bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A formação docente como problema social
Authors: Suficier Darbi Masson , Muzzeti Luci Regina
Published: May 2021

O livro, publicado em 2019 pela representação da UNESCO no Brasil em cooperação com a Fundação Carlos Chagas e com o Ministério da Educação, analisa as ações políticas para a formação de professores da última década. Para isso, utiliza-se de um grande volume de dados estatísticos para compreender quem são os estudantes dos cursos de licenciatura e seus professores formadores. Trata-se de uma obra com possibilidades de nortear os caminhos daqueles que pesquisam a formação de professores no Brasil. O livro é composto de nove capítulos. No primeiro, “História e contemporaneidade: formação e trabalho de professores e professoras”, é situada historicamente a questão da formação de professores no Brasil; como consequência, desvela-se também a própria escolarização dos brasileiros até os dias atuais. As autoras ressaltam que, as improvisações presentes nas ações públicas voltadas para a formação de professores, buscaram e buscam suprir a demanda por novos professores conforme as necessidades do momento.
Apresentação Dossiê "CAMINHOS FORMATIVOS E TEMÁTICAS INTEGRADAS À PRODUÇÃO DO CONHECIMENTO ACADÊMICO SOBRE O(A) PROFESSOR(A)."
Authors: Souza Tiago Zanquêta , Cunha Valeska Guimarães Rezende da , Silva Elsieni Coelho
Published: May 2021

CAMINHOS FORMATIVOS E TEMÁTICAS INTEGRADAS À PRODUÇÃO DO CONHECIMENTO ACADÊMICO SOBRE O(A) PROFESSOR(A).
Intonation Attributes of Traditional Singing And Recitations of Suzhou Musical Drama
Authors: Sitsui Zhang
Published: May 2021

The aim of this paper is to identify the intonation attributes of traditional singing and recitation in Suzhou musical drama, which is embodied in the melodic organization of melody, rhythmic pattern, signs of syncretism with speech and gestures of singers-actors, which add semantic certainty and artistic expression to images.

Research methodology. The study investigates this issue by examining the basic methods and principles of musicology.

Results. Suzhou drama is based on traditional folk songs of the northern regions of Jiangsu province, “labor cries”, such as urging bulls when ploughing, woman crying, jumping on horses etc. The melody of the Lahongqiang is characterized by the transitions of the female falsetto into high octaves, which are balanced by the inclusion of a recitative that affects the feelings of the listener.

The realization of works of Suzhou musical drama, in particular vocal-declamatory methods of performance, requires singers-actors to master the skills of improvisation in the process of creating a stage action. The intonation attributes of melody and declamatory speech, which are based on dialects of oral language, folk songs of the northern regions of Jiangsu province, due to the traditions of the population of this area. The fricative basis of singing is pentatonic, the structure of the “jumping” rhythm with frequent “turns” evokes in the listener a sense of novelty, energetic free movement. The properties of the declamatory pattern of “da-shetou” is one of the outstanding features of Suzhou musical drama.

Novelty: the concept of “Lahongqiang” can be used in a number of meanings: in a broad sense — if we talk about the traditional nature of one of the types of songwriting; in the narrow sense — to use as the name of the music genre and performing arts.

Practical significance. The properties of the declamatory pattern of “da-shetou” is one of the outstanding features of Suzhou musical drama. Importantly, it enriches the area of cognitive ability to understand the communicative “axis” of the East-West artistic relationship.
The Janus face of austerity politics
Authors: Narotzky Susana
Published: May 2021

How is social reproduction possible in a context of precarious employment and austerity policies that have defunded welfare? The paradox of autonomy and dependence is present in intergenerational relations of support and conflict at various scales. It emerges, on the one hand, in the neoliberal injunction to be individually responsible for one’s own present and future wellbeing, an aspiration that is impossible to fulfill. On the other hand, it is expressed in the increasing recourse by younger active cohorts to the care work and assets of their older kin—in particular retirement pensions and a home. Finally, policy calls to transform the pension system oppose younger and older generations in the accountings of social security financial sustainability and question the fairness of existing public pension schemes.
A mother’s hope in the midst of existential immobility from state and stigma
Authors: Smith Katherine
Published: May 2021

The article is situated ethnographically in households on the main social housing estate in Harpurhey, North Manchester, England. It explores the affective dynamics of motherhood and imaginations of the future with a backdrop of prolonged government disinvestment. We follow the experiences of a mother and her son as they deal with moments of uncertainty and attempt to imagine and prepare for his future free from dependence on state welfare. Considering that parenting marks time in the most intimate of ways and it confronts parents with the passing of time in terms of biological “growth” that sequences time for us, this article addresses how and at what points dependence on the state, over time, reconfigures the affective dynamics of motherhood and imaginations of familial dependencies into the future.
“Presentism” Versus “Path Dependence”?
Authors: Ehrlich Serguey
Published: May 2021

In the fifteen Russian textbooks of the 1990s examined in this article, the Second World War is subject to three levels of reflection: language, narrative templates, and the representation of contested events. The language used in the textbooks represents an amalgam of Soviet propagandistic clichés and uncritically adopted Western terminology. These textbooks also retain the same “schematic narrative template” of the Second World War, based on references to the expulsion of foreign enemies, found in Soviet textbooks. Significant transformations can be observed only in the representation of events, in which the authors’ harsh criticism of Stalin’s crimes comes to the fore. Yet these superficial changes did not alter the basic structures of history learning, which was one of the main reasons why working through the past during the Yeltsin era almost failed.
Percy Byssey Shelleyand Mir Gul Khan Naseer's Socialist Creed: A Comparative Study of the Champions of Human Liberation
Authors: Manzoor Saima , Akram Zainab , Yousaf Saima
Published: May 2021

History is the witness of the immense influence literature exercises upon the nations. Percy Byssey Shelley and Mir Gul Khan Naseer, the two great names in the history of English and Balochi literature simultaneously, played an important role in the emancipation of society. Both the poets were against the bogus system of caste, color and creed, suppressing the masses. They were highly against social stratification and feudalism and raised their voice dauntlessly against the prevalent injustice. They are termed as poets of resistance who expressed repulsion against the corrupt social, political and religious scenario. Both the poets were termed as champions of liberty and had the creed to promote social, political and religious reforms. Anon they realized the ineffectiveness of their efforts. Finally, they strove to transform the individuals through their incredible poetry where a profusion of gorgeous verse along with brilliant imagery enchants the readers.
Understanding the soul of the world is the Key of Self-Realization and Enlightenment Journey: The Hermeneutic Study of the Quest Hippie
Authors: Mustafa Asma
Published: May 2021

This is a hermeneutic study of the spiritual Odyssey, Hippie, a bildungsroman novel that focuses on quest and mysteries to analyze the Truth or Reality, which leads to enlightenment. The concept of Bildungsroman is studied in the context of the Theory of Hermeneutics enunciated by Hans-Georg Gadamer and Anthony Giddens (Double Hermeneutics). This study shows how Paulo uses the essentials of romances, the Grail as a common object, Buddha's journey, long-cherished dreams, examples of epics, listening to one's heart, the signs, ventures, exploration, self-discovery to search a Hidden Treasure, and wisdom on legendary roads and places. For Gadamer, everyone has its particular viewpoint or perspective known as its horizon that helps to understand the world and the literary work. This study shows, along with the other elements, how one's journey for selfidentification always initiates with a successful new understanding of unity that everything in this world is interlinked and connected like a chain. This new realization of the unity which connects ones with The One is known as the soul of the world.
Graphological, Morphological, and Lexico-Syntactical Analysis of the Poem The Innocent Killings by Jasmine: A Stylistic Analysis
Authors: Hussain Saddam , Ullah Ibad , Ali Shaukat
Published: May 2021

This study stylistically analyzes a poem, "The Innocent Killings", by an anonymous poet, Jasmine. The poem has been analyzed at morphological, lexico-syntactical, and graphological levels where thematic and foregrounding elements have been used. Moreover, the unique deviation and parallelism have been taken as a suggestion to the spirit of the age. Various stylistic features in the context of brutal terrorism have been employed in the poem to convey the denser ideas and traumatic sufferings of the nation. The researchers also explored the unique structure of the poem carrying different moods and troops with proper choice of dictions in each portion. The stylistic techniques in the poem move parallel to the tone of the mood, such as; the use of progressive verbs, abstract nouns, symbol device like "Jasmine", and lack of the main verb in the last three lines of the poem shows a failure to defend the nation from terrorist attacks
Necessity of Discretionary Powers: A Critical Appreciation as a Necessary Evil
Authors: Munir Bakht , Khan Ali Nawaz , Ahmad Naveed
Published: May 2021

With the evolution of the modern welfare state system, state functions have multiplied manifold that consequently necessitated delegation of wide-ranged discretionary powers in the hands of administrative authorities to address ever-growing complex issues with the help of framing rules and deciding matters accordingly, which otherwise came within the exclusive domain of legislative and judicial authorities. With qualitative research methodology, this research aimed to investigate how the idea of administration emerges and whether or not discretion is an unavoidable evil. The research at hand conceptualized administrative actions, various modes for conferring discretion, and explicated its pros and cons. This paper also examined how discretion is a need of modern administrative dispensation and how to control its potential exploitation.
Intersectionality, Matrix of Domination and Female Agency in Hosain's Sunlight on a Broken Column
Authors: Saleem Ali Usman , Rasheed Sadaf , Aqeel Asim
Published: May 2021

This paper investigates how Hosain's Sunlight on a Broken Column presents the oppression of women in the socio-political and cultural contexts of the Indo-Pak society. Patricia Collins's views of intersectionality and matrix of domination and Wrede's concept of agency serve as a theoretical framework for this research. Intersectionality works through a matrix of domination that includes four domains of power: structural, disciplinary, hegemonic and interpersonal, which further serves to organize, regulate, maintain and internalize oppression. The study is significant as it intends to unravel the fact that in Sunlight on a Broken Column, gender is not the only factor causing subjugation. Oppression keeps on multiplying with the inclusion of several aspects of individual identity in general and female identity in particular, including age, color, creed, religion, race and sexual orientation. The research establishes that despite intersecting forces of suppression, there still is room for the female agency as the character of Laila foregrounds the fact that the existing situation can be challenged and reverted by few individuals found inside the suppressed groups.
Research and Critical Review of Accustom Misyar Marriage in Contemporary and Arab Society in the Context of Islam
Authors: Khan Muhammad Aslam , Khan Fazal Ilahi , Shah Azmat Ali
Published: May 2021

Nikah (nuptial) is an important part of life in Islam. It has been an integral part of every intuitional religion. According to the Hanafi School of law, Nikah is better than supererogatory (Nafli) worship. Nikah needs the presence of at least two witnesses, and the presence of husband and wife is mandatory. Dowery (Mahr) is obligatory, and the husband is responsible for providing food and necessary things for a living. Misyar Marriage (traveller's marriage) is a new term that is getting popularity in Arabic countries. In this type of Nikah, obligatory elements of Shari Nikah are considered, but husband and wife deny some rights. For example, the wife refuses to live in the husband's house. Instead, she prefers her parents' home, or she wants to continue her job. Therefore, she denies performing house duties, or the husband is unable to fulfil the expenses of the wife, so he allows her to stay at his paternal home instead of his. However, if the husband wants to copulate (J?ma'a), he can take her to wherever he wants. It has similarities to court marriage as well. Therefore, it is needed for time to prove the jurisprudential value of this Nikah. In this article, we have tried to solve this problem according to Quran, Hadith and Islamic Jurisprudence (Fiqah).
Religious Seminaries and Muslim Education in Indo-Pakistan Sub-Continent: A Critical Historical Analysis
Authors: Shah Azmat Ali , Khan Fazal Ilahi , Khan Saima Razzaq
Published: May 2021

This paper focuses on the history of Islamic studies and the growth of Muslim edification scheme subsequent to the arrival of Islam in South Asia (712 A.D) and also explores the key role played by the Emperors in its establishment since 1206 A.D. Thereafter, it will highlight the efforts of Muslim rulers in introducing religious-cum-modern education system through Madrassah (religious seminaries) in Indo-Pakistan Sub-continent including the period of British-India from 1757 to 1947 A.D. which adversely affected the Muslim education system by introducing foreign educational reforms to target the curriculum of the Islamic education system. The paper will shed light on the development of Madrassahin Pakistan and the 9/11 incident that has drastically affected the image of the religious seminaries in imparting Islamic education to the people in the global community.
Technical and operative factors affecting magnetic resonance imaging–guided focused ultrasound thalamotomy for essential tremor: experience from 250 treatments
Authors: Kim Myung Ji , Park So Hee , Chang Kyung Won , Kim Yuhee , Gao Jing , Kovalevsky Maya , Rachmilevitch Itay , Zadicario Eyal , Chang Won Seok , Jung Hyun Ho , Chang Jin Woo
Published: May 2021

OBJECTIVE

Magnetic resonance imaging–guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) provides real-time monitoring of patients to assess tremor control and document any adverse effects. MRgFUS of the ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM) of the thalamus has become an effective treatment option for medically intractable essential tremor (ET). The aim of this study was to analyze the correlations of clinical and technical parameters with 12-month outcomes after unilateral MRgFUS thalamotomy for ET to help guide future clinical treatments.

METHODS

From October 2013 to January 2019, data on unilateral MRgFUS thalamotomy from the original pivotal study and continued-access studies from three different geographic regions were collected. Authors of the present study retrospectively reviewed those data and evaluated the efficacy of the procedure on the basis of improvement in the Clinical Rating Scale for Tremor (CRST) subscore at 1 year posttreatment. Safety was based on the rates of moderate and severe thalamotomy-related adverse events. Treatment outcomes in relation to various patient- and sonication-related parameters were analyzed in a large cohort of patients with ET.

RESULTS

In total, 250 patients were included in the present analysis. Improvement was sustained throughout the 12-month follow-up period, and 184 (73.6%) of 250 patients had minimal or no disability due to tremor (CRST subscore < 10) at the 12-month follow-up. Younger age and higher focal temperature (Tmax) correlated with tremor improvement in the multivariate analysis (OR 0.948, p = 0.013; OR 1.188, p = 0.025; respectively). However, no single statistically significant factor correlated with Tmax in the multivariate analysis. The cutoff value of Tmax in predicting a CRST subscore < 10 was 55.8°C. Skull density ratio (SDR) was positively correlated with heating efficiency (β = 0.005, p < 0.001), but no significant relationship with tremor improvement was observed. In the low-temperature group, 1–3 repetitions to the right target with 52°C ≤ Tmax ≤ 54°C was sufficient to generate sustained tremor suppression within the investigated follow-up period. The high-temperature group had a higher rate of balance disturbances than the low-temperature group (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

The authors analyzed the data of 250 patients with the aim of improving practices for patient screening and determining treatment endpoints. These results may improve the safety, efficacy, and efficiency of MRgFUS thalamotomy for ET.
The Kempe incision for decompressive craniectomy, craniotomy, and cranioplasty in traumatic brain injury and stroke
Authors: Abecassis Isaac Josh , Young Christopher C. , Caldwell David J. , Feroze Abdullah H. , Williams John R. , Meyer R. Michael , Kellogg Ryan T. , Bonow Robert H. , Chesnut Randall M.
Published: May 2021

OBJECTIVE

Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is an effective, lifesaving option for reducing intracranial pressure (ICP) in traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, and other pathologies with elevated ICP. Most DCs are performed via a standard trauma flap shaped like a reverse question mark (RQM), which requires sacrificing the occipital and posterior auricular arteries and can be complicated by wound dehiscence and infections. The Ludwig Kempe hemispherectomy incision (Kempe) entails a T-shaped incision, one limb from the midline behind the hairline to the inion and the other limb from the root of the zygoma to the coronal suture. The authors’ objective in this study was to define their implementation of the Kempe incision for DC and craniotomy, report clinical outcomes, and quantify the volume of bone removed compared with the RQM incision.

METHODS

A retrospective review of a single-surgeon experience with DC in TBI and stroke was performed. Patient demographics, imaging, and outcomes were collected for all DCs from 2015 to 2020, and the incisions were categorized as either Kempe or RQM. Preoperative and postoperative CT scans were obtained and processed using a combination of automatic segmentation (in Python and SimpleITK) with manual cleanup and further subselection in ITK-SNAP. The volume of bone removed was quantified, and the primary outcome was percentage of hemicranium removed. Postoperative surgical wound infections, estimated blood loss (EBL), and length of surgery were compared between the two groups as secondary outcomes. Cranioplasty data were collected.

RESULTS

One hundred thirty-six patients were included in the analysis; there were 57 patients in the craniotomy group (44 patients with RQM incisions and 13 with Kempe incisions) and 79 in the craniectomy group (41 patients with RQM incisions and 38 Kempe incisions). The mean follow-up for the entire cohort was 251 ± 368 days. There was a difference in the amount of decompression between approaches in multivariate modeling (39% ± 11% of the hemicranium was removed via the Kempe incision vs 34% ± 10% via the RQM incision, p = 0.047), although this did not achieve significance in multivariate modeling. Wound infection rates, EBL, and length of surgery were comparable between the two incision types. No wound infections in either cohort were due to wound dehiscence. Cranioplasty outcomes were comparable between the two incision types.

CONCLUSIONS

The Kempe incision for craniectomy or craniotomy is a safe, feasible, and effective alternative to the RQM. The authors advocate the Kempe incision in cases in which contralateral operative pathology or subsequent craniofacial/skull base repair is anticipated.
ПАМ’ЯТЬ ЯК АРХІВ ПРЕЦЕДЕНТНИХ СМИСЛІВ У ПРОЦЕСІ МУЗИЧНО-ВИКОНАВСЬКОЇ ІНТЕРПРЕТАЦІЇ (НА ПРИКЛАДІ ЧЕТВЕРТОГО КОНЦЕРТУ Л. БЕТХОВЕНА ТА ДО 250-РІЧЧЯ ВІД ДНЯ НАРОДЖЕННЯ КОМПОЗИТОРА)
Authors: Sapsovych Oleksandra Arkadiivna
Published: May 2021

Мета дослідження – простежити взаємодію процесів архівації в пам’яті «прецедентних смислів» і створення музично-виконавської ін- терпретації на прикладі практичного досвіду музиканта-виконавця. Методологія дослідження полягає в історичному екскурсі, репрезента- ції і структуруванні досвіду вибудовування і проживання алгоритму на- родження власного прочитання музичного тексту. Наукова новизна до- слідження: показаний емпіричний, предметний шлях архівації (а також розархівації, релевантної осмисленню) прецедентних смислів музиканта з подальшим їх використанням. Викладено і апробовано практичний алгоритм переходу з ролі виконавця до ролі інтерпретатора музичного тексту. Висновки. Прецедентні смисли музиканта ми визначаємо як усві- домлену похідну емоційної пам’яті. Емоційна пам’ять – скарбничка пе- режитих емоцій, є основою прецедентних смислів, самі ж прецедентні смисли – це відрефлексовані й осмислені емоції (осмислені як у причинах, так і в подальшому їх застосуванні у творчості). Отже, розуміємо їх як такі, що виникають не тільки асоціативно, але і свідомо. Системоутворюючими елементами концепції народження самобут- ньої інтерпретації музичного тексту на базі феномена прецедентних смислів є: – сприйняття та збереження. Народження особистого художньо- го прочитання-осмислення виконуваної музики починається з запуску акумулятивного процесу: сприйняття і архівації (збереження в пам’я- ті) якомога більшого числа прецедентів (фактів) особистого зіткнення з будь-якими потенційно цінними джерелами інформації і емоційного досвіду; – пошук, осмислення і зіставлення. Пошук здійснюється на основі акумульованого досвіду зіткнення з носіями інформації, за допомогою розархівації прецедентних смислів, що архівувалися раніше в пам’яті індивідуума. Осмислення відбувається в процесі пошуку і спровоковано ним. Зіставлення виступає як додатковий інструментарій переробки отриманих знань; – народження творчого похідного прецедентних смислів, що виникає внаслідок реалізації вищеперелічених елементів і виступає підґрунтям створення самобутньої інтерпретації.
PENGARUH MODEL PEMBELAJARAN POE TERHADAP KEMAMPUAN PEMAHAMAN KONSEP IPA SISWA SD
Authors: Novanto Yogi Setya , Anitra Rien , Wulandari Fajar
Published: May 2021

ABSTRAKPenelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh penggunaan model pembelajaran POE (Predict, Observe, Explain) terhadap kemampuan pemahaman konsep IPA siswa pada materi panas dan perpindahannya. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan di MIS Ushuluddin Singkawang. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan yaitu penelitian kuantitatif dengan metode quasi experimental design, dengan bentuk desain post-test only control design. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah seluruh siswa kelas V MIS Ushuluddin Singkawang. Sampel diambil menggunakan  teknik purposive sampling. Setelah pengambilan sampel, yang terpilih menjadi kelas eksperimen adalah kelas VA dengan menggunakan model pembelajaran POE dan VB sebagai kelas kontrol yang menggunakan model pembelajaran langsung. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa: (1) Terdapat pengaruh kemampuan pemahaman konsep IPA siswa antara kelas yang diberikan model pembelajaran POE dengan kelas yang diberikan pembelajaran langsung pada materi panas dan perpindahannya di kelas V MIS Ushuluddin Singkawang; (2) Terdapat perbedaan kemampuan pemahaman konsep IPA siswa antara kelas yang diberikan model pembelajaran POE dengan kelas yang di berikan model pembelajaran langsung pada materi panas dan perpindahannya di kelas V MIS Ushuluddin Singkawang. Kata kunci: model pembelajaran POE; kemampuan pemahaman konsep. ABSTRACTThis study is aimed at learning the influence of the use of the POE learning model (Predict, Observe, Explain) on a student's ability to understand science concepts on hot matter and transmigration. The study is carried out at MIS Ushuluddin Singkawang. The kind of research used was quantitative research with experimental quasi design. With a design post-test only design control. The population in the study are all the students in the V MIS Ushuluddin Singkawang class. The sample was taken using an additive sampling, after taking the selected sample into a VA class experiment which was an experimental class using the POE and VB  control class that use a direct learning model. Research concluded that: (1) there is an influence on a student's ability to understand natural science between a class given by the POE learning model and a class given direct learning on hot matter and transfer to V MIS Ushuluddin Singkawang class; (2) there is a difference in the ability to understand a student science concept between the class given by the POE learning model and the class provided the direct learning model for hot matter and transfer to V MIS Ushuluddin Singkawang class. Keywords: POE learning models; the ability to understand concepts.
Development of innovations in Sweden HEIs: a case study of Uppsala University
Authors: Zymina Svitlana
Published: May 2021

The article emphasizes that in the context of accelerated democratization and European integration, the use of a value model of the management in higher education, based on the university autonomy and their public («third») mission, is urgent for the HEIs of Ukraine. Creating innovations is its integral part.

Sweden experience, as a country with a high innovation index, regarding the development of innovation in higher education institutions is analyzed. The country's policy on the organization of research at universities, aimed at strengthening the «strategic» research areas, such as interdisciplinary industrial and social research, is considered. The main initiatives of the country's government, which have helped to strengthen the strategic fields of research activity and stimulate the emergence of new values in the higher education sector, such as entrepreneurship and competitiveness, are given. In the case study a successful example of Uppsala University infrastructure was studied using the HEInnovate method and the following key criteria - governance, potential of HEI/ financing/personnel/initiatives, entrepreneurial education, innovation support, knowledge sharing and collaboration, Internationalization, digital transformation. The main values and cultural guidelines of the institution, its governance at different levels and communication between different stakeholders and university are characterized. The main productive initiatives of the university, aimed at developing the skills and competencies of researchers and students, necessary for the successful implementation of projects, commercialization, and start-ups are considered. A number of factors that have had a positive impact on the innovation potential of Swedish universities as well as on the country's position in global innovation rankings have been identified. It is suggested to use the experience in dealing with innovators and external stakeholders of Uppsala University by Ukrainian research universities for upgrading their infrastructure.
RRY Inhibits Amyloid-β1–42 Peptide Aggregation and Neurotoxicity
Authors: Sun Xicui , Duan Songwei , Cao Anna , Villagomez Bryan , Lin Runxuan , Chen Hongxia , Pi Liya , Ren Bin , Chen Rong , Chen Minjie , Ying Zhekang , Fang Shenyun , Cao Qi
Published: May 2021

Background:

Current understanding of amyloid-β protein (Aβ) aggregation and toxicity provides an extensive list of drugs for treating Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, one of the most promising strategies for its treatment has been tri-peptides.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to examine those tri-peptides, such as Arg-Arg-Try (RRY), which have the potential of Aβ1–42 aggregating inhibition and Aβ clearance.

Methods:

In the present study, in silico, in vitro, and in vivo studies were integrated for screening tri-peptides binding to Aβ, then evaluating its inhibition of aggregation of Aβ, and finally its rescuing cognitive deficit.

Results:

In the in silico simulations, molecular docking and molecular dynamics determined that seven top-ranking tri-peptides could bind to Aβ1–42 and form stable complexes. Circular dichroism, ThT assay, and transmission electron microscope indicated the seven tri-peptides might inhibit the aggregation of Aβ1–42 in vitro. In the in vivo studies, Morris water maze, ELISA, and Diolistic staining were used, and data showed that RRY was capable of rescuing the Aβ1–42-induced cognitive deficit, reducing the Aβ1–42 load and increasing the dendritic spines in the transgenic mouse model.

Conclusion:

Such converging outcomes from three consecutive studies lead us to conclude that RRY is a preferred inhibitor of Aβ1–42 aggregation and treatment for Aβ-induced cognitive deficit.
DDoS prevention architecture using anomaly detection in fog-empowered networks
Authors: Sharma Deepak Kumar , Devgan Manish , Malik Gaurav , Dutt Prashant , Goel Aarti , Gupta Deepak , Al-Turjman Fadi
Published: May 2021

The world of computation has shown wide variety of wonders in the past decade with Internet of Things (IoT) being one of the most promising technology. Emergence of IoT brings a lot of good to the technology pool with its capability to provide intelligent services to the users. With ease to use, IoT is backed by a strong Cloud based infrastructure which allows the sensory IoT devices to perform specific functions. Important features of cloud are its reliability and security where the latter must be dealt with proper care. Cloud centric systems are susceptible to Denial of Service (DoS) attacks wherein the cloud server is subjected to an overwhelming number of incoming requests by a malicious device. If the same attack is carried out by a network of devices such as IoT devices then it becomes a Distributed DoS (DDoS) attack. A DDoS attack may render the server useless for a long period of time causing the services to crash due to extensive load. This paper proposes a lightweight, efficient and robust method for DDoS attack by detecting the compromised node connected to the Fog node or edge devices before it reaches the cloud by taking advantage of the Fog layer and prevent it from harming any information recorded or from increasing the unnecessary traffic in a network. The chosen technology stack consists of languages and frameworks which allow proposed approach to works in real time complexity for faster execution and is flexible enough to work on low level systems such as the Fog nodes. The proposed approach uses mathematical models for forecasting data points and therefore does not rely on a computationally heavy approach such as neural networks for predicting the expected values. This approach can be easily modelled into the firmware of the system and can help make cloud services more reliable by cutting off rogue nodes that try to attack the cloud at any given point of time.
Stem Cells Based Healthcare Applications in Europe: A Review by the French National Academies of Medicine and Technology
Authors: Jarry Bruno
Published: May 2021

The two national Academies of Medicine and Technology reviewed recently the development of stem-cells based medical applications and the related industrial and regulatory challenges that remain to be overcome in order to make these science-derived innovations accessible to the patients. Some of these issues are presented and discussed.
Regenerative Medicine: Which Cells?
Authors: Ardaillou Raymond
Published: May 2021

Stem cells used in therapy include mainly hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) to treat aplasias, leukemias and hematological genetic diseases, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) produced in small quantities by the bone marrow, but also other tissues, to treat cardiac and cutaneous diseases thanks to their secretory properties of growth factors. A major step was taken with the use of embryonic (ESC) or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS). The former are used, after isolation and differentiation, either in rare therapeutic purposes or for the in vitro screening of drugs. iPS are produced from adult cells after reprogramming and differentiation and utilized for the treatment of various diseases in autologous or allogeneic form, the second condition allowing only mass production. New lines of research are now in progress including the creation of organoids that are templates of many organs of the body and allow the process of cell organization and its perturbations to be analyzed. Creation of post-meiosis gametes (23 chromosomes) from iPS or ESC is intended to treat serious genetic diseases. Creation of human chimera by interspecies blastocyst complementation has also been studied in view of organ transplantation. It is only allowed for the implantation of human cells in animal blastocysts and prohibited for the reverse. Implantation in uterus of the modified embryos is prohibited by the French law.
H3K9 Acetylation Level of 11β-HSD2 in Human Wharton’s Jelly-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A Potential Biomarker for Evaluating Susceptibility to Multiple Chronic Diseases in Adulthood
Authors: Yang Xu , Li Wei , He Hangyuan , Qi Yongjian , Magdalou Jacques , Wang Hui , Chen Liaobin
Published: May 2021

Objective: A large number of studies have suggested that low birth weight fetuses were susceptible to fetal-originated diseases in adulthood. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the histone 3 Lysine 9 (H3K9) acetylation level of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2) in human Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) was an early warning marker for the susceptibility of multiple chronic diseases in adulthood. Methods: The epigenetic and expressional abnormality of 11β-HSD2 in human WJ-MSCs induced by a variety of prenatal adverse xenobiotic factors were analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and western blotting (WB). The expression of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) in human WJ-MSCs after overexpression or knockdown of 11β-HSD2 gene was analyzed by RT-qPCR. Finally, immunofluorescence and ChIP-PCR were used to analyze the H3K9 acetylation level and expression of 11β-HSD2 in the human umbilical cord with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). Results: The mRNA and protein expression of 11β-HSD2 in WJ-MSCs were decreased after treatment with caffeine, nicotine, and ethanol. The histone acetylation level in 11β-HSD2 promoter region (H3K9) was significantly reduced simultaneously. In the proliferation model of WJ-MSCs, 300 nM of cortisol promoted the gene expression of the IGF1 pathway, while 1200 nM inhibited the gene expression of the IGF1 pathway. The expression of IGF1 treated with cortisol at 300 nM was decreased after overexpression of 11β-HSD2, while the expression of IGF1 was increased after treatment with 1200 nM cortisol. After knockdown of 11β-HSD2, the expression of IGF1 was decreased after treatment with 300 nM cortisol, and IGF1 gene expression decreased further after treatment with 1200 nM cortisol. Besides, the expression and H3K9 acetylation level of 11β-HSD2 in the IUGR-derived human umbilical cord was also reduced. Conclusion: The decreased expression and H3K9 acetylation level of 11β-HSD2 in WJ-MSCs induced by multiple xenobiotics exposures may mediate the decreased expression of IGF1. The H3K9 acetylation level of 11β-HSD2 in the human umbilical cord might be an early warning biomarker for evaluating susceptibility to multiple chronic diseases in adulthood.
Cell Therapy and Peripheral Artery Disease: Diabetics first!
Authors: Lehalle Bertrand , Dosda Arnaud , Jan Philippe , Stoltz Jean-François
Published: May 2021

Drawing on our clinical expertise with diabetic patients and on a retrospective study focused on patients with foot ulcers or wounds and Peripheral Artery Disease, we show a healing problem exists specifically in diabetic patients, despite arterial revascularization. To overcome this specific problem, Cell Therapy could be a way, exclusively aimed at diabetic patients. We explain the reasons why, as well as the ways and means, and more particularly the concept of tissue reversibility.
Effects of Cell Confluence on the Immunological and Migration Receptors of Wharton Jelly’s Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Voisin Charlotte , Cauchois Ghislaine , Bensoussan Danièle , Huselstein Céline
Published: May 2021

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are a promising tool for cell-based therapy thanks to their ability to secrete trophic factors and immunomodulatory potential. So far, these cells are used to treat a variety of inflammatory diseases like sepsis or severe graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). Considering the number of cells required for their use in cell therapy (between 1–3 × 106 cells/kg), a primary expansion is necessary. However, after an intravenous injection, few cells are found in tissue lesion or in bone marrow. One hypothesis is that chemotactic signals that guide MSCs to an appropriate environment would be altered during in vitro expansion. It is therefore essential to define better conditions of expansion, particularly with good manufacturing process, to obtain enough MSCs, while preserving their immunomodulatory properties and expression of migration molecules. The aim of this research project is to investigate the effect of cell confluence on migration potential and immunological properties of Wharton’s jelly (WJ) MSCs. This research is investigated with 3 levels confluency, at 50, 80 and 100% of confluence by using good manufacturing practice (GMP). We found a better expression of immunomodulatory molecules (PD-L1) and migratory molecules (CD44, membrane CXCR7) for cells that reached 50% confluence. Furthermore, co-stimulatory molecules appear to be less expressed when MSCs are at low confluency. In conclusion low confluence culture should be privileged to improve immunomodulatory and migration phenotype.
Identification and Quantification of Malignant Cells in Cerebrospinal Fluid
Authors: Faure Gilbert , Le Rhun Emilie , Tu Qien , Kohler Chantal , Taillandier Luc , Cai Huili , Wu Xianglei , De Carvalho Marcelo
Published: May 2021

Usual diagnostic methods of leptomeningeal metastases (LM) in CerebroSpinal fluid (CSF), lack both specificity and sensitivity. The Veridex CellSearch® technique quantifying circulating tumour cells (CTCs) in blood was adapted to detect Tumour Cells (CSFTCs) in CSF from cancer patients with LM. CSF samples from 60 patients with established or suspected breast cancer or lung cancer LM and/or melanoma were evaluated. 5 mL CSF samples were collected on CellSave® preservative and analyzed within 3 days after CSF sampling. Gold Standard cytological analysis on 1 to 10 mL CSF samples from patients with established LM allowed sometimes the detection but usually not the quantification of TCs. In established LM, EpCAM+/cytokeratin+ or CD146+/HMW-MAA+ nucleated (DAPI+) cells were observed and enumerated with precision from one to up to 10 000 cells/mL. Their morphology on digital images galleries could be discriminant between breast and lung cancer. This methodology, established on a limited volume of CSF compared to the Gold Standard and allowing delayed processing, is of great interest in the diagnosis and follow-up of cancer patients with LM. The reliability of the method also opens new fields of investigation for other biological fluids and to precise the stem cell potential of metastatic cells in CSF.
On the Challenge of Plastic Wastes and Litter in Oceans: Some Policy Reflections
Authors: Nayak Shailesh
Published: May 2021

The increasing pollution in oceans, especially of the plastics litter, has degraded health of the oceans in many parts of the world. As plastic degrade very slowly, its accumulation in oceans expected to rise exponentially in coming decades and critically affect marine ecosystems, ocean fauna and humans. Microplastics, generated due to mechanical breakdown of plastic waste, is particularly affecting the pelagic ecosystems and can even alter them. It is necessary to generate and update scientific knowledge about production, transport, sinks of plastics and their impacts, develop innovative approaches to manage plastic waste, and bringing awareness about effects of plastic pollution to communities. The issue of plastic pollution needs be tackled at local as well as regional levels through effective policy and multi-national cooperation.
TMA-93 Validation by Alzheimer’s Disease Biomarkers: A Comparison with the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test on a Biobank Sample
Authors: Rodrigo-Herrero Silvia , Luque-Tirado Andrea , Méndez-Barrio Carlota , García-Solís David , Bernal Sánchez-Arjona María , Oropesa-Ruiz Juan Manuel , Maillet Didier , Franco-Macías Emilio
Published: May 2021

Background: The Memory Associative Test TMA-93 examines visual relational binding, characteristically affected in early-AD stages. Objective: We aim to validate the TMA-93 by biomarkers determination and compare its diagnostic characteristics with the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FCSRT). Methods: Retrospective analysis of a Biobank database. Patients’ records initially consulted for memory complaints, scored MMSE≥22, had TMA-93 and FCSRT tested, and AD biomarker determination (Amyloid-PET or CSF), either positive or negative, were selected. As cutoffs, we considered the 10-percentile for TMA-93 (P10/TMA-93), and “total free recall” (TFR) 21/22, total recall (TR) 43/44, and Cued Index < 0.77 for FCSRT from previous Spanish validation and normative studies. Diagnostic utilities were calculated using ROC curves and compared by the DeLong method. We studied if one test improved the other test’s prediction, following a forward stepwise logistic regression model. Results: We selected 105 records: 64 “positive” and 41 “negative” biomarkers. TMA-93 total score diagnostic utility (AUC = 0.72; 95%CI:0.62–0.82) was higher than those of the FCSRT: TFR (AUC = 0.70; 95%CI: 0.60–0.80), TR (AUC = 0.63; 95%CI:0.53–0.74), and Cued Index (AUC = 0.62; 95%CI:0.52–0.73). The P10/TMA-93 cutoff showed 86%sensitivity, similar to that of the most sensitive FCSRT cutoff (TFR21/22, 89%) and 29%specificity, lower than that of the most specific FCSRT cutoff (Cued Index < 0.77, 57%). 32.8%of the positive-biomarker group scored above CI/0.77 but below p10TMA-93. The addition of TMA-93 total score to FCSRT variables improved significantly the biomarkers results’ prediction. Conclusion: TMA-93 demonstrated “reasonable” diagnostic utility, similar to FCSRT, for discriminating AD biomarker groups. TMA-93 total score improved the AD biomarker result prediction when added to FCSRT variables.
PRESENILIN 1 Mutations Causing Early-Onset Familial Alzheimer’s Disease or Familial Acne Inversa Differ in Their Effects on Genes Facilitating Energy Metabolism and Signal Transduction
Authors: Barthelson Karissa , Dong Yang , Newman Morgan , Lardelli Michael
Published: May 2021

Background: The most common cause of early-onset familial Alzheimer’s disease (EOfAD) is mutations in PRESENILIN 1 (PSEN1) allowing production of mRNAs encoding full-length, but mutant, proteins. In contrast, a single known frameshift mutation in PSEN1 causes familial acne inversa (fAI) without EOfAD. The molecular consequences of heterozygosity for these mutation types, and how they cause completely different diseases, remains largely unexplored. Objective: To analyze brain transcriptomes of young adult zebrafish to identify similarities and differences in the effects of heterozygosity for psen1 mutations causing EOfAD or fAI. Methods: RNA sequencing was performed on mRNA isolated from the brains of a single family of 6-month-old zebrafish siblings either wild type or possessing a single, heterozygous EOfAD-like or fAI-like mutation in their endogenous psen1 gene. Results: Both mutations downregulate genes encoding ribosomal subunits, and upregulate genes involved in inflammation. Genes involved in energy metabolism appeared significantly affected only by the EOfAD-like mutation, while genes involved in Notch, Wnt and neurotrophin signaling pathways appeared significantly affected only by the fAI-like mutation. However, investigation of direct transcriptional targets of Notch signaling revealed possible increases in γ-secretase activity due to heterozygosity for either psen1 mutation. Transcriptional adaptation due to the fAI-like frameshift mutation was evident. Conclusion: We observed both similar and contrasting effects on brain transcriptomes of the heterozygous EOfAD-like and fAI-like mutations. The contrasting effects may illuminate how these mutation types cause distinct diseases.
Computationally light deep learning framework to recognize cotton leaf diseases
Authors: Noon Serosh Karim , Amjad Muhammad , Ali Qureshi Muhammad , Mannan Abdul
Published: May 2021

Cotton is an important commodity because of its use in various industries across the globe. It is grown in many countries and is imported/exported as a cash crop due to its large utility. However, cotton yield is adversely affected by the existence of pests, viruses and pathogenic bacteria, etc. For the last one decade or so, several image processing/deep learning-based automatic plant leaf disease recognition methods have been developed but, unfortunately, they rarely address the cotton leaf diseases. The proposed work presents a simple yet efficient deep learning-based framework to recognize cotton leaf diseases. The proposed model is capable of achieving the near ideal accuracy with early convergence to save computational cost of training. Further, due to the unavailability of publicly available datasets for this crop, a dataset is also collected comprising of three diseases namely curl virus, bacterial blight and fusarium wilt in addition to the healthy leaf Images. These images were collected from the Internet and fields of Southern Punjab region in Pakistan where the cotton crop is grown on thousands of acres every year and is exported to the Europe and the US either as a raw material or in the form of knitted industrial/domestic products. Experimental results have shown that almost all variants of our proposed deep learning framework have shown remarkably good recognition accuracy and precision. However, proposed EfficientNet-B0 model achieves 99.95% accuracy in only 152 seconds with best generalization and fast inference.