bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inferring bird’s trajectory from multi-sensor geolocators and remote sensing with a graphical model
Authors: Nussbaumer Raphaël , Gravey Mathieu , Briedis Martins , Liechti Felix
Published: May 2022

Background
In addition to light, the use of pressure and activity data recorded by multi-sensor geolocators has recently been shown to improve the estimation of a bird’s position. At the same time, modelling a bird’s trajectory with an MCMC sampler becomes more challenging when integrating this new information.
Method
In this work, we propose to model the trajectory of a bird with a graphical model, allowing to compute and efficiently store the probability distribution of the entire trajectory. We demonstrate how the graph representation can be used to compute the following products: (1) the most likely path, (2) the probability map for each stationary period, and (3) simulated paths. This method is applied to 16 tracks from 9 different species.
Results
The graph approach is mathematically exact (i.e., not iterative/approximation used) and relatively fast to compute. The trajectories produced combine information of light, pressure, accelerometer, and wind data, resulting in the highest spatial precision ever achieved for geolocator data. The increase of precision enables the reconstruction of the full journey of a bird, including all stopover (even only hours long). In addition, this approach also allows to retrieve airspeed and windspeed for each flight allowing further analysis on migration energetics and wind use.
Conclusions
The method presented here, allows for a reconstruction of full migratory pathways from geolocators at an unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution. Combing behavioural activity during stopovers with information on relative energy expenditure during flight bouts can reveal further aspects of stopover habitat quality, as well as potential carry-over effects, and by including breeding success, even fitness consequences.
Application of machine learning in beam optics measurements and corrections
Authors:   , Fol Elena
Published: May 2022

The present research in high energy physics as well as in the nuclear physics requires the use of more powerful and complex particle accelerators to provide high luminosity, high intensity, and high brightness beams to experiments. With the increased technolo- gical complexity of accelerators, meeting the demand of experimenters necessitates a blend of accelerator physics with technology. The problem becomes severe when optimization of beam quality has to be provided in accelerator systems with thousands of free parameters including strengths of quadrupoles, sextupoles, RF voltages, etc. Machine learning methods and concepts of artificial intelligence are considered in various industry and scientific branches, and recently, these methods are used in high energy physics mainly for experiments data analysis. In Accelerator Physics the machine learning approach has not found a wide application yet, and in general the use of these methods is carried out without a deep understanding on their effectiveness with respect to more traditional schemes or other alternative approaches. The purpose of this PhD research is to investigate the methods of machine learning applied to accelerator optimization, accelerator control and in particular on optics measurements and corrections. Optics correction, maximization of acceptance, and simultaneous control of various accelerator components such as focusing magnets is a typical accelerator scenario. The effectiven- ess of machine learning methods in a complex system such as the Large Hadron Collider, which beam dynamics exhibits nonlinear response to machine settings is the core of the study. This work presents successful application of several machine learning techniques such as clustering, decision trees, linear multivariate models and neural networks to beam optics measurements and corrections at the LHC, providing the guidelines for incorporation of machine learning techniques into accelerator operation and discussing future opportunities and potential work in this field.
High-pressure electrical conductivity and elasticity of iron-bearing δ-AlOOH
Authors: Su Xiaowan , Liu Jin , Zhuang Yukai , Lv Chaojia , Pang Xuyong , Liu Fuyang , Yu Xiaohui , Sun Qiang
Published: May 2022

The electrical conductivity and elasticity of deep hydrous phases are essential to constraining water distribution, as well as deciphering the origins of conductivity anomalies in the lower mantle. To uncover the impact of iron-bearing δ-AlOOH on the geophysical properties of the lower mantle, we carried out synchrotron X-ray diffraction and electrical conductivity measurements on δ-(Al0.52Fe0.48)OOH and (Al0.95Fe0.05)OOH in diamond-anvil cells at pressures up to 75 GPa at room temperature. A sharp volume reduction of ~6.5% was observed in δ-(Al0.52Fe0.48)OOH across the spin transition at 40.8–43.3 GPa, where its electrical conductivity increases steadily without abrupt changes. The electrical conductivity of δ-(Al0.52Fe0.48)OOH is greater than that of pure δ-AlOOH at high pressure, suggesting that both small polaron and proton conduction mechanisms dominate in iron-bearing δ-AlOOH. Furthermore, the high-pressure electrical conductivity profiles are comparable between δ-(Al0.95Fe0.05)OOH and δ-(Al0.52Fe0.48)OOH, indicating that high-iron content only marginally influences the conductivity of iron-bearing δ-AlOOH. Notably, the electrical conductivity of iron-bearing δ-AlOOH along the North Philippine geotherm is greater than the average 1D electrical conductivity profile in the mantle (Ohta et al. 2010a). This result suggests that δ-(Al,Fe)OOH is a promising candidate to account for high conductivity in some subducting slabs.
(Inter)racialization: the regulation of domestic and urban space in housing North African migrants in post-colonial France
Authors: Franco Rébecca
Published: May 2022

Literature on immigrant housing and assimilation has shown how housing policies perpetuate, create and contest racial boundaries. This paper argues for the necessity to look at the regulation of domestic space together with the regulation of the urban space. By reading “along” and “against” the archival grain, this paper looks at housing policies that targeted the North-African migrant population in the 1960s and 1970s in France as colonial continuities. French authorities ostensibly encouraged gendered assimilation through spatial politics and interventions in the domestic space. Literature on the French context has shown how this perpetuated racialisation in the housing process. Building upon feminist scholarship on gender, intimacy, and colonialism, this paper shows how these policies did not acknowledge interracialised households and prevented interracialised intimacies. This helps understand how housing policies can reinforce racialised exclusion by regulating racial boundaries in the urban space and the domestic space together.
Diary of a Colonial Diarrhea: Trying to justify the unjustifiable
Authors: Batista Rodrigo
Published: May 2022

This is a text by the Brazilian theatre maker and educator, Rodrigo Batista. For Batista: this is an essay “resulting from a process of artistic reflection condemned by the neoliberal ties of individualism and the boycott of collective and decentralized thoughts. It is a diary of colonial diarrhea, generated by centuries-old bad meals, seasoned with Patriarchy, White Supremacy, and the maintenance of hegemonies that continue to explode entire digestive systems, killing cultures and exposing rotten intestines on hygenic screens for consumption 24/7”.
Os Pássaros
Authors: Bianchi Carolina
Published: May 2022

This is a text by the Brazilian theatre director, dramaturg and performer, Carolina Bianchi. As Bianchi writes, this text is: “a small reflection on working practices; and to talk about practices it is inevitable that we take into consideration the collectivisation of passions. And if I talk about passions, I talk about my anger. If, for a very long time, the word behind a lot of things in my work was eroticism or libido, I would say that now it is anger. I write with a lot of anger, punishing the keys of my borrowed computer, as if my fingers were iron hammers. In the eye of the pandemic in 2020, since I joined the University of Amsterdam to start a Master's degree, what does it mean to be at a physical distance from those I’ve been working with every day for the last years?”
Research Note: The Influence of Micro-oxygenation on the Long-term Ageing Ability of Pinot noir Wine
Authors: Yang Yi , Deed Rebecca C. , Araujo Leandro D.
Published: May 2022

In this study, Pinot noir wines were bottle aged for 12 and 18 months after micro-oxygenation (MOX)applied before or after malolactic fermentation (MLF) at two doses (10.8 and 52.4 mg/L/month). Afterageing, a greater decrease in the total SO2 concentration was found in wines with the higher MOX dosage,demonstrating a long-term impact of higher oxygen exposure on wines’ SO2 requirement. Meanwhile, anegative impact of MOX on wine colour development occurred over time, resulting in a large loss of colourmeasures (i.e., 420 nm for brown hues, 520 nm for red colour, SO2 resistant pigments, and colour intensity),which was greater with the early oxygen exposure. This was linked to a significantly lower content of largepolymeric pigments in MOX treatments. Tannin concentration was, in the end, not affected by the MOXtreatments. However, regarding tannin composition, considerably higher (-)-epicatechin extension unitsbut much lower (-)-epicatechin terminal units were found with MOX treatments. In addition, a significantreduction of tannin trihydroxylation (%Tri-OH) but a higher galloylation (%Galloyl) and mean degree oftannin polymerisation (mDP) remained in wines with MOX, indicating a long-term negative influence onastringency intensity.
Dry Matter Accumulation, Seasonal Uptake and Partitioning of Mineral Nutrients by Vitis vinifera L. cv. Sultanina Grapevines in the Lower Orange River Region of South Africa - A Preliminary Investigation
Authors: Conradie W.J. , Raath P.J. , Mulidzi A.R. , Howell C.L.
Published: May 2022

Table grapes are harvested from November until early February in the Orange River Region of SouthAfrica, where a functional leaf canopy is present for up to six months of post-harvest. Seasonal uptakeand partitioning of mineral nutrients by ‘Sultanina’ grapevines in this long-season area were quantifiedin a preliminary investigation. Entire grapevines growing on two different soil types were sampled duringthe growing season. On sandy soil, further from the river, grapevine vigour was not excessive; however,on the fertile alluvial soil vigour was higher with active post-harvest re-growth. At budbreak, reserve Nplayed an important role on the sandy soil, while it was less important on the alluvial one. During the postharvestperiod, 34.3% of the annual N-requirement was absorbed by grapevines cultivated on sandy soilat post-harvest, while only 17.0% was absorbed on the alluvial soil. Approximately 4.0 kg N was utilizedfor the production of one ton of fresh grapes. A major fraction of the annual P-requirement (41.9%) wasabsorbed post-harvest by grapevines on the sandy soil. Grapevines on alluvial soil absorbed more P atpre-harvest; however, P was somehow lost post-harvest. Comparable amounts of K and Mg were absorbedby both selections of grapevines. Sandy soil grapevines absorbed K and Mg at post-harvest, while a netloss occurred for those of alluvial soil. Calcium utilized by sandy soil grapevines was less than half thatutilized by those of alluvial soil. The seasonal absorption pattern of Ca was comparable for both soils.Results suggest that that seasonal uptake and partitioning of mineral nutrients are affected by soil typeand grapevine vigour.
An Investigation into Hematoprotective and Antioxidant Effects of Salvia virgata Jacq. Upon Cyclophosphamide-Induced Toxicity
Authors: KULCANAY ŞAHİN İlknur
Published: May 2022

The present study aims to investigate hematoprotective and antioxidant effects of Salvia virgata (SV) on Cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced toxicity. The rats were divided into 6 groups of 7 members each. These were the Control group, CP Group (150 mg kg-1), 100 and 200 mg kg-1 SV Groups, and CP+100 and CP+200 mg kg-1 SV Groups. All the rats were sacrificed to harvest their blood and bone marrow samples the day after final injections. While some of the blood samples were used for leukocyte and platelet count, the others were used to determine the levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS), glutathione (GSH), and oxidative stress index (OSI). While a decrease was observed in the leukocyte, platelet and bone-marrow nucleated cell counts of the group given CP, apart from a decline in GSH and TAC levels, the MDA and TOC levels of the rats in this group showed an increase. In contrast, CP-induced oxidative stress and myelosuppression reversed in the combined SV Groups (CP+100 and 200 mg kg-1 of SV Groups), although the reversal in the latter group was of more significance. Our experimental results have shown that SV may exert antioxidant and cytoprotective effects upon CP-related peripheral blood and bone marrow toxicities.
COMPARISON OF CONVENTIONAL PHYSICAL THERAPY AND MULLIGAN MOBILIZATION TECHNIQUE IN THE TREATMENT OF CERVICOGENIC HEADACHE
Authors: ARGALI DENIZ Mine , KÖSE Evren , ERCAN Meryem , YAĞAR Derya , ÖNER Serkan , ÖZBAĞ Davut
Published: May 2022

Purpose: The aim of this investigate the effectiveness of the conventional physical therapy and Mulligan mobilization technique in the treatment of Cervicogenic Headache (CH) and to compare the effectiveness of these two methods. Methods: A total of 40 patients with CH were randomized into conventional physical therapy group (Group 1, n=20) and Mulligan mobilization group (Group 2, n=20). Neck lordosis, range of motion (ROM), Cervical Performance Tests, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Neck Disability Index, Beck Depression Scale measurements were recorded at baseline and at two weeks after the treatment. Results: VAS, Neck Disability Index and Beck Depression Scale decreased and ROM, cervical performance and lordosis angle increased significantly in both groups (p=0.010). Conclusions: Both treatments were found to have positive effects on radiological and clinical findings of CH, but Mulligan mobilization technique was found to be more effective in all evaluations except neck extension and right lateral flexion ROM measurements
CADEIAS REPRODUTIVAS DE TRABALHO
Authors: De Sousa Heloisa , De Araújo Delmiro Gémes Ivaldinete
Published: May 2022

Neste artigo analisamos as configurações do trabalho doméstico e de cuidados na vida de uma mulher, moradora da cidade de João Pessoa, a partir da história de vida e observação direta de seu cotidiano e também de revisão bibliográfica e documental. Essa análise é baseada em parte dos resultados da pesquisa de doutorado Trabalho Doméstico não-remunerado: rupturas, continuidades e adaptações do trabalho doméstico e de cuidados. Utilizamos a abordagem interseccional como balizadora analítica dos dados obtidos. Por fim, encontramos a existência das cadeias reprodutivas de trabalho, uma rede complexa de trabalho invisível entre as mulheres, que expropria o tempo das mulheres, gera sobrecarga, e provoca o apagamento do fato histórico e geracional relacionado ao trabalho reprodutivo, como um trabalho das mulheres.
POR ONDE ANDA O ATIVISMO FEMINISTA HOJE?
Authors: Bandeira Lourdes Maria
Published: May 2022

O artigo busca entender – por meio da metáfora da “onda” os diversos momentos de ativismos e de lutas feministas, em contextos históricos próprios e com suas particularidades, no plano internacional e suas influências e repercussões no Brasil. A 1ª “onda” pode ser caracterizada, a partir das primeiras décadas do século passado, com as sufragistas, sofre refluxos, para ir navegando, no plano nacional, até os anos 1970, com a chegada da 2ª “onda”. As demais sobreposições “marítimas” percorreram o(s) ativismo(s) e a(s) luta(s) feminista(s) que caracterizaram, na entrada do século XXI, a 3ª “onda”. Para tanto foi realizado um recorrido sócio-histórico pela bibliografia para se chegar na 4ª “onda” na primeira década do século XXI. Então foi possível identificar a existência de novos tipos de ativismos e de organizações com renovação geracional que dispõem de meios tecnológicos de comunicação inovadores. Rupturas e tensões foram identificadas, mas há, inegavelmente, avanços nas conquistas feministas. Vale destacar que qualquer tentativa de “classificação” sempre traz algum resquício de “arbitrariedade”.
Magalhães e Romero como agentes do processo de modernização do pensamento brasileiro
Authors: Silva Juliana
Published: May 2022

Este trabalho pretende avaliar os fundamentos da reforma do pensamento brasileiro, tomando como referência conexões e divergências entre o espiritualismo de Domingos J. Gonçalves de Magalhães e o cientificismo de Sílvio Romero. Apoiados nos princípios apresentados principalmente em Fatos do espírito humano (1858) e na obra A filosofia no Brasil (1878), analisa-se a modernização da filosofia em nosso país empreendida no século XIX.
Synthesis and Characterization of Dendrotoxin: A Potent Potassium Channel Inhibitor
Authors: Byrnes M. E. , Mahnir V.M. , Kem W.R. , Pennington M. W.
Published: May 2022

Dendrotoxin, a 59 residue peptide toxin was synthesized using an Fmoc-tBu strategy and folded to the biologically active form . Synthetic dendrotoxin co-eluted with the natural toxin by RP-HPLC, and inhibited [125]-dendrotoxin I binding to rat brain synaptosomes with an IC50=20 nM which was comparable to the natural toxin .
Preliminary X-ray Diffraction Analysis of β-Ketoacyl-[Acyl Carrier Protein] Synthase I from Escherichia coli
Authors: Olsen Johan Gotthardt , Kadziola Anders , Siggaard-Anderson Mads , Chuck Jo-Anne , Larsen Sine , von Wettstein-Knowles Penny
Published: May 2022

Crystals have been obtained of β-ketoacyl-[acyl carrier protein] synthase I (KAS I) which is the chain elongation enzyme of the dissociated multicomponent fatty acid synthase system in Escherichia coli. The KAS Idimer crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, space group P212121. The unit cell dimensions are: a= 59.6 Å, b = 142.1 Å, c = 214.2 Å. This is the first report of X-ray diffraction study of a condensing enzyme.
Ethnomedicinal, Phytochemical and Nutra-pharmaceutical Potentials of
Indian Arrowroot (Curcuma angustifolia Roxb)
Authors: Talukdar Anupam Das , Patra Jayanta Kumar , Kityania Sibashish , Nath Rajat , Nath Deepa , Choudhury Manabendra Dutta , Nizamee Abu Md Hassan
Published: May 2022

Indian Arrowroot (Curcuma angustifolia Roxb) belongs to the Zingiberaceae family is widely distributed in India and some parts of Nepal, Thailand, Bangladesh, Pakistan. It is traditionally used as medicine for treating various diseases and also used as food. Few data are available about its application in pharmacology and therapeutics. Literature search for related contents, keywords such as “Curcuma angustifolia Roxb”, “traditional food”, “ethnomedicine”, “pharmacology”, “phytochemicals”, “pharmacological activities” were used in search engines including pubmed, google scholar, scopus, sciencedirect, and semantic scholar. Secondary metabolites found in Indian Arrowroot include essential oils, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, phytosterols, terpenes, phenols, and others. Pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, anti-ulcerogenic, hepatoprotective, and anti-cancerous activities have been shown by Indian Arrowroot (Curcuma angustifolia Roxb). The presence of nutritional value and pharmaceutical potential gained demand in the various food production industries and pharmacology research. It may play a vital role for future studies of Curcuma angustifolia Roxb as ethnomedicine and further exploitation in pharmacological studies.
Animal Models to Investigate the Impact of Flavors on Nicotine Addiction and Dependence
Authors: Bagdas Deniz , Kebede Nardos , Zepei Andy Ma , Harris Lilley , Minanov Karina , Picciotto Marina R. , Addy Nii A.
Published: May 2022

Background:

Tobacco use in humans is a long-standing public health concern. Flavors are common additives in tobacco and alternative tobacco products, added to mask nicotine’s harsh orosensory effects and increase the appeal of these products. Animal models are integral for investigating nicotine use and addiction and are helpful for understanding the effects of flavor additives on the use of nicotine delivery products.

Objective:

This review focuses on preclinical models to evaluate the contribution of flavor additives to nicotine addiction.

Materials and Methods:

An electronic literature search was conducted by authors up to May 2022. Original articles were selected.

Results:

The behavioral models of rodents described here capture multiple dimensions of human flavored nicotine use behaviors, including advantages and disadvantages.

Conclusion:

The consensus of the literature search was that human research on nicotine use behavior has not caught up with fast-changing product innovations, marketing practices, and federal regulations. Animal models are therefore needed to investigate mechanisms underlying nicotine use and addiction. This review provides a comprehensive overview of animal models that can be used to investigate the effects of flavors on nicotine use behaviors.
Effect of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Inducing
Weight Loss in Patients with Chronic Schizophrenia: A Randomized,
Double-Blind Controlled 4-Week Study
Authors: Su Xiuru , Wang Xuan , Pan Xiuling , Zhang Xuan , Lu Xinyan , Zhao Long , Chen Yingnan , Shang Yujie , Zhu Lin , Lu Shulan , Zhu Xiaolin , Wu Fengchun , Xiu Meihong
Published: May 2022

Objectives:

There is emerging evidence that high-frequency (HF) repetitive transcranial
magnetic stimulation (rTMS) may promote weight loss in individuals with obesity in the general
population. However, no study has been conducted on patients with schizophrenia (SZ). This study
evaluated the efficacy of 10Hz rTMS in reducing body weight in patients with chronic SZ.

Methods:

Forty-seven SZ patients were randomly assigned to two groups: 10Hz rTMS or sham
stimulation over DLPFC (applied once daily) for 20 consecutive treatments. Body weight was assessed
at baseline, at the end of week 1, week 2, week 3 and week 4. Clinical symptoms were evaluated
with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) at baseline and at the end of week 4.

Results:

We found that compared with patients in the sham group, 10Hz rTMS treatment significantly
reduced body weight in patients with chronic SZ after a period of 4 weeks of stimulation. Interestingly,
further analysis found that from the first week (5 sessions) of treatment, there was a significant
difference in body weight between active and sham groups after controlling for baseline
weight. However, active rTMS treatment did not improve the psychotic symptoms compared to
sham stimulation.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that add-on HF rTMS could be an effective therapeutic strategy for
body weight control in patients with chronic SZ.
Malthusian Trajectory for Heart Failure and Novel Translational
Ambulatory Technologies
Authors: Iyngkaran Pupalan , Niranjan Bidargaddi , de Courten Maximilian P. , Battersby Malcolm
Published: May 2022

Introduction:

It has been estimated that congestive heart failure (CHF) will reach epidemic
proportions and contribute to large unsustainable impacts on health budgets for any cardiovascular
condition. Against other major trends in cardiovascular outcomes, readmission and disease
burden continue to rise as the demographics shift.

Methods:

The rise in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) among elderly women
will present new challenges. Gold standard care delivers sustainable and cost-effective health improvements
using organised care programs. When coordinated with large hospitals, this can be replicated
universally.

Result:

A gradient of outcomes and ambulatory care needs to be shifted from established institutions
and shared with clients and community health services, being a sizeable proportion of CHF care.

Conclusion:

In this review, we explore health technologies as an emerging opportunity to address
gaps in CHF management.
Integrated Multi-Omics Data Analysis Identifies a Novel Genetics-Risk
Gene of IRF4 Associated with Prognosis of Oral Cavity Cancer
Authors: Lv Yan , Xu Xuejun , Wang Zhiwei , Huang Yukuan , Ma Yunlong , Wu Mengjie
Published: May 2022

Background:

Oral cavity cancer (OCC) is one of the most common carcinoma diseases. Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have reported numerous genetic variants associated with OCC susceptibility. However, the regulatory mechanisms of these genetic variants underlying OCC remain largely unclear.

Objective:

This study aimed to identify OCC-related genetics risk genes contributing to the prognosis of OCC.

Methods:

By combining GWAS summary statistics (N = 4,151) with expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) across 49 different tissues from the GTEx database, we performed an integrative genomics analysis to uncover novel risk genes associated with OCC. By leveraging various computational methods based on multi-omics data, we prioritized some of these risk genes as promising candidate genes for drug repurposing in OCC.

Results:

Using two independent computational algorithms, we found that 14 risk genes whose genetics-modulated expressions showed a notable association with OCC. Among them, nine genes were newly identified, such as IRF4 (P = 2.5×10-9 and P = 1.06×10-4), TNS3 (P = 1.44×10-6 and P = 4.45×10-3), ZFP90 (P = 2.37×10-6 and P = 2.93×10-4), and DRD2 (P = 2.0×10-5 and P = 6.12×10-3), by using MAGMA and S-MultiXcan methods. These 14 genes were significantly overrepresented in several cancer-related terms (FDR < 0.05), and 10 of 14 genes were enriched in 10 potential druggable gene categories. Based on differential gene expression analysis, the majority of these genes (71.43%) showed remarkable differential expressions between OCC patients and paracancerous controls. Integration of multi-omics-based evidence from genetics, eQTL, and gene expression, we identified that the novel risk gene of IRF4 exhibited the highest ranked risk score for OCC (score = 4). Survival analysis showed that dysregulation of IRF4 expression was significantly associated with cancer patients outcomes (P = 8.1×10-5).

Conclusions:

Based on multiple omics data, we constructed a computational framework to pinpoint risk genes for OCC, and we prioritized 14 risk genes associated with OCC. There were nine novel risk genes, including IRF4 gene, which is significantly associated with the prognosis of OCC. These identified genes provide a drug repurposing resource to develop therapeutic drugs for treating patients, thereby contributing to the personalized prognostic management of OCC patients.
Medical Students’ Knowledge and Attitude Towards Artificial Intelligence: An Online Survey
Authors: Al Saad Mouna M. , Shehadeh Amin , Alanazi Salem , Alenezi Monerah , Abu alez Ahmad , Eid Hana , Alfaouri Mohammed Saif , Aldawsari Sultan , Alenezi Rawan
Published: May 2022

Introduction:

Within the near future, doctors can be anticipated to encounter patients in very distinctive wellbeing care settings compared with the present time. As a result, artificial intelligence will be an essential tool.

Objectives:

The purpose of this study is to investigate the attitudes of Jordanian medical students regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). Moreover, to estimate the level of knowledge and understanding of the effects of AI on medical students.

Methods:

Nine hundred medical students from six universities in Jordan participated in this survey. The participants were asked to fill out an electronic pre-validated questionnaire using Google’s forms and those forms were published via social media. The questionnaire included questions of Likert and dichotomous questions.

Results:

89% of the students believed in the importance of AI in the medical field, and 71.4% believed in the beneficiary of teaching AI in the medical career. 47% of the students had an understanding of the basic principles of AI, 68.4% of the students believed that it is mandatory for medical students to receive knowledge of AI. Statistically, students who received teaching/training in AI were more likely to consider radiology as a career given the advancement in AI (p = 0.000).

Conclusion:

Medical students in Jordanian universities appreciate the importance of artificial intelligence and machine learning in medical advancements. Adding courses and training related to artificial intelligence and machine learning to the study plan should be considered.
A Solvent-free/Effective Base Unsaturated Esters Synthesis using Novel
Amine Functionalized Ionic Liquid
Authors: Velumani Bharathi Priya , Uthayanila Selvarasu , Ganesh Gopalsamy Selvaraj , Karthikeyan Parasuraman
Published: May 2022

1-(2-aminoethyl)-3-methylimidazolium bromide [Aemim]Br ionic liquid acted as a catalyst
as well as a solvent in the Knoevenagel condensation reaction. The extent of products formed
with high yield and more flattering for the synthesis of aliphatic and aromatic esters. The [Aemim]
Br can be recycled for 6 runs without great loss of activity.

Background:

The Knoevenagel condensation was one of the fundamental reactions in organic
chemistry both at the laboratory and industrial levels.

Objective:

An effective method for the condensation of a variety of aliphatic and aromatic carbonyl
compounds with ethyl acetoacetate and subsequent hydrolysis to corresponding α, β -
unsaturated esters in [Aemim]Br was achieved.

Method:

The weighed quantity of [Aemim]Br, an aldehyde and ethyl acetoacetate were carried
out at 25OC. The reaction commenced instantaneously making the reaction mixture highly viscous.
The product was extracted with ether. The combined organic extracts were dried using anhydrous
sodium sulphate, evaporated under reduced pressure and assayed on GC.

Results:

We could achieve to get Knoevenagel condensation with good yield.

Conclusion:

An effectual procedure for Knoevenagel condensation of a variety of aliphatic and aromatic
aldehydes with active ethyl acetoacetate arises smoothly in the presence of [Aemim]Br without
any additional solvents. This is the best method that proved an effective green industrial process.
Biological Importance and Pharmacological Activities of Meranzin and
Meranzin Hydrate Against Human Disorders
Authors: Patel Dinesh Kumar , Patel Kanika
Published: May 2022

Background:

Herbal plant-based products and their derived phytochemicals have been
used in the complementary and alternative systems of medicine for the treatment of human
disorders. Vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts, coffee, tea, and wine contain significant amounts of
coumarin class phytochemicals. Coumarin is found to be present in cassia leaf oil, cinnamon bark
oil, lavender oil, and microorganism-derived drugs.

Methods:

Scientific databases, such as Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus, and PubMed, have
been searched to collect the scientific information regarding meranzin and meranzin hydrate in the
present work in order to know their medicinal importance and pharmacological activities in the
medicine. Pharmacological activity data of meranzin and meranzin hydrates has been thoroughly
studied from scientific databases and analyzed in the present work to evaluate their biological
potential against human disorders. Analytical data on meranzin and meranzin hydrates have been
also collected and analyzed in the present work to know the importance of analytical techniques for
the standardization of plant material.

Results:

Scientific data analysis revealed the biological potential of meranzin and meranzin
hydrates against human health complications. Meranzin was found to be present in the Fructus
aurantii, Triphasia trifolia, Cnidium monnieri, and Murraya exotica. Scientific data analysis
revealed the biological potential of meranzin and meranzin hydrates in the medicine due to their
anti-depressant, anti-fibrotic, anti-proliferative, anti-atherosclerosis, and anti-bacterial activities.
Further scientific data analysis revealed the biological effectiveness of meranzin and meranzin
hydrates on neuroinflammation, intestinal motility, and various forms of enzymes. Furthermore,
pharmacokinetic parameters for meranzin and meranzin hydrates were also investigated in the
present work. Chromatography techniques used for the analysis were also summarized and
discussed to examine the importance of isolation, separation, and quantification of meranzin and
meranzin hydrates.

Conclusion:

Present study will facilitate scientists in the development of effective medicine from
meranzin and meranzin hydrates against the various human health complications.
Interpreting the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement before British courts
Authors: F. Tatham Allan
Published: May 2022

The Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom entered into force in early 2021. It represents another pillar in the new, post-Brexit relations between the two parties. Despite the express terms of the TCA, domestic courts will still have to deal with the effect of the Agreement in cases before them. The England and Wales Court of Appeal, in two recent judgments, has already given guidance to courts within their jurisdiction in how to approach the use of the TCA in their own decision-making. These judgments represent the first judicial pronouncements on the effect and interpretation of the TCA’s provisions in national courts.
The effects of introducing a carbon-meat tax in the EU: a literature review
Authors: Leite Pinto Rafael
Published: May 2022

The food industry, especially meat production, is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change. Although the European Union has taken several measures to curb the effects from the agricultural sector, more recently launching the Farm to fork Strategy, livestock production seems to be left out of the proposed actions. Since 1985, the Commission has stated that the Polluter Pays principle should be applied to agriculture and in the most recent Strategy, this is also mentioned alluding to a possible carbon-tax on food products. In fact, one of the most popular measures discussed to internalise the environmental externalities of the sector and to encourage a reduction in animal products consumption is the introduction of a carbon tax, namely on meat products. Although several countries have applied climate taxes on fossil fuels and taxes on certain foods for health reasons, no country has applied a tax on food products for environmental reasons. In this article, we analyse the effects of implementing a carbon meat-tax in the EU by conducting a literature review of simulation studies. We discuss possible benefits and disadvantages with a practical, environmental, and socio-economic view.
A Scalable Risk-Scoring System Based on Consumer-Grade Wearables for Inpatients With COVID-19: Statistical Analysis and Model Development
Authors: Föll Simon , Lison Adrian , Maritsch Martin , Klingberg Karsten , Lehmann Vera , Züger Thomas , Srivastava David , Jegerlehner Sabrina , Feuerriegel Stefan , Fleisch Elgar , Exadaktylos Aristomenis , Wortmann Felix
Published: May 2022

Background

To provide effective care for inpatients with COVID-19, clinical practitioners need systems that monitor patient health and subsequently allow for risk scoring. Existing approaches for risk scoring in patients with COVID-19 focus primarily on intensive care units (ICUs) with specialized medical measurement devices but not on hospital general wards.

Objective

In this paper, we aim to develop a risk score for inpatients with COVID-19 in general wards based on consumer-grade wearables (smartwatches).

Methods

Patients wore consumer-grade wearables to record physiological measurements, such as the heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), and respiration frequency (RF). Based on Bayesian survival analysis, we validated the association between these measurements and patient outcomes (ie, discharge or ICU admission). To build our risk score, we generated a low-dimensional representation of the physiological features. Subsequently, a pooled ordinal regression with time-dependent covariates inferred the probability of either hospital discharge or ICU admission. We evaluated the predictive performance of our developed system for risk scoring in a single-center, prospective study based on 40 inpatients with COVID-19 in a general ward of a tertiary referral center in Switzerland.

Results

First, Bayesian survival analysis showed that physiological measurements from consumer-grade wearables are significantly associated with patient outcomes (ie, discharge or ICU admission). Second, our risk score achieved a time-dependent area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.73-0.90 based on leave-one-subject-out cross-validation.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of consumer-grade wearables for risk scoring in inpatients with COVID-19. Due to their low cost and ease of use, consumer-grade wearables could enable a scalable monitoring system.

Trial Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04357834; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04357834
Assessment of Smartphone Apps for Common Neurologic Conditions (Headache, Insomnia, and Pain): Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Minen Mia T , George Alexis , Camacho Erica , Yao Leslie , Sahu Ananya , Campbell Maya , Soviero Mia , Hossain Quazi , Verma Deepti , Torous John
Published: May 2022

Background

There are thousands of apps for individuals struggling with headache, insomnia, and pain, but it is difficult to establish which of these apps are best suited for patients’ specific needs. If clinicians were to have access to a platform that would allow them to make an informed decision on the efficacy and feasibility of smartphone apps for patient care, they would feel confident in prescribing specific apps.

Objective

We sought to evaluate the quality of apps for some of the top common, disabling neurologic conditions (headache, insomnia, and pain) based on principles derived from the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) app evaluation model.

Methods

We used the Mobile Health Index and Navigation database and expanded upon the database’s current supported conditions by adding 177 new app entries. Each app was rated for consistency with the APA’s app evaluation model, which includes 105 objective questions based on the following 5 major classes of consideration: (1) accessibility, (2) privacy and security, (3) clinical foundation, (4) engagement style, and (5) interoperability. These characteristics were evaluated to gain a broader understanding of the significant features of each app category in comparison against a control group.

Results

Approximately 90% (187/201) of all apps evaluated were free to download, but only 50% (63/201) of headache- and pain-related apps were truly free. Most (87/106, 81%) sleep apps were not truly free to use. The apps had similar limitations with limited privacy, accessibility, and crisis management resources. For example, only 17% (35/201) of the apps were available in Spanish. The apps offered mostly self-help tools with little tailoring; symptom tracking was the most common feature in headache- (32/48, 67%) and pain-related apps (21/47, 45%), whereas mindfulness was the most common feature in sleep-related apps (73/106, 69%).

Conclusions

Although there are many apps for headache, pain, and insomnia, all 3 types of apps have room for improvement around accessibility and privacy. Pain and headache apps share many common features, whereas insomnia apps offer mostly mindfulness-based resources. Given the many available apps to pick from, clinicians and patients should seek apps that offer the highest-quality features, such as complete privacy, remedial features, and the ability to download the app at no cost. These results suggest that there are many opportunities for the improvement of apps centered on headache, insomnia, and pain.
Potential of Online Recruitment Among 15-25-Year Olds: Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Hoffmann Sofie Have , Paldam Folker Anna , Buskbjerg Mark , Paldam Folker Marie , Huber Jezek Andrea , Lyngsø Svarta Durita , Nielsen Sølvhøj Ida , Thygesen Lau
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

Recruiting young people for health and intervention studies by traditional methods has become increasingly challenging. The widespread access to the internet may offer new strategies for online recruitment.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to assess the feasibility of online recruitment for a randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of Mindhelper, an online national youth mental health promotion service. The target group was young Danes aged 15-25 in need of mental health promotion.

METHODS

Advertisements for recruitment were set up on Facebook and Instagram. Browser history was collected for a subsample of participants. We compared basic characteristics of participants who completed the baseline survey and those who did not, as well as of participants who completed the follow-up survey and those who were lost to follow-up. The significance of these differences was tested with the Pearson chi-square test.

RESULTS

A total of 560 Danes aged 15-25 were recruited within 1 month (ie, had completed the baseline survey). Among these participants, 356 (63.6%) were at risk of developing depression or stress. The average advertisement price per participant completing the baseline questionnaire was 31 DKK (approximately €4 [US $4.2]). The follow-up survey was sent to 545 participants, of whom 318 (58.3%) completed the survey. No statistically significant differences were observed in baseline characteristics of participants who completed the follow-up and those who were lost to follow-up in terms of gender (P=.45), age (P=.35), occupation (P=.17), cohabitation (P=.90), mental well-being (P=.26), mental illness (P=.44; impact of the illness, P=.05), or use of the internet when having a hard time (P=.92).

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that it is feasible to recruit young Danes online for a large-scale randomized controlled trial assessing the effectiveness of Mindhelper.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04650906; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04650906
Peer Review of “Satisfaction With Health Care Services at the Pediatric Specialist Clinic of the National Referral Center in Malaysia: Cross-sectional Study of Caregivers’ Perspectives” (Preprint)
Authors: Anonymous Reviewer AE
Published: May 2022

UNSTRUCTURED

This is a peer review report related to MS# 33025.
Predicting waist circumference from a single CT image: Introducing the mobile app “Measure It” (Preprint)
Authors: Masmoudi Abderrahmen , Zouari Amine , Bouzid Ahmed , Fourati kais , Baklouti Soulaimen , Ben Amar Mohamed , Boujelben Salah
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

Despite the existing evidence that waist circumference (WC) provides independent and additive information to body mass index for predicting morbidity and mortality, this measurement is not routinely obtained in clinical practice. Using CT scan images, mobile health (mHealth) has the potential to make WC parameter easily available even in retrospective studies.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to develop a mobile app as a tool for facilitating the measurement of WC, based on a cross-sectional CT image.

METHODS

The development process included three stages: determination of principles of WC measurement on CT images; app prototype design and prototype validation. We performed a preliminary validity study, in which we compared waist circumference measurements obtained both by the conventional method using a tape measurement in a standing position and by the mobile app using the last abdominal CT slice not showing the iliac bone. Pearson’s correlation, Student’s t tests, Q-Q and Bland-Altman plots were used for statistical analysis. Moreover, in order to perform a diagnostic test evaluation, we also analysed the accuracy of the app in detecting abdominal obesity.

RESULTS

We developed a prototype of the app “Measure It” capable of estimating the WC from a single cross-sectional CT image. We used an estimation based on an ellipse formula adjusted to gender of the patient. The validity study was proposed to 20 patients, including 10 men and 10 women. There was a good correlation between both measurements (Pearson R =0,906). The student t test showed there were no significant differences between the two measurements (P=0,978). Both Q-Q dispersion plot and Bland-Altman analysis graphs showed good overlapping with some dispersion of extreme values. The diagnostic test evaluation showed an accuracy of 83% when using the mobile app to detect abdominal obesity.

CONCLUSIONS

This app is a simple and accessible mHealth tool with the purpose of routinely including WC as a valuable obesity parameter in clinical and research practice. Usability and validity evaluation among medical teams will be the next step prior to its use in clinical trials and multicentric studies.
Feasibility of a Novel COVID-19 Telehealth Care Management Program among Individuals Receiving Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder: Pilot Study (Preprint)
Authors: Williams Kimberly D , Jurkovitz Claudine T , Papas Mia A , Muther Kathryn , Anderson Sharon L , Anderson Tammy L
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the existing epidemic of opioid use disorder (OUD) across the United States partly due to the disruption of in-person treatment and support services.

OBJECTIVE

This pilot study aimed to determine the feasibility of delivering a COVID-19 telehealth care management program for patients receiving OUD treatment.

METHODS

Individuals were recruited from a state-wide opioid treatment program (OTP) network. Those who screened positive for COVID-19 symptoms were invited to connect to care management through a secure Short Message Service (SMS) text message. Care management monitoring services for COVID-19 were provided for a period of up to 14 days.

RESULTS

Between January and April 2021, OTP staff members referred 21 patients with COVID-19 symptoms and 18 (82%) agreed to be contacted by a care manager. Of these, 12 (67%) patients were enrolled in the program with two (11%) opting out of SMS text message communication to instead speak with a care manager by telephone. On average [median (interquartile range)] participants answered 7 (4-10) messages and remained in the program for 9 (7.5-12) days. No participants were referred for acute care services or hospitalized during program enrollment.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated the feasibility of a novel telehealth intervention to monitor COVID-19 symptoms among OTP patients in treatment for OUD. Further research is needed to determine the applicability of this intervention to monitor patients with comorbid chronic conditions.
Design and Development of Floor Cleaning Robot
Authors: Chekuri Seshahari Varma , Chinchole Rahul , Khalifa Mohammed Muntasir , Arakerimath Prof. Rachayya
Published: May 2022

Abstract: Robots are being extensively used in various fields of work. They have taken over dangerous, boring, and monotonous jobs. While cleaning is still done with the help of maids and janitors in institutes and big building complexes which strains and tires them. Hence the need for an autonomous floor cleaning robot. The existing floor cleaning robots are bulky and are not very user-friendly. They tend to be on the expensive end. Our project aims at providing a solution at lower cost, better integration with the help of IoT and better overall user-friendliness. Keywords: robots, Autonomous, IoT, user-friendliness, integration