021

:

Months after WHO declared COVID-19 as a Global Public Health Emergency of International Concern, it does not seem to be flattening the curve as we are still devoid of an effective vaccine and treatment modality. Amid such uncertainty, being immune is the best strategy to defend against corona attack. As the whole world is referring back to immune-boosting grandma remedies, interest is rekindled in the Indian system of Medicine, which is gifted with an abundance of herbal medicines as well as remedies. Among them, spices (root, rhizome, seed, fruit, leaf, bud, and flower of various plants used to add taste and flavors to food) are bestowed with immense medicinal potential. A plethora of clinical as well as preclinical studies reported the effectiveness of various spices for various ailments. The potential immune-boosting properties together with its excellent safety profile are making spices the current choice of Phyto-research as well as the immune-boosting home remedies during these sceptical times. The present review critically evaluates the immune impact of various Indian spices and their potential to tackle the novel coronavirus, with comments on the safety and toxicity aspects of spices.
Pre-attentive Visual Processing in Alzheimer’s Disease: An Event-related Potential Study
Authors: Na Eunchan , Lee Kanghee , Kim Eun J. , Bae Jong B. , Suh Seung W. , Byun Seonjeong , Han Ji W. , Kim Ki W.
Published: February 2021

Introduction:

While identifying Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) in its early stages is crucial,
traditional neuropsychological tests tend to lack sensitivity and specificity for its diagnosis. Neuropsychological
studies have reported visual processing deficits of AD, and event-related potentials (ERPs)
are suitable to investigate pre-attentive processing with superior temporal resolution.

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate visual attentional characteristics of adults with AD, from
pre-attentive to attentive processing, using a visual oddball task and ERPs.

Methods:

Cognitively normal elderly controls (CN) and patients with probable AD (AD) were recruited.
Participants performed a three-stimulus visual oddball task and were asked to press a designated
button in response to the target stimuli. The amplitudes of 4 ERPs were analyzed. Mismatchnegativity
(vMMN) was analyzed around the parieto-occipital and temporo-occipital regions. P3a was
analyzed around the fronto-central regions, whereas P3b was analyzed around the centro-parietal
regions.

Results:

Late vMMN amplitudes of the AD group were significantly smaller than those of the CN
group, while early vMMN amplitudes were comparable. Compared to the CN group, P3a amplitudes of
the AD group were significantly smaller for the infrequent deviant stimuli, but the amplitudes for the
standard stimuli were comparable. Lastly, the AD group had significantly smaller P3b amplitudes for
the target stimuli compared to the CN group.

Conclusion:

Our findings imply that AD patients exhibit pre-attentive visual processing deficits,
known to affect later higher-order brain functions. In a clinical setting, the visual oddball paradigm
could be used to provide helpful diagnostic information since pre-attentive ERPs can be induced by
passive exposure to infrequent stimuli.
Cross Talk between COVID-19 and Breast Cancer
Authors: Parmar Hamendra Singh , Nayak Aakruti , Gavel Pramod Kumar , Jha Hem Chandra , Bhagwat Shivani , Sharma Rajesh
Published: February 2021

Cancer patients are more susceptible to COVID-19; however, the prevalence of COVID-19 in different types of cancer is still inconsistent and inconclusive. Here, we delineate the intricate relationship between breast cancer and COVID-19. Breast cancer and COVID-19 share the involvement of common comorbidities, hormonal signalling pathways, gender differences, rennin- angiotensin system (RAS), angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2), transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) and dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV). We also shed light on the possible effects of therapeutic modalities of COVID-19 on breast cancer outcomes. Briefly, we conclude that breast cancer patients are more susceptible to COVID-19 in comparison with their normal counterparts. Women are more resistant to the occurrence and severity of COVID-19. Increased expressions of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 are correlated with occurrence and severity of COVID-19, but higher expression of ACE2 and lower expression of TMPRSS2 are prognostic markers for overall disease free survival in breast cancer. The ACE2 inhibitors and ibuprofen therapies for COVID-19 treatment may aggravate the clinical condition of breast cancer patients through chemo-resistance and metastasis. Most of the available therapeutic modalities for COVID-19 were also found to exert positive effects on breast cancer outcomes. Besides drugs in clinical trend, TMPRSS2 inhibitors, estrogen supplementation, androgen deprivation and DPP-IV inhibitors may also be used to treat breast cancer patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. However, drug-drug interactions suggest that some of the drugs used for the treatment of COVID-19 may modulate the drug metabolism of anticancer therapies which may lead to adverse drug reaction events.
Energy Drinks Consumption, Knowledge and Self-Reported Effect among University Students in Jordan: Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Elsahoury Nour Amin , Alhaj Omar A. , McGrattan Andrea M. , Hammad Fwziah J.
Published: February 2021

Background:

Consumption of energy drinks (EDs) has increased exponentially among
younger generations, and this increase is projected to continue.

Objectives:

This study aimed to examine the prevalence, knowledge level, intake patterns, and
consumer experience of consuming EDs among university students in Jordan.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study of 467 students from 29 universities was conducted by a webbased
questionnaire. Descriptive analyses, chi-square tests, and logistic regression were performed,
with a p-value of ≤0.05 indicating significance.

Results:

The prevalence of EDs was 40.1% among university students. Over half (62.7%) of students
had poor knowledge of EDs. The most significant determinants identified were male
(OR=2.18; 95%CI: 1.14-4.15), undergraduate (OR: 4.01; 95% CI: 1.70-9.72), in a nonmedical
discipline (OR=2.92; 95% CI: 1.56-5.44), smoker (OR=9.91;95%Cl: 5.30-18.54) and
having a poor knowledge level (OR=40.46;95%CI: 14.33-114.27). Students mainly consumed
Red Bull, and the majority consumed 1-2 can(s) daily. Students were more likely to consume
EDs during exams to mainly stay awake. The major side effects experienced by this sample were
increased urination and headache. No changes in mental or physical performance, weight, appetite,
and sleeping pattern were observed among the majority of respondents.

Conclusion:

Consumption of EDs was moderate among university students. Gender, study
course, study year, smoking, and knowledge level were determinants of their intake.
Disruptive Nanozyme Technology for Futuristic Bio-Medical and Bio-imaging Applications
Authors: Muthukrishnan Lakshmipathy
Published: February 2021

Biocatalysts or enzymes have a pivotal role in speeding up most of the biochemical reactions
that drives life processes. Although substrate-specific and promising, there are some pitfalls
that limit their use for wide application. To counteract the shortcomings, artificial enzymes possessing
enzyme characteristics with additional qualities have been devised, and that kick-started in
the late 2000s. This review aims to provide an overview of nanozymes, designing concepts, nanomaterials
and applications. To begin with, the limitations encountered by natural enzymes and its
replacement with nanozymes have been highlighted. Secondly, how nanozymes evolved in due
course of time, their classification and engineering strategies have been briefly described. Most importantly,
the engineering of nanozymes for improved catalytic activities has also been discussed. A
clear distinction between the enzymatic-mimic for various clinical and bioimaging applications has
been critically reviewed. With this rapidly emerging technology, there would be a great demand pertaining
to scalability, biosafety, catalytic diversity and environmental impacts challenging the futuristic
world.
Abnormal Noise Recognition of Door Closing for Passenger Car based on Image Processing
Authors: Song Yongchao , Su Lili , Wang Xiaolan
Published: February 2021

Background:

With the rapid development of automobile technology, the problem of abnormal
door-closing noise has attracted more and more attention. The abnormal door-closing noise is an important
factor for judging the quality of a car, so accurate identification of abnormal noise is the premise
of fundamentally solving the abnormal noise.

Objective:

To accurately identify the abnormal sound of car closing through the image processing method.

Methods:

To accurately identify the abnormal noise of car closing the method to recognize and classify
images using Support Vector Machine (SVM) is proposed. This method extracts Histogram of Oriented
Gradient (HOG), texture and Speed Up Robust Features (SURF). The three extracted feature vectors are
combined and used as the input of SVM. The classifiers obtained by different kernel functions are used to
predict the labels of the test set, respectively.

Results:

Calculating the ratio of the value on the diagonal of the confusion matrix to the total number of
each row, and this ratio is the classification accuracy rate. Test accuracy rate is 85%, the results indicate
that the accuracy is high.

Conclusion:

This paper uses image processing methods to extract HOG, GLCM, SURF features and
merge them together as a new feature vector. The experimental results show that the SVM classifier using
the Gaussian kernel function optimized by hyperparameters has a high accuracy rate and can be used to
identify whether the door is closed with abnormal noise.
The Afterlives of Those Who Write Themselves. Rethinking Autobiographical Archives
Authors: Smith Sidonie , Watson Julia
Published: February 2021

As those who write themselves, life narrators are readers, interpreters, and curators of the archival material, both intimate and impersonal, accrued during their lifetimes. These materials form an archival pre-life that is extended and complemented by posthumous remediations of their narrated lives. Personal archives may include writing in journals and diaries, digital exchanges on social media and blogs, documents, and images in photographs and drawings, as well as the ephemera of recorded memories and impressions; as this archive is activated in life writing, its texts project an archival  imaginary. Once a life narrative enters public circulation, the archive of self accrues future ‘afterlives’ as it is edited, reframed, and remediated in subsequent editions and by translation into other languages or media for different reading publics, both during and after a writer’s life.
The interactive relationship of self-archives and afterlives makes clear that the texts of self-life-writing, whether published or unpublished, complete or fragmentary, are objects of inquiry in movement – not transparent, stable phenomena that generate ‘truth,’ but dynamic sites open to interpretation in their textual afterlives. An autobiographical narrative is, thus, never just ‘the life’: supplements, remediations, and new versions are created in interactions with the practices and positions of new generations of readers. This essay takes up the iterative, interactive, and intersubjective dynamics of autobiographical archives and the temporalities of autobiographical afterlives in eight exemplary cases of life writing. Observing autobiographical archives in their histories of circulation, republication, and repurposing situates the question of afterlives as a mode of ‘beyond endings’ in larger debates about ethical reading, methodological constraint, and theoretical adequacy.
Autobiography as Political Legacy in Transition Periods. Benjamin Franklin and Konrad Adenauer Compared
Authors: Depkat Volker
Published: February 2021

Developing consciousness of epoch as a category of autobiographical time, the article approaches the autobiographies of Benjamin Franklin and Konrad Adenauer as acts of political communication in historico-biographical transition periods. The temporal semantics of Franklin’s and Adenauer’s autobiographical texts anchor in a consciousness of epoch, which suggests that (a) the foundations for an anticipated ideal future have been laid through the political decisionmaking of the autobiographer, and that (b) it is uncertain whether the succeeding generations of political decision-makers will continue to pursue the political course that, in the eyes of the autobiographer, will eventually realize the anticipated utopia of an ideal world. The article thus moves away from an understanding of political autobiography as justification of political decisions taken and not taken in the past. Instead, it investigates autobiography as acts of political communication legitimating the past with a future anticipated at the moment of writing the autobiography. This angle sheds light on political autobiography as a future-oriented continuation of politics by autobiographical means. The temporal semantics of the autobiographical text anchoring in a given consciousness of epoch and the communicative functions of the autobiographical act thus extend well beyond the endings of the text and the autobiographer’s life.
AOSIS v The World: A Blueprint for the First International Multi-Party Climate Change Case
Authors: Forbes Benjamin Norman
Published: February 2021

This article is innovative in providing a Blueprint for bringing the first international multi-party climate change case. The Blueprint allows for AOSIS member states to bring a number of group claims against a Respondent Pool made up of the world’s leading greenhouse gas emitters, before a variety of international bodies, on a variety of legal bases. International litigation presents substantial jurisdictional barriers, not least in regard to climate change litigation. It is these barriers that necessitate the group litigation strategy advocated for here. Specifically, the article envisages proceedings before the ICJ, ITLOS, and UNCLOS arbitral tribunals. The legal bases that the Blueprint requires are inventoried, however the focus is on the jurisdictional issues of the bodies. The practicalities involved in AOSIS bringing group cases before each body are explored and solutions for overcoming the jurisdictional barriers of each are offered. Ultimately, the article shows that the jurisdictional barriers are far from insurmountable, with the Blueprint allowing for all AOSIS member states to be involved in proceedings, before at least one body, against at least forty-eight respondents, including the US, China, and the EU.
The Destruction of Statehood and the Color Revolutions under Russian International Law Doctrine
Authors: Lundstedt Tero
Published: February 2021

Has Russian international law doctrine changed in relation to the post-Soviet states since the annexation of Crimea? This paper analyses two interdependent concepts of the contemporary Russian international law doctrine - the ‘color revolutions’ and the ‘destruction of statehood’ - in the context of geopolitical competition over the post-Soviet space. In brief, the term color revolution is used by Russia to describe events that it categorizes as illegal regime-changes used to remove pro-Russian politicians from power under the guise of democracy. In the same context, Russia has developed another key concept, i.e. the ‘destruction of statehood’. First referred to in 2008, it has since 2014 become a more encompassing and innovative legal doctrine to counter color revolutions in Russia’s neighboring states. Under this doctrine, Russia reserves a right to ‘un-recognize’ a target state if it categorizes the situation as an illegal regime change that has destroyed the target’s statehood. Controversially, this results in Russia no longer being bound by its treaty obligations with this state. Especially since 2014, Russia has developed political and legal tools in multilateral documents to counter future color revolutions. While it has been unable to convince the international community to accept its new interpretations, it has been more successful within its closest allies in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and, to a lesser extent, in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). This may have significant political consequences in the future.
Patients’ perceptions about medical students’ involvement in their
health care at a teaching hospital in Jordan: A cross sectional study (Preprint)
Authors: Taha Hana , Al Saqer Jawaher Khaled , Al Harbi Noora Rashed , Younis Rand Nidal , Al Dawoud Fatma Dawoud , Nawaiseh Mohammed Bassam
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Medical students’ involvement in patients’ care varies due to patient’s willingness, as some consider it as an invasion of their privacy and exposure of their disease status. Thus, exploring patients' perceptions and attitudes towards this interaction should be thoroughly investigated.

OBJECTIVE

To better understand the attitude of Jordanian patients towards the presence of medical students’ during their consultations and provide evidence-based data to improve the training of future doctors.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Jordan University Hospital using a structured questionnaire to interview 420 patients from the out-patients’ clinics of the departments; Internal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, and Surgery. Descriptive and multivariate data analysis was conducted using SPSS (version 25.0).

RESULTS

Of the patients interviewed, 94% were aware that they were in a teaching hospital, 92% approved the existence of medical students’ during their consultation and 80% accepted to be observed and examined by medical student in the presence of a senior doctor. Almost 83% of the patients believed that their consent should be obtained first and 58% of them indicated that the students asked for consent prior to interacting with them. Around 64% of the participants indicated that the maximum acceptable number of students during the consultation should not exceed 2-3, 64% had no preferred gender to interact with and 59% had no preferred training year.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients showed an overall positive stance towards the involvement of medical students’ in their healthcare. The majority were delighted to see medical students’ while some expressed concerns over their privacy due to the large number of students and because some do not ask for their consent. It is essential to apply medical ethics practices together with patient centered approach.
Perspectives and Preferences of Adult Smartphone Users Regarding Nutrition and Diet Apps: Web-Based Survey Study (Preprint)
Authors: Vasiloglou Maria F , Christodoulidis Stergios , Reber Emilie , Stathopoulou Thomai , Lu Ya , Stanga Zeno , Mougiakakou Stavroula
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Digital technologies have evolved dramatically in recent years, finding applications in a variety of aspects of everyday life. Smartphones and mobile apps are being used for a steadily increasing number of tasks, including health monitoring. A large number of nutrition and diet apps are available, and some of them are very popular in terms of user downloads, highlighting a trend toward diet monitoring and assessment.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to explore the perspectives of end users on the features, current use, and acceptance of nutrition and diet mHealth apps with a survey. We expect that this study can provide user insights to assist researchers and developers in achieving innovative dietary assessments.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary team designed and compiled the survey. Before its release, it was pilot-tested by 18 end users. A 19-question survey was finally developed and was translated into six languages: English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, and Greek. The participants were mainly recruited via social media platforms and mailing lists of universities, university hospitals, and patient associations.

RESULTS

A total of 2382 respondents (1891 female, 79.4%; 474 male, 19.9%; and 17 neither, 0.7%) with a mean age of 27.2 years (SD 8.5) completed the survey. Approximately half of the participants (1227/2382, 51.5%) had used a nutrition and diet app. The primary criteria for selecting such an app were ease of use (1570/2382, 65.9%), free cost (1413/2382, 59.3%), and ability to produce automatic readings of caloric content (1231/2382, 51.7%) and macronutrient content (1117/2382, 46.9%) (ie, food type and portion size are estimated by the system without any contribution from the user). An app was less likely to be selected if it incorrectly estimated portion size, calories, or nutrient content (798/2382, 33.5%). Other important limitations included the use of a database that does not include local foods (655/2382, 27.5%) or that may omit major foods (977/2382, 41%).

CONCLUSIONS

This comprehensive study in a mostly European population assessed the preferences and perspectives of potential nutrition and diet app users. Understanding user needs will benefit researchers who develop tools for innovative dietary assessment as well as those who assist research on behavioral changes related to nutrition.
МЕТОД РАЗРАБОТКИ СПЕЦИФИКАЦИИ НА ФОТОШАБЛОНЫ ДЛЯ ПРОИЗВОДСТВА СБИС СОВРЕМЕННЫХ ПРОЕКТНЫХ НОРМ
Authors: Панкратов А.Л. , Балан Н.Н. , Иванов В.В.
Published: February 2021

В работе описана классификация основных требований, предъявляемых к фотошаблонам, используемым при производстве современных СБИС. Рассматривается вклад допусков на совмещение и критические линейные размеры элементов рисунка фотошаблона в бюджеты литографических операций. Описывается метод разработки спецификации для фотошаблонов на основе требований, предъявляемых к литографическим операциям технологического маршрута. В качестве примера приводится типовая оценочная спецификация на фотошаблоны критических литографических слоев уровня 65 нм, составленная согласно описанному методу.
Asistencia y avance escolar de la generación 1.5 en el Estado de México. Análisis comparativo en el periodo 2000-2015
Authors: Aguilar Zepeda Rodrigo
Published: February 2021

El fenómeno de niños estadounidenses viviendo en México, en parti-
 cular en el Estado de México, no es nuevo. Desde el año 2000 se registra población menor de edad nacida en Estados Unidos residiendo en el estado. Es en 2010 cuando el número se incrementa notablemente como producto del incremento de la migración de retorno a nivel nacional que repercute a nivel estatal. Para 2015 se produce una disminución en el monto, sin embargo, los que llegaron en 2010 siguen presentes en el país. Al ser población en edad escolar tienen el derecho de acceder al sistema escolar nacional, en específico al sistema escolar en el Estado de México. ¿Cómo es ese proceso? Investigaciones previas han detectado barreras administrativas, culturales, económicas, educativas, entre otras, en el proceso de incorporación e integración escolar de niños provenientes de Estados Unidos. Por ello, este artículo propone identificar y caracterizar sociodemográficamente a la población estadounidense menor de edad que vive en el Estado de Mé-
 xico, haciendo énfasis en el análisis de la asistencia y avance escolar de esta población que se traduce en detectar el acceso y permanencia en el Sistema Educativo Estatal. La estrategia metodológica es de orden cuantitativo y estará soportada en el manejo y análisis del xii Censo General de Población y Vivienda 2000, del Censo de Población y Vivienda 2010 y de la Encuesta Intercensal 2015, todas del Instituto Nacional de Estadística, Geografía e Informática (inegi).

 
Los guías de turistas en México: Intermediación cultural y condición laboral
Authors: Oehmichen Bazán Cristina , Aveleyra Talamantes Alberto , Escalona Hernández Consepción
Published: February 2021

Este artículo tiene el objetivo de visibilizar, desde una perspectiva antropológica, el trabajo de intermediación cultural de los guías de turistas. Para ello, se analiza el caso de México, que país que ocupa el séptimo lugar mundial en el número de llegadas de turistas y que posee un enorme patrimonio cultural y natural. Los servicios que prestan los guías son de gran importancia para la operatividad del turismo
 y la valoración del patrimonio. Su trabajo se ha llegado a equiparar con la de un “embajador cultural”, al ser muchas veces el primer contacto que tiene el visitante al llegar a una ciudad, a una zona arqueológica, a un centro histórico o a un área natural protegida. Este artículo explora las características y naturaleza simbólica del trabajo de los y las guías de turistas y presenta un análisis de su quehacer y condiciones laborales.