bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study on the Application of Successful Forest Greening Experience for Forest and Landscape Restoration: A Comparative Study of Two Koreas
Authors: Oh Sam Un , Kim Eun-Hee , Kim Kyoung-Min , Kim Myung-Kil
Published: October 2020

This study examined the development, direction, and characteristics of the North Korean forest restoration policy when compared to similar restoration policies established in South Korea. The success factors of South Korea’s Forest Conservation and Afforestation Project were classified into four forest policy categories: (a) policy and system improvement, (b) evaluation and capacity building, (c) people’s participation encouragement, and (d) restoration foundation creation. Similarities in terms of these aspects were found when compared with the Forest Restoration Battle of North Korea. For policy and system improvement, South Korea established the 1st and 2nd Forest Conservation and Afforestation Plans and transferred the control of the Korea Forest Service to its Ministry of Home Affairs. Similarly, North Korea established a forest development plan and a command unit for the Forest Restoration Battle. For evaluation and capacity building, South Korea utilized a tree monitoring and forestry association. North Korea is obtaining these effects through both a socialist competition movement and agroforestry. Further, South Korea aimed to promote people’s participation through a nursery project, a tree planting movement, and a responsible afforestation system, whereas North Korea adopted agroforestry, a patriotic forest movement, and a responsible forest system. Finally, South Korea succeeded in replacing forest fuels with fossil fuels, clearing slash-and-burn fields, and performing erosion control. By comparison, North Korea is promoting the development of replacement fuels, such as ultra-high-grade anthracite coal and the formation of separate firewood forests. North Korea has revised its forest law to strengthen penalties for deforestation activities, such as anthropogenic forest fires, and replaced erosion control works with agroforestry, which allows for slope management. Among the four aspects, the largest difference was found for restoration foundation creation. Therefore, this area can provide a guideline for future inter-Korean forest cooperation.
On Optimization Techniques for the Construction of an Exponential Estimate for Delayed Recurrent Neural Networks
Authors: Martsenyuk Vasyl , Rajba Stanislaw , Karpinski Mikolaj
Published: October 2020

This work is devoted to the modeling and investigation of the architecture design for the delayed recurrent neural network, based on the delayed differential equations. The usage of discrete and distributed delays makes it possible to model the calculation of the next states using internal memory, which corresponds to the artificial recurrent neural network architecture used in the field of deep learning. The problem of exponential stability of the models of recurrent neural networks with multiple discrete and distributed delays is considered. For this purpose, the direct method of stability research and the gradient descent method is used. The methods are used consequentially. Firstly we use the direct method in order to construct stability conditions (resulting in an exponential estimate), which include the tuple of positive definite matrices. Then we apply the optimization technique for these stability conditions (or of exponential estimate) with the help of a generalized gradient method with respect to this tuple of matrices. The exponential estimates are constructed on the basis of the Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional. An optimization method of improving estimates is offered, which is based on the notion of the generalized gradient of the convex function of the tuple of positive definite matrices. The search for the optimal exponential estimate is reduced to finding the saddle point of the Lagrange function.
Lorentz Violation at the Level of Undergraduate Classical Mechanics
Authors: Clyburn Madeline , Lane Charles D.
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we use the classical limit of the Standard-Model Extension to explore some generic features of Lorentz violation. This classical limit is formulated at the level of undergraduate physics. We first discuss the general equations of motion and then concentrate on three specific systems. First, we consider the theoretical aspects of pendulum motion in the presence of Lorentz violation, followed by some sample experimental results. The experimental bounds we achieve, in the range of 10−3, are not competitive with the current bounds from atomic clocks; rather, our experiment illustrates some common ideas and methods that appear in Lorentz-violation studies. We then discuss how Newton’s 2nd Law must be treated with caution in our model. Finally, we introduce a computational simulation of a binary star system that is perturbed by Lorentz-violating effects. This simulation shows some interesting behavior that could be the subject of future analytical studies.
Nested Polyhedra and Indices of Orbits of Coxeter Groups of Non-Crystallographic Type
Authors: Myronova Mariia , Patera Jiří , Szajewska Marzena
Published: October 2020

The invariants of finite-dimensional representations of simple Lie algebras, such as even-degree indices and anomaly numbers, are considered in the context of the non-crystallographic finite reflection groups H2, H3 and H4. Using a representation-orbit replacement, the definitions and properties of the indices are formulated for individual orbits of the examined groups. The indices of orders two and four of the tensor product of k orbits are determined. Using the branching rules for the non-crystallographic Coxeter groups, the embedding index is defined similarly to the Dynkin index of a representation. Moreover, since the definition of the indices can be applied to any orbit of non-crystallographic type, the algorithm allowing to search for the orbits of smaller radii contained within any considered one is presented for the Coxeter groups H2 and H3. The geometrical structures of nested polytopes are exemplified.
Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV-DJ)—Cryo-EM Structure at 1.56 Å Resolution
Authors: Xie Qing , Yoshioka Craig K. , Chapman Michael S.
Published: October 2020

Adeno-associated virus is the leading viral vector for gene therapy. AAV-DJ is a recombinant variant developed for tropism to the liver. The AAV-DJ structure has been determined to 1.56 Å resolution through cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). Only apoferritin is reported in preprints at 1.6 Å or higher resolution, and AAV-DJ nearly matches the highest resolutions ever attained through X-ray diffraction of virus crystals. However, cryo-EM has the advantage that most of the hydrogens are clear, improving the accuracy of atomic refinement, and removing ambiguity in hydrogen bond identification. Outside of secondary structures where hydrogen bonding was predictable a priori, the networks of hydrogen bonds coming from direct observation of hydrogens and acceptor atoms are quite different from those inferred even at 2.8 Å resolution. The implications for understanding viral assembly mean that cryo-EM will likely become the favored approach for high resolution structural virology.
Development of a New Tomato Torrado Virus-Based Vector Tagged with GFP for Monitoring Virus Movement in Plants
Authors: Wieczorek Przemysław , Budziszewska Marta , Frąckowiak Patryk , Obrępalska-Stęplowska Aleksandra
Published: October 2020

Green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged viruses are basic research tools widely applied in studies concerning molecular determinants of disease during virus infection. Here, we described a new generation of genetically stable infectious clones of tomato torrado virus isolate Kra (ToTVpJL-Kra) that could infect Nicotiana benthamiana and Solanum lycopersicum. Importantly, a modified variant of the viral RNA2—with inserted sGFP (forming, together with virus RNA1, into ToTVpJL-KraGFP)—was engineered as well. RNA2 of ToTVpJL-KraGFP was modified by introducing an additional open reading frame (ORF) of sGFP flanked with an amino acid-coding sequence corresponding to the putative virus protease recognition site. Our further analysis revealed that sGFP-tagged ToTV-Kra was successfully passaged by mechanical inoculation and spread systemically in plants. Therefore, the clone might be applied in studying the in vivo cellular, tissue, and organ-level localization of ToTV during infection. By performing whole-plant imaging, followed by fluorescence and confocal microscopy, the presence of the ToTVpJL-KraGFP-derived fluorescence signal was confirmed in infected plants. All this information was verified by sGFP-specific immunoprecipitation and western blot analysis. The molecular biology of the torradovirus-plant interaction is still poorly characterized; therefore, the results obtained here opened up new possibilities for further research. The application of sGFP-tagged virus infectious clones and their development method can be used for analyzing plant-virus interactions in a wide context of plant pathology.
Antibody Response to Canine Adenovirus-2 Virus Vaccination in Healthy Adult Dogs
Authors: Bergmann Michèle , Freisl Monika , Zablotski Yury , Speck Stephanie , Truyen Uwe , Hartmann Katrin
Published: October 2020

Background: Re-vaccination against canine adenovirus (CAV) is performed in ≤3-year-intervals but their necessity is unknown. The study determined anti-CAV antibodies within 28 days of re-vaccination and factors associated with the absence of antibodies and vaccination response. Methods: Ninety-seven healthy adult dogs (last vaccination ≥12 months) were re-vaccinated with a modified live CAV-2 vaccine. Anti-CAV antibodies were measured before vaccination (day 0), and after re-vaccination (day 7, 28) by virus neutralization. A ≥4-fold titer increase was defined as vaccination response. Fisher’s exact test and multivariate regression analysis were performed to determine factors associated with the absence of antibodies and vaccination response. Results: Totally, 87% of dogs (90/97; 95% CI: 85.61–96.70) had anti-CAV antibodies (≥10) before re-vaccination. Vaccination response was observed in 6% of dogs (6/97; 95% CI: 2.60–13.11). Time since last vaccination (>3–5 years, OR = 9.375, p = 0.020; >5 years, OR= 25.000, p = 0.006) was associated with a lack of antibodies. Dogs from urban areas were more likely to respond to vaccination (p = 0.037). Conclusion: Many dogs had anti-CAV pre-vaccination antibodies, even those with an incomplete vaccination series. Most dogs did not respond to re-vaccination. Based on this study, dogs should be re-vaccinated every 3 years or antibodies should be determined.
Extracellular Vesicles in the Pathogenesis of Viral Infections in Humans
Authors: Caobi Allen , Nair Madhavan , Raymond Andrea D.
Published: October 2020

Most cells can release extracellular vesicles (EVs), membrane vesicles containing various proteins, nucleic acids, enzymes, and signaling molecules. The exchange of EVs between cells facilitates intercellular communication, amplification of cellular responses, immune response modulation, and perhaps alterations in viral pathogenicity. EVs serve a dual role in inhibiting or enhancing viral infection and pathogenesis. This review examines the current literature on EVs to explore the complex role of EVs in the enhancement, inhibition, and potential use as a nanotherapeutic against clinically relevant viruses, focusing on neurotropic viruses: Zika virus (ZIKV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Overall, this review’s scope will elaborate on EV-based mechanisms, which impact viral pathogenicity, facilitate viral spread, and modulate antiviral immune responses.
A DNA Vaccine Encoding Plasmodium falciparum PfRH5 in Cationic Liposomes for Dermal Tattooing Immunization
Authors: Fotoran Wesley Luzetti , Kleiber Nicole , Glitz Christiane , Wunderlich Gerhard
Published: October 2020

Vaccines are the primary means of controlling and preventing pandemics and outbreaks of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. However, a major drawback of naked DNA-based vaccines is their low immunogenicity and the amount of plasmid DNA necessary to elicit a response. Nano-sized liposomes can overcome this limitation, enhancing both nucleic acid stability and targeting to cells after administration. We tested two different DNA vaccines in cationic liposomes to improve the immunogenic properties. For this, we cloned the coding sequences of the Plasmodium falciparum reticulocyte binding protein homologue 5 (PfRH5) either alone or fused with small the small hepatitis virus (HBV) envelope antigen (HBsAg) encoding sequences, potentially resulting in HBsAg particles displaying PfRH5 on their outside. Instead of invasive intraperitoneal or intramuscular immunization, we employed intradermal immunization by tattooing nano-encapsulated DNA. Mice were immunized with 10 μg encapsulated DNA encoding PfRH5 alone or in fusion with HBsAg and this elicited antibodies against schizont extracts (titer of 104). Importantly, only IgG from animals immunized with PfRH5-HBs demonstrated sustained IgG-mediated inhibition in in vitro growth assays showing 58% and 39% blocking activity after 24 and 48 h, respectively. Intradermal tattoo-vaccination of encapsulated PfRH5-HBsAg coding plasmid DNA is effective and superior compared with an unfused PfRH5-DNA vaccine, suggesting that the HBsAg fusion may be advantageous with other vaccine antigens.
Correction: Ali, A., et al. Modeling Novel Putative Drugs and Vaccine Candidates against Tick-Borne Pathogens: A Subtractive Proteomics Approach. Vet. Sci. 2020, 7, 129
Authors: Ali Abid , Ahmad Shabir , Wadood Abdul , Rehman Ashfaq U. , Zahid Hafsa , Khan Muhammad Qayash , Nawab Javed , Rahman Zia Ur , Alouffi Abdulaziz S.
Published: October 2020

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [...]
The Effect of Corneal Thickness, Densitometry and Curvature on Intraocular Pressure Measurements Obtained by Applanation, Rebound and Dynamic Contour Tonometry
Authors: Olyntho Junior Marco Antonio de Castro , Augusto Lucas Bertazzi , Gracitelli Carolina P. B. , Tatham Andrew J.
Published: October 2020

Evaluate the effect of corneal thickness, densitometry and curvature on intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements obtained by Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT), non-contact tonometry (NCT), rebound tonometry (RT), and dynamic contour tonometry (DCT). A cross-sectional prospective study involving 40 participants was performed. Corneal measurements were obtained using Pentacam (Oculus GMbH, Wetzlar, Germany), densitometry was measured at annuli of 0–2, 2–6, 6–10 and 10–12 mm. The relationship between corneal thickness (central, 4 and 6 mm), corneal astigmatism and corneal densitometry and IOP was examined. There was a significant relationship between corneal thickness (central, 4 and 6 mm) and GAT180, GAT90, RT, and NCT (P < 0.001 for all comparisons) but not for DCT. Higher corneal densitometry (6–10 mm and 10–12 mm zones) was associated with higher IOP from GAT180 and GAT90, and higher densitometry in the 6–10 mm zone correlated with higher IOP from NCT, however corneal densitometry increased with age. Accounting for age, the relationship between corneal densitometry and IOP measurements was not significant. In eyes with greater corneal astigmatism there was a greater difference between GAT90 and GAT180 measurements. IOP measurements may be affected by corneal thickness, densitometry and curvature. DCT was less affected by properties of the cornea compared to other devices.
Evaluation of Ground Temperature Changes by the Operation of the Geothermal Heat Pump System and Climate Change in Korea
Authors: Kim Seong-Kyun , Lee Youngmin
Published: October 2020

To evaluate long-term temperature changes caused by the operation of a geothermal heat pump (GHP) system, temperatures near borehole heat exchangers (BHEs) of the GHP system in Korea were measured. The temperature measurements showed increasing rates of 0.135 °C/year at a depth of 10 m and 0.118 °C/year at a depth of 50 m for approximately 10 years. Simulations for the analysis of climate change effects on measured temperature fluctuations showed that a rate of temperature increase was 0.010 °C/year at a depth of 50 m owing to changes in surface air temperatures (SATs). From two-dimensional heat transfer simulations, the discharged heat measuring 16.7 W/m in the cooling season and extracted heat measuring 12.4 W/m in the heating season could cause an annual mean temperature increase of 0.109 °C over approximately 10 years. Additionally, results of simulations for future prediction of ground temperatures assuming that the GHP system retains its level of operation showed that in 2050, temperature at a depth of 50 m will increase by approximately 3.00 °C from that in 2005. Thus, balancing the heat discharged into and extracted from the ground by considering climate change to minimize long-term changes in the ground temperature is necessary.
Redox Dependent Arsenic Occurrence and Partitioning in an Industrial Coastal Aquifer: Evidence from High Spatial Resolution Characterization of Groundwater and Sediments
Authors: Sbarbati Chiara , Barbieri Maurizio , Barron Alyssa , Bostick Benjamin , Colombani Nicolò , Mastrocicco Micòl , Prommer Henning , Passaretti Stefania , Zheng Yan , Petitta Marco
Published: October 2020

Superlative levels of arsenic (As) in groundwater and sediment often result from industrial pollution, as is the case for a coastal aquifer in Southern Italy, with a fertilizer plant atop. Understanding conditions under which As is mobilized from the sediments, the source of that As, is necessary for developing effective remediation plans. Here, we examine hydrogeological and geochemical factors that affect groundwater As concentrations in a contaminated coastal aquifer. Groundwater has been subject to pump-and-treat at a massive scale for more than 15 years and is still ongoing. Nevertheless, As concentrations (0.01 to 100 mg/L) that are four orders of magnitude more than Italian drinking water standard of 10 μg/L are still present in groundwater collected from about 50 monitoring wells over three years (2011, 2016, and 2018). As was quantified in three different locations by sequential extractions of 29 sediment cores in 2018 (depth 2.5 m to −16.5 m b.g.l.), combined with groundwater As composition, the aqueous and solid partitioning of As were evaluated by partition coefficient (Kd) in order to infer the evolution of the contaminant plumes. Most sediment As is found in easily extractable and/or adsorbed on amorphous iron oxides/hydroxides fractions based on sequential extractions. The study shows that As contamination persists, even after many years of active remediation due to the partitioning to sediment solids. This implies that the choice of remediation techniques requires an improved understanding of the biogeochemical As-cycling and high spatial resolution characterization of both aqueous and solid phases for sites of interest.
A case of vaginal hyperplasia occurred the last trimester of pregnancy in a Kangal bitch
Authors: ŞAFAK Tarık , YILMAZ Öznur , ERCAN Kerem , YÜKSEL Burak Fatih , ÖCAL Halis
Published: October 2020

Vaginal hyperplasia is characterized clinically as the protrusion of edematous hyperplastic mucosa tissue through the vulvar lips. Generally, it is formed during the proestrus and estrus periods in dogs. In this case report, 12 months old, pregnant Kangal breed dog with a mass in the vagina was presented with pre and postoperative findings. The bitch without any genital problems at pro/estrus stages was mated about two months ago. During the clinical examination, it was detected that bitch was in the second stage of labor and had type III vaginal hyperplasia. After the delivery of nine puppies without complication, the bitch was placed under general anesthesia and the hyperplasic tissue was removed surgically. Although no hyperplasia history at pro/estrus stages of the bitch, the fact that vaginal hyperplasia was observed in the last trimester of pregnancy is remarkable. Interestingly, this hyperplastic mass did not cause dystocia during all the puppies’ delivery in this case. In conclusion, in pregnant dogs, routine genital exams should be performed once at least until parturition to control vaginal structural integrity.
Unified Inter-Letter Steganographic Algorithm, A Text-based Data Hiding Method
Authors: Esmaeilkhah Ahmad , Ghobadi Changiz , Nourinia Javad , Majidzadeh Maryam
Published: October 2020

This paper funds a novel text-based steganographic algorithm with enhanced functionality with respect to the previously proposed methods. By careful selection of one of standard space characters, the introduced Inter-Letter Steganographic Method, or Visual and Reverse Extraction attacks, two additional modes of operation have been added into original InLetSteg algorithm and have been merged into a single one, called as Unified Inter-Letter Steganographic Method, or UILS. The Unified Inter-Letter Steganographic Method (UILS) embeds the data using variable step-size into the host text and the developed mathematical model can calculate the approximate length of host text required to embed certain data, statistically. In addition, the general mathematical model of UILS makes it customizable to adapt the real-world applications. The statistical parameters that are in use through this work are calculated for English host text, but are easily calculable for other languages with similar alphabets and structure of notations. Finally, the programmatically deployed UILS outputs are experimentally examined using 60 attendant and the results are discussed
The Khuzestan Comprehensive Health Study (KCHS): Methodology and Profile of Participants
Authors: Cheraghian Bahman , Sharafkhah Maryam , Mohammadi Zahra , Hariri Sanam , Rahimi Zahra , Danehchin Leila , Paridar Yousef , Abolnejadian Farhad , Noori Mohammad , Mard Seyed Ali , Eghtesad Sareh , Shayanrad Amaneh , Etemadi Arash , Ghanbari Reza , Hashemi Farnaz , Masoudi Sahar , Shayesteh Ali Akbar , Poustchi Hossein
Published: October 2020

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide, with a disproportionally rising burden among low- and middle-income populations. While preventable risk factors highly contribute to this burden, population-based studies assessing these factors and the health status of these populations, are scarce. Methods: The Khuzestan Comprehensive Health Study (KCHS)—a cross sectional study—was conducted between 2016-2019, including 30,506 Iranians aged 20 to 65 years, from 27 counties of Khuzestan province, southwest of Iran. KCHS aimed to provide a comprehensive health overview by investigating the prevalence and risk factors of NCDs and psychological disorders, along with viral hepatitis as a common communicable disease. Upon registration, 15 mL of blood and anthropometric measurements were obtained from participants. Afterwards, several interviewer-administered questionnaires were completed to gather data on demographics, socioeconomic status, sleep quality, physical activity, lifestyle habits, nutrition, and medical history. Results: The mean ± SD age of participants was 41.7 ± 11.9 years. The majority were female (64.3%), of the Arab ethnicity (49%), married (83%), and urban residents (73.1%). About 70% had an educational level below high school diploma. Overall, 10.8%, 5.2%, and 2.8% of participants had used cigarettes, hookah, and drugs at least once in their lifetime, respectively. While body mass index and serum cholesterol levels were higher in females, blood pressure was higher in males (P<0.001). Conclusion: KCHS assessed many aspects of health in the Khuzestan province. In addition to develop a biobank along with a comprehensive dataset, KCHS will serve as a valuable infrastructure for future research.
Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of HTLV-1 and Co-infections of Blood-Borne Viruses in Birjand, Iran’s Eastern Border
Authors: Yousefi Masoud , Sharifzadeh Gholam Reza , Ebrahimzadeh Azadeh , Azarkar Zohreh , Namaei Mohammad Hasan , Azarkar Ghedsiyeh , Ahmadi Ghezeldasht Sanaz , Rezaee Rahim , Valizadeh Zare Najmeh , Mosavat Arman , Ziaee Masood
Published: October 2020

Background: Blood-borne viruses (BBVs) are one of the most important public health concerns. South Khorasan has a long border with Afghanistan and concern has risen there about blood-borne oncogenic viral infections. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence and associated risk factors of human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1) and co-infections of BBVs in Birjand, Iran’s eastern border. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 3441 subjects were tested for sero-prevalence of HTLV-1 by ELISA. The data on demographic features, HTLV-1-related risk factors and other characteristics of the population were analyzed by Pearson chi-square and logistic regression tests. Finally, the co-infection of BBVs was evaluated in the study. Results: The prevalence of HTLV-1 was 0.3% (95% CI: 0.12–0.48). Notably, the sero-prevalence of HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis D virus (HDV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in our previous studies was reported at 0%, 0.2%, 1.2% and 1.6%, respectively. The results indicated that the occurrence of HTLV-1 infection was associated only with the history of hospitalization (odds ratio [OR]: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.07–0.97, with P = 0.04). The co-infection of HBV with HCV was the most common (2.35%), while a co-infection rate of 1.17% was found for both HBV/HTLV-1 and HBV/HDV. Conclusion: Although a higher prevalence of the viruses was expected, it was close to the overall Iranian population. With respect to close relationship with an HTLV-1 endemic area (Mashhad and Neyshabour), the prevalence is very low; however, more attention is needed. Our findings reinforce the importance of increasing knowledge about BBV-related health risk behaviors to prevent the emergence of new cases, especially in low-risk populations.
Potential Value of miR-23a for Discriminating Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder from Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Sharaf-Eldin Wessam , Kishk Nirmeen , Sakr Basma , El-Hariri Hazem , Refeat Miral , ElBagoury Nagham , Essawi Mona
Published: October 2020

Background: Until now, no laboratory test or test set can guarantee the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) at early disease stages, and the disease symptoms may interfere with many other disease conditions. Analyzing the expression of circulating miRNAs may provide a useful approach for early and differential MS diagnosis. The main objective is assessment of the potential of serum miR-23a, miR-155, and miR-572 to differentiate between MS and other neuroinflammatory diseases. Methods: Serum miRNAs were obtained from 37 MS patients and 25 healthy age-matched controls, along with patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) [n = 13] and neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) [n = 10]. miRNA expression levels were analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and pairwise comparisons were made to reveal the diagnostic/distinguishing potential of the analyzed miRNAs. Results: In the study cohort, the three investigated miRNAs failed to display significant dysregulation in MS patients. However, they could significantly discriminate patients with NMOSD and NPSLE [median (IQR): 8.1 (6.1–9.2) and 8.8 (7.9–9.7) for miR-23a, 7.5 (5.3–8.3) and 8.0 (7.5–9.5) for miR-155 and 6.9 (5.0–8.8) and 6.4 (5.3–8.8) for miR-572 in NMOSD and NPSLE, respectively] from healthy subjects [median (IQR): 3.4 (1.5–4.3), 3.1 (1.1–5.6) and 3.5 (1.7–5.6) for miR-23a, miR-155 and miR-572, respectively], with area under the curve (AUC) ≤0.8. Remarkably, miR-23a has been emerging as a prospective biomarker for differentiation of MS from NMOSD as well as NPSLE (AUC<0.9). The miRNA combined use contributed to enhanced diagnostic and discriminatory performance in the study groups. Conclusion: Certain miRNA expression levels would contribute to discriminating MS from other neuroinflammatory diseases.
A Rare Axonal Variant of Guillain-Barré Syndrome as a Neurological Complication of COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Agha Abbaslou Mojgan , Karbasi Maryam , Mozhdehipanah Hossein
Published: October 2020

Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) is a neurological disorder accompanied by several neurological signs and symptoms including progressive weakness and diminished or decreased reflexes. GBS was reported as one of the several neurological complications in MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV outbreaks. Several studies have reported GBS as a neurological complication in recent COVID-19 outbreak. We report on the case of a 55-years -old female who was hospitalized with dyspnea, dry cough, and myalgia. She developed Acute Motor & Sensory Axonal Neuropathy (AMSAN), a rare variant of GBS signs and symptoms including decreased muscle strength and pinprick sensation in both lower extremities during her hospitalization.
УДОСКОНАЛЕННЯ НАУКОВО-МЕТОДИЧНОГО АПАРАТУ ОБГРУНТУВАННЯ НАПРЯМІВ ПІДВИЩЕННЯ ЯКОСТІ ДОСТАВКИ МАТЕРІАЛЬНО-ТЕХНІЧНИХ ЗАСОБІВ В СИСТЕМІ ЛОГІСТИЧНОГО ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ ПОВІТРЯНИХ СИЛ ЗБРОЙНИХ СИЛ УКРАЇНИ
Authors: Гурін Олександр , Старцев Володимир
Published: October 2020

У монографії надані пропозиції щодо удосконалення науково-методичного апарату обґрунтування напрямів підвищення якості доставки матеріально-технічних засобів в системі логістичного забезпечення яка стає невід'ємною частиною діяльності Повітряних Сил Збройних Сил України. Зауважено, що для досягнення високої ефективності застосування військових частин потрібно постійно підтримувати озброєння, військову і спеціальну техніку та здійснювати забезпечення життєдіяльності особового складу в умовах ведення бойових дій. Для вирішення цього завдання існує система логістичного забезпечення, де однім з головних складових є доставка матеріально-технічних засобів з метою своєчасного поповнення запасів та підвезення до споживачів. Враховано досвід ведення бойових дій під час виконання завдань у складі сил антитерористичної операції і операції об’єднаних сил на сході України та збройного конфлікту на Близькому Сході. Наведені основні фактори, які впливають на організацію і здійснення доставки матеріально-технічних засобів. Проведено аналіз існуючих способів і підходів до оцінювання ефективності доставки матеріально-технічних засобів та аналіз існуючого науково-методичного апарату визначення доцільних варіантів доставки. Надано алгоритми щодо оцінювання ефективності доставки матеріально - технічних засобів та визначення раціональної транспортної мережі в системі логістичного забезпечення Повітряних Сил Збройних Сил України.
A STUDY OF IMPACT OF EXCESSIVE USE OF MOBILE PHONES ON EYE DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Pandey Kshama , Tripathi Aditya
Published: October 2020

Purpose: This study was designed to determine the impact of increased screen time during covid-19 pandemic for online classes.
Methodology : A cross sectional survey on 200 students from different schools and colleges was designed to find changes in eye condition due to increased screen time using a validate questionaire.
Result: A comparison of statistical analysis on 200 students reveals that near about 70% students are dependent on mobile phone for online classes whereas 30% students use other electronic gadgets. The screen time of students have been increased 4 times in this pandemic due to which students experiences asthenopic symptoms.
Conclusion: The increased screen timing tends to appearance of asthenopic symptoms and eye strain in maximum students along with decrease in concentration. It suggest that before conducting online class students should be trained about the right way of taking online classes so that it's adverse effects can be reduced .
Continuous Auditing & Threat Detection in Multi-Cloud Infrastructure
Authors: Torkura Kennedy , Sukmana Muhammad I.H. , Cheng Feng , Meinel Christoph
Published: October 2020

Efficient change control and configuration management is imperative for addressing the emerging

security threats in cloud infrastructure. These threats majorly exploit misconfiguration vulnerabilities

e.g. excessive permissions, disabled logging features and publicly accessible cloud storage buckets.

Traditional security tools and mechanisms are unable to effectively and continuously track changes in

cloud infrastructure owing to transience and unpredictability of cloud events. Therefore, novel tools

that are proactive, agile and continuous are imperative. This paper proposes CSBAuditor, a novel cloud

security system that continuously monitors cloud infrastructure, to detect malicious activities and

unauthorized changes. CSBAuditor leverages two concepts: state transition analysis and reconciler

pattern to overcome the aforementioned security issues. Furthermore, security metrics are used to

compute severity scores for detected vulnerabilities using a novel scoring system: Cloud Security

Scoring System. CSBAuditor has been evaluated using various strategies including security chaos

engineering fault injection strategies on Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Cloud Platform

(GCP). CSBAuditor effectively detects misconfigurations in real-time with a detection rate of over

98%. Also, the performance overhead is within acceptable limits.
«L’altro, il dialogo, lo specchio che ci rifrange»
Authors: Collini Dario
Published: October 2020

This volume brings together 474 letters that Luciano Anceschi and Oreste Macrí wrote each other for 50 years. The strong point of the deep (and maybe unexpected) friendship between the two critics – based on the shared and fierce activism, on the common outlook of an «uncompromising humanism» – is curiously a dialectical progression that almost always excludes the perspective of a total agreement. It is a dialogue that springs from differences, and that exhorts to think about them. After the Second World War, the protagonists of the correspondence started to relaxedly discuss about the present and future of the European cultural civilization, the meaning of a literature that seems to illustrate a permanent state of crisis, and the events that gave life to the literary debate until the threshold of the new millennium, between post-hermetic tendencies and new experimentalisms.
A importância do enfermeiro na assistência ao aleitamento materno: os cuidados na amamentação nos diferentes cenários
Authors: Peixoto Dantas Bárbara , Rodrigues Tassara Kennia , Ataides de Moraes Pedro Henrique , Ansaloni de Oliveira Ricardo , Vieira Simões Ansaloni Lí­via
Published: October 2020

Objetivo: O objetivo do estudo é demonstrar e analisar a importância do enfermeiro na assistência ao aleitamento materno. Método: Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática de literatura a partir da análise de produções cientí­ficas publicadas no perí­odo de 2013 a 2020, pesquisadas nas bases de dados: Lilacs, SciELO, BDENF e MEDLINE indexadas na Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS). Resumo: O enfermeiro deve se empenhar em auxiliar as puérperas no imediato para garantir o êxito no processo de aleitar, ensinando a pega correta e assim prevenindo a mastites e traumas mamilares, já que são as intercorrências mais observadas nos primeiros dias de adaptação do aleitamento materno. Conclusão: Em suma, o profissional de enfermagem possuem conhecimento cientí­fico e crí­tico a acerca do aleitamento materno. Dessa forma, devem enfrentar os diferentes cenários garantindo o aleitamento materno.
Serviços de assistência í saúde e a ocorrência de erros médicos: uma abordagem í luz da Teoria Principialista
Authors: Nogueira Vieira da Silva Adaiele Lucia , Almeida Souza Rosely , Alburquerque de Almeida Willian , Araujo Braga Amoras Jessica , Moretti Carneiro Liliane , Menis Ferreira Adriano , Rigotti Marcelo Alessandro
Published: October 2020

Os meios de comunicação escrita e televisiva têm noticiado, frequentemente, os erros médicos ocorridos durante a assistência prestada em serviços de saúde. Diante disto, o presente estudo tem como objetivo refletir sobre a ocorrência de erros médicos í  luz da Teoria Principialista. Apesar da relevância do tema para o avanço da qualidade da assistência e segurança do paciente, ainda são poucas as discussões envolvendo os princí­pios bioéticos. Tendo em vista a necessidade de informações que revelem dados empí­ricos relativos í  dimensão da problemática, a violação de princí­pios bioéticos configura também na desobediência aos artigos que se referem ao cumprimento dos deveres e responsabilidades de cada categoria profissional. É imperativo uma busca constante pela discussão e reflexão dos princí­pios bioéticos e conflitos morais presentes nos serviços de saúde, com intuito de interligar o cuidado técnico com o cuidado ético-bioético, numa perspectiva de integralidade.
Manutenção da amamentação da trabalhadora formal: fatores que influenciam e suas consequência
Authors: Ouriques Chenk Polastro de Oliveira Seilane , Martinhago Borges Fernandes Vanessa , Viertel Vieira Ilse Lisiane , Del Castanhel Márcia Sueli
Published: October 2020

Objetivo: Caracterizar os fatores que interferem na manutenção da amamentação da mulher trabalhadora com ví­nculo empregatí­cio formal. Método: Pesquisa quantitativa observacional analí­tica, com 207 participantes, em Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, através de questionário online. Analisado por meio de medidas estatí­sticas univariadas. Resultados: Emergiram duas categorias: concepções relacionados í  amamentação enquanto trabalhadora e consequências das interferências do trabalho materno sobre a amamentação. A primeira categoria subdividiu-se em 5 fatores: individuais, ambientais, organizacionais, culturais e aspectos legais. Conclusão: Fortalecer tecnologias de apoio í  amamentação: creches no local de trabalho, implantação de salas de apoio í  amamentação nas empresas e ampliação da licença-maternidade mostraram-se relevantes para a consolidação das polí­ticas de incentivo ao aleitamento materno no paí­s.
IMPROVING UKRAINE'S ADMINISTRATIVE-LEGAL SUPPORT FOR CYBER SECURITY: EU AND NATO EXPERIENCE IN COUNTERING HYBRID CYBER THREATS
Authors:   Odessa State University of Internal Affairs, Veselova Liliya
Published: October 2020

The article focuses on the activities of NATO and the European Union, that consider combating hybrid threats a priority for international cooperation. A number of EU documents have been analyzed, which form a clear idea of cyber threats’ hybridity and main directions of administrative, legal and organizational support of cybersecurity, in particular, on combating hybrid cyber threats in the European Union. Based on the analysis, that at the present stage of development of society the bases were formed on the establishment of a sustainable perception of the risk problem as one of the forming factors of the modern and especially the future society, which is also becoming increasingly socially important. The aim of the article: to identify areas for improving the administrative and legal support of cybersecurity in Ukraine by borrowing the experience of the EU and NATO to combat hybrid cyber threats. The research methodology: the system of general scientific and special methods of cognition, namely the formal-legal method, comparative legal method and method of scientific abstraction. It is emphasized that the domestic regulatory framework has significant shortcomings and requires the introduction of appropriate rules for the introduction of risk-based approach in cybersecurity activities in Ukraine, as well as the definition of basic terms («risk-based approach to cybersecurity», «risk-oriented approach to critical infrastructure protection», «risks», «risk management»). The essence and meaning of the term «sustainability», which has gained practical application in strategic documents in the field of security and in essence is the latest concept of modern theory of national security, which has practical significance for state policy in security environment and is important for security practice in cyberspace, because it is the presence of hybrid threats in cyberspace that cannot be prevented, necessitates the formation of a new approach, in particular, the formation of «sustainability», which in turn should be implemented in public cyberspace policy.
STRUCTURE OF THE CONCEPT: INFORMATION CULTURE OF THE FUTURE TEACHER OF CHEMISTRY
Authors:   Central Ukrainian State Pedagogical University named after V. Vynnychenko, Ivashchenko Bohdan
Published: October 2020

The article considers the preconditions for the emergence of the phenomenon and the concept of "information culture". The purpose of article is to identify the main components of the information culture of the individual, and to analyze their relationship. The author used the methods of logical comparison, systematization and generalization, which allowed to achieve the goal of the study and draw conclusions. The high rates of scientific and technological progress, the expansion of cognitive activity of people, the emergence of new sciences, the rapid change of not only production but also social technologies, the dynamism of modern society - all these aspects became the basis for significant growth of information resources. The factors of changing the attitude to the concept of "information culture" in chronological order are given. Distinctive and similar features in the views and attitudes to the "information culture" of scientists "East" and "West" are considered. The main approaches to the definition of "information culture" are highlighted. The views of scientists on the components of information culture are listed. The expediency and importance of using the activity approach to the formation of information culture are given. The main components of information culture of personality are singled out. A brief analysis of the interaction of each component is given.
MICROSCOPIC STRUCTURE OF ALBINO RATS’ SMALL INTESTINE
Authors: Hryn Volodymyr H. , Kostylenko Yuriy P. , Bilash Valentyna P. , Ryabushko Olena B.
Published: October 2020

Introduction: The small intestine of albino rats is a transitive canal between the stomach and the cecum that is closely located from each other, reaches a length of one meter, which in comparison ratio to body weight significantly exceeds the corresponding segment in humans. The aim: The paper is aimed at thorough histological study of the wall and structure of albino rats’ small intestine mucosa. Materials and methods: 30 mature albino male rats were involved into the study. The specimens of albino rats’ small intestine, fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin solution, have been studied. The study was carried out using conventional histological methods for obtaining serial paraffin sections stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Epoxy plastination of individual tissue samples of the small intestine was performed. Subsequently, polished thin sections were made, stained with 1% methylene blue and 1% borax solution. The obtained specimens were studied on the “Konus” light microscope equipped with Sigeta DCM-900 9.0MP digital microphoto attachment with the Biorex 3 software adapted for studies of such type. Results and conclusions: For the first time in the practice of histological study of the epithelial covering of the mucous membrane of the small intestine, attention is drawn to the specific pattern of its organization on the intestinal villi. It has been found that epithelial covering consists of alternating cluster epithelial aggregations separated by fissured depressions. Since no mentioning about them has been found in the publication, these cluster aggregations of enterocytes can be called epithelial buds of the intestinal villi. Consequently, it can be concluded that with the exception of some specific morphological features, the small intestine of albino rats is homologous to human one by its histological structure, which means that it can be used as a model for various experimental studies.
TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS REMISSION AND ITS PREDICTION AFTER TWO-STAGE SURGICAL TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH MORBID OBESITY
Authors: Ioffe Oleksandr Yu. , Kryvopustov Mykola S. , Dibrova Yuri A. , Tsiura Yuri P.
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Morbid obesity (MO) has a significant impact on mortality, health and quality of life of patients. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common comorbidity in
patients with MO.
The aim is to study T2DM remission and to develop a prediction model for T2DM remission after two-stage surgical treatment of patients with MO.
Materials and methods: The study included 97 patients with MO. The mean BMI was 68.08 (95% CI: 66.45 - 69.71) kg/m2. 70 (72,2%) patients with MO were diagnosed
with T2DM. The first stage of treatment for the main group (n=60) included the IGB placement, for the control group (n=37) - conservative therapy. In the second stage of
treatment the patients underwent bariatric surgery. The study addresses such indicators as BMI, percentage of weight loss, percentage of excess weight loss, ASA physical status
class, fasting glucose level, HbA1c, C-peptide.
Results: Two-stage treatment of morbidly obese patients with T2DM promotes complete T2DM remission in 68.1% of patients. The risk prediction model for failure to achieve
complete T2DM remission 12 months after LRYGB based on a baseline C-peptide level has a high predictive value, AUC = 0.84 (95% CI: 0.69-0.93), OR = 0.23 ( 95% CI: 0.08-0.67).
Conclusions: Two-stage treatment of patients with MO promotes improvement of carbohydrate metabolism indicators. With a C-peptide level > 3.7 ng/ml, prediction of
complete T2DM remission 12 months after Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass is favorable.
MULTIPLEX PCR ASSAY FOR CHLAMYDIA-LIKE BACTERIA DETECTION
Authors: Zezekalo Viktoriya K. , Pochernyaev Konstantin F. , Voloshchuk Vasyl M. , Zasukha Liudmyla V. , Shcherbakova Natalia S. , Kulynych Serhii M.
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Waddlia chondrophila and Parachlamydia acanthamoebae are well-known and best-studied representatives of Сhlamydia-related bacteria carrying a potential
zoonotic threat. These bacteria are associated with miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, diseases of the respiratory system in both humans and animals. Despite the importance of these Сhlamydia-like organisms for human medicine along with veterinary medicine, studies on their prevalence in Ukraine were not conducted due to the lack of available tests.
The aim of our work was to create relatively cheap and easy method for detection Waddlia chondrophila and Parachlamydia acanthamoebae.
Materials and methods: GenBank database was used to find nucleotide sequences of the 16S rRNA gene of bacteria Chlamydiales’ order. Alignment was performed using the
MEGA7 software, in order to detect the presence of polymorphic hybridization sites specifically attributed to Waddlia chondrophila and Parachlamydia acanthamoebae. Primer- BLAST software was used to design oligonucleotide primers, to evaluate the critical parameters of the primer, in particular, the melting temperature, difference between melting temperatures for the primer pairs, the GC content, the self-complementarity, etc.
Results and conclusions: The amplification of control DNA of Parachlamydia acanthamoebae and Waddlia chrondophila in single PCR using the corresponding primers and subsequent gel electrophoresis of PCR products determined the size of the amplified DNA fragments 88 b.p. and 123 b.p, respectively; the fragments were in line with the expected sizes. The analytical specificity test was performed by amplifying the control DNA of 15 species of the order Chlamydiales.