bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A NEW CATEGORY OF COMMON PURPOSE LIABILITY?
Authors: Shannon Hoctor  
Published: September 2021

Common purpose liability remains a controversial aspect of the principles of criminal liability in South African law, despite the doctrine passing constitutional muster in S v Thebus (2003 (2) SACR 319 (CC)). This definition was most recently set out in the latest edition of Burchell’s Principles of Criminal Law (5ed (2016) 477). It is clear from the definition that the common purpose doctrine can apply in two scenarios: first, where there is a prior agreement between persons to commit a crime, and secondly, where there is an intentional active association with the commission of the crime. Where either of these situations can be established on the facts of the case, it is not necessary for the State to prove a causal contribution on the part of all of those involved in the criminal conduct, since the conduct of the individual who caused the consequence is imputed to all the others who are involved.
It has been suggested that these requirements apply equally to all cases that involve common purpose, but that they are “more or less self-evident in cases where there is a prior conspiracy”. However, as Snyman points out, there are important distinctions between the two forms of common purpose liability. Thus where reliance is placed on a prior agreement or conspiracy, as opposed to active association, proof of agreement with a general common design (rather than association with a specific act) will suffice for liability. Moreover, with regard to the prior agreement form, presence at the scene of the crime is not required, and it is further not required that the accused actively associated himself with the actual commission of the crime at the time of its commission. In the fourth edition of Burchell, the author introduces an entirely new understanding of the operation of the common purpose doctrine, in explaining the judgment in the case of Mzwempi. Burchell’s discussion is worthy of consideration. My interest is not merely personal ‒ Burchell disagrees with my own interpretation of the judgments in Nzo and Mzwempi – but because adopting this understanding would change the way we view the common purpose doctrine.
Topology of ray surfaces in low-velocity zones
Authors: McMechan George A. 
Published: September 2021

abstractPlotting of three-dimensional ray surfaces in p-Δ-z space provides a means of determining p-Δ curves for any focal depth. A region of increasing velocity with depth is represented in p-Δ-z space by a trough, and a region of decreasing velocity, by a crest. Two sets of ray trajectories, the arrivals refracted outside a low-velocity zone, and the guided waves inside the zone, can be merged into a single set along the ray that splits into two at the top of the low-velocity zone. This ray is common to both sets. This construction provides continuity of the locus of ray turning points through the low-velocity zone and thus allows definition of p-Δ curves inside as well as outside the low-velocity zone.
Gravity meter observation of free modes excited by the August 19, 1977 Indonesia earthquake
Authors: Linton John A. , Smylie D. E. , Jensen O. G. 
Published: September 2021

abstract
Free modes with signal-to-noise ratio in the range of 40 to 55 dB were observed in the record taken by a vertical broadband quartz fiber gravimeter system opeating in Montreal following the event of August 19, 1977 in Indonesia. The large signal-to-noise ratio has permitted very stable Q estimates to be made for a number of the fundamental spheroidal modes. The very long-period band shows no definitive evidence of signal other than the expected tidal lines.
La Unión Europea, el Líbano y los refugiados sirios
Authors: Lion Bustillo Javier 
Published: September 2021

El propósito de este artículo consiste en evaluar la coherencia de la acción exterior de la Unión Europea entre sus relaciones con el Líbano y su política hacia los refugiados sirios. Para ello, se llevará a cabo un contraste entre los objetivos de la Política Exterior y de Seguridad Común y los del Espacio de Libertad, Seguridad y Justicia. La primera declara promover la estabilidad en ese país, además de extender hacia él las ideas europeas en materia de democratización, derechos humanos y buen gobierno. El segundo busca que los refugiados permanezcan en países vecinos (como es el caso del Líbano) y que se evite su llegada a Europa. Los resultados de este trabajo subrayan que esta notable presencia de refugiados en un país con recursos limitados, con una administración pública ineficaz y clientelista, y con un sistema político inestable está conduciendo a evidentes tensiones, que se pueden ver reforzadas si buena parte de esos refugiados permanece indefinidamente en el país. De este modo, la obsesión por tratar a los refugiados como una amenaza a su seguridad debilita la coherencia de la acción exterior de la UE y perjudica el logro de sus otros objetivos.
Recibido: 18 noviembre 2020Aceptado: 4 mayo 2021
Adolescent Police Stops, Self-Harm, and Attempted Suicide: Findings From the UK Millennium Cohort Study, 2012‒2019
Authors: Jackson Dylan B. , Testa Alexander , Fix Rebecca L. , Mendelson Tamar 
Published: September 2021

Objectives. To explore associations between police stops, self-harm, and attempted suicide among a large, representative sample of adolescents in the United Kingdom. Methods. Data were drawn from the 3 most recent sweeps of the UK Millennium Cohort Study (MCS), from 2012 to 2019. The MCS is an ongoing nationally representative contemporary birth cohort of children born in the United Kingdom between September 2000 and January 2002 (n = 10 345). Weights were used to account for sample design and multiple imputation for missing data. Results. Youths experiencing police stops by the age of 14 years (14.77%) reported significantly higher rates of self-harm (incidence rate ratio = 1.52; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.35, 1.69) at age 17 years and significantly higher odds of attempted suicide (odds ratio = 2.25; 95% CI = 1.84, 2.76) by age 17 years. These patterns were largely consistent across examined features of police stops and generally did not vary by sociodemographic factors. In addition, 17.73% to 40.18% of associations between police stops and outcomes were explained by mental distress. Conclusions. Police-initiated encounters are associated with youth self-harm and attempted suicide. Youths may benefit when school counselors or social workers provide mental health screenings and offer counseling care following these events. (Am J Public Health. 2021;111(10):1885–1893. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306434 )
Antibacterial Activity of Rhamnus prinoides extracts against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli
Authors: geta kindu , Kibret Mulugeta 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Infectious diseases caused by bacteria have a large impact on public health. Increasingly resistant microbial infections intensified the search for new, safer, and more efficacious agents to combat serious microbial infections. Plants have played a central part in combating many diseases in human and domestic animals in many local communities, including Africa. Rhamnus prinoides is Ethiopian medicinal plants that have been used traditionally for the treatment of diverse infectious diseases. Therefore, this research was carried out to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Rhamnus prinoides extracts against pathogenic bacteria. Methods: The antimicrobial activity tests were carried out by the agar well diffusion method. Broth dilution and streak plate methods were used to determine MIC and MBC values of extracts respectively. Results: The results revealed that ethanol extracts of fruits showed the highest antibacterial activity against standard strains of S. aureus with mean inhibition zone of 26± 0.58, 28.33±1.2 and 33.33± 0.9 mm at 25, 50 and 100 mg/ml respectively. The lowest mean MIC value (1.04 mg/ml) was recorded with ethanol extract of fruits against the standard strains of S. aureus and the lowest mean MBC value (2.08 mg/ml) was recorded with ethanol extract of fruits against the standard strains and clinical isolates of S. aureus. Conclusion: On the basis of the current findings, Rhamnus prinoides could be a good candidate in the search for new antibacterial agents from natural products against bacterial pathogens. Therefore, further studies are needed to study their toxicology and isolate the bio- active components from this plant.
Identification of Most Lethal Non-synonymous SNPs in Tollip gene- An In-Silico Analysis
Authors: Ghani Usman , Ullah Rahmat , Anjum Tayyaba , Ali Yasir , Sabar Muhammad Farooq , Khan Shehryar , Zulfiqar Iqra , Hussain Saddam 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The Toll-interacting protein (TOLLIP), first detected by hybrid screening using Interleukin-1 receptor accessory protein in 2000, is ubiquitous and its TLR signaling cascade gets negatively regulated by TOLLIP in particular by impeding the TLR4 and TLR2 pathways. Toll-interacting protein facilitates TLR and TGF-β type 1 receptor intracellular localization and lysosomal degradation and exerts its anti-apoptosis and pro-autophagy effects through interaction with a target of Myb1 membrane trafficking protein 1 (TOM1) in autoimmunity. It also protects intestinal epithelial cells from apoptosis induced by (TNF-α) (IFN-γ) signaling and acts as a cargo adaptor linking (ATG8) autophagy gene 8 and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3. Ubiquitin-modified cell debris along with coated autophagosomes removes harmful protein aggregates and maintains cellular homeostasis. It is therefore structurally and functionally important to detect TOLLIP polymorphisms to indicate the possible malfunctions and therapeutics. We have identified the gap of available data on nsSNPs in the TOLLIP gene in previous studies. Hence, We have used a wide range of bioinformatic techniques in this study to identify the most destructive nsSNPs in the TOLLIP gene. The in-silico tools such as PROVEAN, SIFT, SNP&GO, PhD SNP, and PolyPhen2 have been used followed by I Mutant, MutPred, and ConSurf. The 3-D mapping was carried out with I-TASSER and Phyre2. Though, STRING and GeneMANIA proposed the gene to gene interaction of TOLLIP. Our study identified G19D (rs866744102), G32R (rs1308704061), D71N (rs777772934), and E72G (rs1202660177) as the four most lethal non-synonymous SNPs in TOLLIP genes, which may play an essential part in defects of TOLLIP Protein and probably cause a different type of diseases. This is the first study of its kind, and it could pave the way in the field of medical drugs in the future. The influence of these nsSNPs in the normal functioning of TOLLIP can also be evaluated in animal models to identify the underlying biochemical pathway involved in diseases.
LncRNA CRNED Hinders The Progression of Osteoarthritis By Epigenetic Regulation of DACT1
Authors: Zhang Ziqi , Yang Pei , Wang Chunsheng , Tian Run 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is mainly characterized by articular cartilage degeneration, synovial fibrosis, and inflammation. LncRNA CRNED (colorectal neoplasia differentially expressed) has been reported to be down-regulated in age-related OA, but its role in injury-induced OA needs to be further explored. In this study, an OA rat model was established by using anterior cruciate ligament transection, and the adenovirus-mediated CRNED overexpression (Ad-CRNED) or DACT1 (dapper antagonist of catenin-1) interference (sh-DACT1) vectors were injected into the rat model via tail vein. Besides, chondrocyte‑like ATDC5 cells were treated with IL-1β (10 ng/mL) to simulate OA conditions in vitro. We found that overexpression of CRNED alleviated cartilage damage and synovitis in OA rats, and suppressed IL-1β-induced apoptosis, inflammation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation in chondrocyte‑like ATDC5 cells, while silencing DACT1 effectively antagonized the protective effect of CRNED both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanism studies revealed that DACT1 could act as a downstream target of CRNED. By recruiting p300, CRNED promoted the enrichment of H3K27ac in the DACT1 promoter, thus promoting DACT1 transcription. In addition, CRNED hindered the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in IL-1β-stimulated cells by inducing DACT1 expression. In conclusion, CRNED promoted DACT1 expression through epigenetic modification and restrained the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling to impede the progression of OA.
Evaluating The Relationship Between The Primary Damages of Deoxyribonucleic Acid and Total Antioxidant Capacity With The Respiratory Exposure To The Benzene in One of The Oil Companies in Iran
Authors: Sakhvidi Mohammad Javad Zare , Zarei Abdorreza , Hachesu Vida Rezaei , Zolfaghari Ahmad 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Benzene is a carcinogenic chemical substance which causes the injuries and damages through producing the free radicals in DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and the antioxidants are the agents which reduce the impacts of DNA damages by inhibiting the free radicals. This study was conducted aiming at determination of primary damages of DNA and level of plasma oxidative stress markers resulting from the respiratory exposure to the benzene found in petroleum compounds among the workers at loading platforms of a petroleum products distribution center. This study was an analytical (case control) research conducted among the workers in a working shift serving at the loading platforms of petroleum products. The exposure group included the workers with a history of contact with benzene and the control group was composed of the persons with no history of exposure to benzene. To investigate the level of the personnel’s exposure to benzene, NIOSH-1501 method was utilized; to analyze the samples taken from the air, GC mass (Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry) was applied; and to determine the average of DNA primary damages, Comet Assay was used. To investigate %TAC (Total Antioxidant Capacity), the blood serum of the exposure and control groups was applied by using the photometry device in wavelength of 520 nm. Results indicate The average difference of parameters of Tail Length (TL), Tail Density (TD), Tail Momentum (TM), percentage of tail in the DNA (%DNA) and %TAC in control group was 78.59, 8.35, 1.20, 10.05 and 25.58 and in the exposure group was 59.21, 75.74, 57.74, 3.5 and 16.58, respectively. Determining the DNA damage using Comet Assay and examining %TAC by photometry showed that TL, %DNA and %TAC values decreased among the workers already exposed to benzene and TD and TM values increased. In comparing the averages between two studied groups, all study variables had statistically meaningful difference (P < 0.05). More studies are recommended to be conducted on using the methods which identify the special places of breakage and damage in DNA chain due to the exposure to benzene and consequently prevent the its complications and consequences.
On-Line Monitoring of The Axial Thermal Displacement of Machine Tools By Using A Laser Mouse Sensor
Authors: Cheng Wen-Nan , Cheng Chih-Chun , Tsai Chih-Ming , Kuo Yu-Hsin , Chen Wei-Ren 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
This paper presents a low-cost on-line system for monitoring the axial thermal displacement of machine tools. The proposed monitoring system includes an embedded optical sensor derived from a laser mouse; an image acquisition microcontroller; speckle patterns; and an edge computer that hosts software including an image display module, a displacement calculation module, an image enhancement module, and a data visualization module. The proposed sensing system can measure the displacement in two orthogonal directions simultaneously by employing digital image correlation; thus, the proposed system is a two-dimensional displacement sensor. The sensing system benefits from image enhancement techniques and customized optimal speckle patterns printed using a standard low-cost monochrome laser printer. Experimental results indicate that the proposed displacement sensing system has an accuracy and a precision of less than 5 mm in both orthogonal directions; however, the measurement range is only 1 mm for a static measurement. The two-dimensional displacement sensing system was used for the on-line monitoring of the thermal deformation of a feed drive system for machine tools, and the performance of the sensing system was assessed experimentally.
Mortality Rate of People Exposed to Mustard Gas During Iran-Iraq War in Sardasht, Iran: A 32 Years Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Rabiee Mohammad Hasan , Ghanei Mostafa , Amini Hossein , Akhlaghi Aliasghar 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background:Mustard gas is one of the mostwidely used chemical weapons in the past century.Howeverlittle information existsconcerning long-term mortality due to MG exposure. In this study we investigated mortality rate among civilian people exposed to mustard gas during Iran-Iraq war in sardasht in Iran after 32 years.Methods:In this retrospective cohort study, data related to all people exposed to mustard gas in sardasht in 1987 were extracted from the Veterans and Martyr Affair Foundation of Iran up to March 20, 2019. Mortality rate, cumulative mortality and standardized mortality ratio with 95 % confidence interval were calculated to explain mortality in the cohort and compare it with Iranian general population. Cox regression analysis used to indicatefactoraffected risk of death in the cohort. Results:Out of 1,203 exposed people at the beginning of the period, 148 people died by the end of the study, with an average age of 66.42 at the time of death. Total person-years of the people up to end of the study were 38198.63 and mortality rate was equal to 387 per 100,000 persons-years.Total number of observed deaths was less than expected death and theall-cause standardized mortality ratio (SMR) was 0.680.Cause-specific SMR showed that observed death due to respiratory diseases was higher than expected (SMR: 1.75). The results of univariate and multivariate cox regression analysis showed that increasing age and having severe latecomplication in lungincrease risk of death among people in the cohort.Conclusion:In general, this result indicated that acute exposure to mustard gas, even without wearing protective clothing and masks, will not increase all-cause mortality after 32 years if accompanied by special and ongoing carefor those exposed.
CT-Based Morphological Analysis of The Distal Femur In Patients With Trochlear Dysplasia
Authors: Li Weifeng , Wang Qian , Li Hui , Wang Shunyi 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: The morphology of the femoral trochlear has been well investigated; however, to date, the distal femur morphological characteristics have not been studied. The research team posited the presence of morphological differences in the distal femur in trochlear dysplasia compared to a control group. They also postulated that the underlying pathology of distal femur dysplasia is a medial hypoplasia.Methods: Computed tomography (CT) scans of 80 knees with trochlear dysplasia and 80 knees with normal anatomy of the femoral trochlear were included. The following measurements were assessed by three observers: the distal femur angle, the percentage of medial distal femur height and the percentage of lateral distal femur height between the groups. The independent Student's t-test were used to evaluate the differences of the qualitative variables.Results: The distal femur angle was relatively larger compared to the control group (p<0.001). Percentage of the medial distal femur showed signifcant lower values in the study group (p<0.001). No signifcant diferences were evaluable for the percentage of lateral distal femur height (p=0.087). The study group have a bigger distal femur angle and a steep medial distal femur than the control group. Conclusion: Patients with trochlear dysplasia have a different distal femur compared with those without trochlear dysplasia. Compared to controls, patients with a dysplastic trochlea have a distal femur dysplasia, and the underlying pathology of a dysplastic distal femur is led by a medial distal femur hypoplasia.
Finite-Level Quantized Consensus of Multi-agent Networked Systems
Authors: Nuga Olubusola Olufunke , Amusa Kamoli , Matthew Simeon , Olanipekun Ayorinde Joseph , Abayomi-Alli Adebayo 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
This paper is concerned with the analysis of consensus multi-agent networked system. Adopted in the analysis is the finite-level logarithmic quantizer, for the transmission of the networked-agents state. Two protocols are utilised in the analysed multi-agent networked system: the consensus protocol, which is determined from the outputs and states of a set of encoder-decoder pair that is employed in the system, and convergence rate protocol that is precisely characterized via the use of a dynamic scaling factor. With information exchange among neighbouring agents, the asymptotic consensus can be reached. The proof of protocols is based on proper selection of parameters of the logarithmic quantizer chosen for the connected network. As a demonstration of the validity of the protocols, a four-agent networked system is used. It is shown that an undirected network exchange of information via a communication channel that is equipped with a set of encoder and decoder can lead to attainment of estimates of neighbour state protocol for the networked system. Furthermore, desired asymptotic convergence can be reached through appropriate choice of parameters of the logarithmic quantizer.
Dental Interns’ Perceptions of Their Training Experiences at Different Training Centers: A Look at Work Environment and Supervision
Authors: Alenezi Ali 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: the aim of this study was to explore dental interns perceptions on their learning environment and supervision. Methods: This survey was in form of questioner in which interns are required to fill and submit at the end of each training rotation. The questionnaire includes 20 items and was divided into three main parts: the first part of the questionnaire evaluated the interns perception toward the learning outcomes obtained from the field experience and their development. The second part of the study assessed the interns' perceptions toward their supervisors. The third part of the questionnaire investigated the interns' perceptions toward training centers facilities. Results: A total number of 234 questioners were filled and submitted by interns in which 134 from male intern (57.3%) and 100 from female interns (42.7%). In general, the interns from both genders appeared very satisfied with their training experience. With all the questionnaire 20 items, more than 75% of the obtained answers was either agree or strongly agree with similar obtained from both male and female interns. Conclusions: High level of satisfaction can be obtained when the the field experience outcomes is clearly explained to the dental interns. In addition, the availability of supervisors with full awareness of learning outcomes will improve the learning experience of dental interns.
Experimental Study and Analysis of Light Scattering Patterns of Bragg Fibers Fabricated in PECVD
Authors: Naqvi Zeba , Her Tsing-Hua 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Light scattering patterns are commonly used in industry
to assess fiber quality. In this work, scattering patterns
of Bragg fibers are studied. Optical fibers are
coated with alternating layers of Silicon Nitride and
Silica using Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition.
A laser beam incident perpendicular to the fiber
axis scatters off creating patterns distinct from that of
uncoated fibers which exhibit continuous front lobe. Effect
of variation in layer properties, polarization, wavelength
and fiber symmetry is observed in the patterns.
Anomalous suppression and enhancement in angular
scattering pattern is explained through a scattering angle
diagram. Features in the pattern are mapped to reflectance
of the Bragg stack and it is found that a stopband
creates the anomalous features in the scattering.