bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generating Stakeholder Value Through Increasingly Hybridized Conferences: Insights from 30 Years of ACIS Conferences
Authors:   Victoria University, Tate Mary , Zwanenburg Sander ,   University of Otago, Clarke Rodney J. ,   University of Wollongong
Published: June 2024

In the last few years, changes to the Australasian Conference on Information Systems (ACIS) have accelerated in response to COVID-19, as well as climate change, technological advances, and trends in the tertiary sector. These underlying conditions have generated much discussion within annual conference committees and their partners. These discussions were ongoing before the pandemic but have increased in importance as a result of the pandemic and a trend towards hybridization and virtualization of some or all conference events. In this paper, we distill these ongoing discussions and apply them specifically to the issues identified in a recent AIS task force report on conference virtualization. We identify the stakeholders in the conference ecosystem and the risks they would incur from poor quality conference experiences. Through this analysis we provide 57 recommendations to mitigate the risks of a poor conference experience and to improve value-creation opportunities. We hope our recommendations and reflections can advance the debate and help conferences continuously adapt to their changing environment to realize their potential to generate value for their IS communities.
A Curvilinear Transfer Function for Wide Dynamic Range Compression with Expansion
Authors: Sokolova Alice , Aksanli Baris , Harris Fredric , Garudadri Harinath
Published: June 2024

Wide Dynamic Range Compression in hearing aids is becoming increasingly more complex as the number of channels and adjustable parameters grow. At the same time, there is growing demand for customization and user self-adjustment of hearing aids, necessitating a balance between complexity and user accessibility. Compression in hearing aids is governed by the input-output transfer function, which relates input magnitude to output magnitude, and is typically defined as a combination of linear piecewise segments resembling logarithmic behavior. This work presents an alternative to the conventional compression transfer function that consolidates multiple compression parameters and revisits expansion in hearing aids. The curvilinear transfer function is a continuous curve with logarithm-like behavior, governed by two parameters—gain and compression ratio. Experimental results show that curvilinear compression reduces the amplification of low-level noise, improves signal-to-noise ratio by up to 1.0 dB, improves sound quality as measured by the Hearing Aids Speech Quality Index by up to 6.7%, and provides comparable intelligibility as measured by the Hearing Aids Speech Perception Index, with simplified parameterization compared to conventional compression. The consolidated curvilinear transfer function is highly applicable to over-the-counter hearing aids and offers more capabilities for customization than current prominent over-the-counter and self-adjusted hearing aids.
Efficient Velvet-Noise Convolution in Multicore Processors
Authors: Belloch Jose Antonio , Badia Jose M. , Leon German , Välimäki Vesa
Published: June 2024

Velvet noise, a sparse pseudo-random signal, finds valuable applications in audio engineering, such as artificial reverberation, decorrelation filtering, and sound synthesis. These applications rely on convolution operations whose computational requirements depend on the length, sparsity, and bit resolution of the velvet-noise sequence used as filter coefficients. Given the inherent sparsity of velvet noise and its occasional restriction to a few distinct values, significant computational savings can be achieved by designing convolution algorithms that exploit these unique properties. This paper shows that an algorithm called the transposed double-vector filter is the most efficient way of convolving velvet noise with an audio signal. This method optimizes access patterns to take advantage of the processor’s fast caches. The sequential sparse algorithm is shown to be always faster than the dense one, and the speedup is linearly dependent on sparsity. The paper also explores the potential for further speedup on multicore platforms through parallelism and evaluate the impact of data encoding, including 16-bit and 32-bit integers and 32-bit floating-point representations. The results show that using the fastest implementation of a long velvet-noise filter, it is possible to process more than 40 channels of audio in real time using the quad-core processor of a modern system-on-chip.
Lambda Scan for T- Channel Fermion Dark Matter Model
Authors: Gürpınar Güler Emine
Published: June 2024

The development of collider machines revealed a lot about the matter in particle physics. The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN, has made a great contribution to this field. While the LHC experimental data were compared with the Standard Model (SM), new models were put forward by theorists. Various parameters of many phenomenological studies have been tested for high-energy collisions. In this study, I examined a simplified Dark matter model, the t-channel Fermion Portal model, with the lambda parameter scan at 14 TeV. Signal generation was performed using the Madgraph5 generator to scan mediator and dark matter mass. It was checked how the change of the lambda constant changed the dark matter production mechanism of the model.
Layer Selection for Subtraction and Concatenation: A Method for Visual Velocity Estimation of a Mobile Robot
Authors: Bıngol Mustafa Can
Published: June 2024

Kinematic information such as position, velocity, and acceleration is critical to determine the three-dimensional state of the robot in space. In this study, it is aimed to estimate as visual the linear and angular velocity of a mobile robot. Additionally, another aim of this study is to determine the suitability of the concatenation or subtraction layer in the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) that will make this estimate. For these purposes, first, a simulation environment was created. 9000 pairs of images and necessary velocity information were collected from this simulation environment for training. Similarly, 1000 pairs of images and velocity information were gathered for validation. Four different CNN models were designed and these models were trained and tested using these datasets. As a result of the test, the lowest average error for linear velocity estimation was calculated as 0.93e-3m/s and angular velocity estimation was measured as 4.37e-3rad/s. It was observed that the results were sufficient for linear and angular velocity prediction according to statistical analysis of errors. In addition, it was observed that the subtraction layer can be used instead of the concatenation layer in the CNN architectures for hardware-limited systems. As a result, visual velocity estimation of mobile robots has been achieved with this study and the framework of CNN models has been drawn for this problem.
On Equiform Rectifying, Normal and Osculating Curves in Minkowski Space-Time
Authors: Boyacıoğlu Kalkan Özgür
Published: June 2024

This paper deals with the equiform rectifying, normal and second kind osculating curves in Minkowski space-time . We reveal necessary and sufficient conditions for a curve to be a rectifying, normal and second kind osculating curve according to equiform geometry in Minkowski space-time . We obtain the relationship between the curvatures for these curves to be congruent to a rectifying, normal and second kind osculating curve according to equiform geometry in Minkowski space-time.
Clinical examples of correct orientation of a toric intraocular lens in patients with postkeratotomic corneal ectasia
Authors: Kuznetsov Igor V. , Pasikova Natalia V.
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of cataract in patients with postkeratotomic corneal ectasia has various features. First, difficulties arise when calculating the optical strength of an intraocular lens and its cylindrical component and determining the location of the main axes of astigmatism for toric intraocular lens implantation. Additionally, not all modern keratotopography installations are able to accurately determine the refractive power of the cornea in such patients owing to pronounced irregular astigmatism and a large difference in keratometric parameters in the main meridians.
CLINICAL CASES DESCRIPTION: Two clinical cases of surgical treatment of cataract in combination with postkeratotomic keratectasia are presented. Patients underwent a standard preoperative ophthalmological examination. TMS-4 Tomey keratotopograph was used to accurately determine the refractive power of the cornea. The optical power of toric intraocular lens were calculated using the Holladay 2 formula with amendments for radial keratotomy and the Johnson Johnson VISIC online calculator. SN6AT9 intraocular lens (Alcon) and a Tecnis ZCT800 toric intraocular lens (Johnson Johnson) were implanted in patients. The orientation of the position of the cylinder axis of toric intraocular lens was performed perpendicular to the most flattened meridian, corresponding to the position of the keratectasia zone, determined by the most expanded keratotomy scar. Before surgery, the best corrected visual acuity of patient M was OD=0.2, OS=0.4 and that of patient K was OD=0.4, OS=0.2. After surgery, the best corrected visual acuity of patient M was OD=0.8, OS=0.8 and that of patient K was OD=0.8, OS=0.7.
CONCLUSION: This study aimed to familiarize practicing ophthalmologists, clinical residents, and postgraduates with a possible treatment option for cataracts by phacoemulsification with implantation of a toric intraocular lens in patients with postkeratotomic keratectasia. The resulting high visual acuity and subjective satisfaction of patients indicate the accuracy of chosen treatment tactics. A reliable visual guide for choosing the cylinder axis is the meridian of the greatest degree of keratectasia (cornea flattening), which is determined by the maximally expanded keratotomy scar position. The intraocular lens cylinder axis is oriented perpendicular to the keratectasia meridian. Ultrasound phacoemulsification of cataract with implantation of a toric intraocular lens is an effective method for correcting induced ametropia after radial keratotomy against the background of postkeratotomy keratectasia with high astigmatism.
Dependence of regional circulation in periodontal tissues on the condition of occlusive-articulatory disorders in patients with chronic generalized periodontitis
Authors: Tlustenko Vladimir S. , Trunin Dmitrii A. , Tlustenko Valentina P. , Sadykov Mukatdes I. , Koshelev Vladimir A.
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND: The scientific substantiation of the causal relationship between traumatic occlusive forces and periodontal diseases is challenging and remains debatable. Data indicates that occlusive loads in the area of compression of periodontal ligaments lead to blood circulation changes in the lymphatic and blood vessels, which increase the inflammatory process when the adaptive capacity of the periodontal is exceeded. Additional information should be obtained to choose tactics for reducing premature contacts in chronic generalized periodontitis.
AIM: This study aimed to investigate the state of regional blood circulation in periodontal diseases with the elimination of occlusive obstacles by selective grinding of teeth.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study enrolled 43 people of both sexes aged 30–45 (average: 38.2±1.4) years. The study group included 25 people with occlusal interference (OI). The comparison group consisted of persons without dental and somatic pathology (n=20), comparable in age and sex. Based on the data distribution of OI by their localization and the number of affected teeth, a differentiated approach was used for planning the volume and timing of interventions for 25 patients with identified occlusive disturbances.
RESULTS: Twenty-five patients with OI before and after grinding were examined. The study group showed a decrease in the rheographic index by 41% and an increase in the time of rapid and slow blood filling by 1.5 and 1.6 times, respectively, before occlusive grinding. After eliminating premature supracontacts, hemodynamic parameters changed in the opposite direction, the rheographic index increased, and the α1 and α2 indicators decreased. Other hemodynamic criteria were comparable with the values in the comparison group.
CONCLUSION: The results of the study confirm the effectiveness of minimally invasive interventions in eliminating occlusive interference to improve hemodynamics in periodontal tissues.
MODELLING STOCK PRICES OF A BANK WITH EXTREME VALUE DISTRIBUTIONS
Authors: Ünal Ceren , Özel Kadılar Gamze
Published: June 2024

The study investigates the application of Extreme Value Theory in modelling stock prices, aiming to capture the tail behaviour and extreme movements that conventional distributions often fail to represent accurately. The use of Extreme Value Theory has gained considerable attention in the field of finance due to its ability to model rare events, such as financial crises or market crashes. By incorporating Extreme Value Theory, researchers aim to improve risk management, portfolio optimization, and pricing of financial derivatives. In this study, the Log-normal, Weibull, Gamma, and Normal distributions were used to model the stock price closing data, with a specific focus on extreme value distributions. Both graphical explorations and goodness-of-fit criteria were considered together to evaluate the suitability of these distributions. When assessing the data, it was observed that the Weibull distribution provided the best fit for the given stock price closing data.
Effectiveness of therapeutic patient education on diabetes in prison
Authors: Casado-Hoces Sofía Victoria , Inglada-Infante Patricia , Reina-Herraiz Beatriz , González-Tejedor Delia , Algora-Donoso Isabel , Bonilla-Jaime Ana Araceli
Published: June 2024

Objectives: Therapeutic education is one of the pillars of the approach to diabetes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of group therapeutic patient education in 15 people diagnosed with diabetes, with poor metabolic control, inmates of the Madrid III Valdemoro Penitentiary Center (Madrid), whose population is exclusively male. Material and method: Quasi-experimental study based on 4 training sessions aimed at a group of 15 people with diabetes and poor metabolic control. The intervention was carried out by 4 health professionals from the center. An evaluation of knowledge before and after the training and an assessment of the analytical and anthropometric parameters 5 months after the training were carried out. An anonymous self-evaluation questionnaire was also completed by the participants. Results: After the intervention, a statistically significant reduction in weight, abdominal perimeter, glycosylated hemoglobin and diastolic blood pressure was obtained. The remaining parameters decreased non-significantly. The level of diabetes knowledge also improved significantly. Discussion: The group intervention had a high potency in relation to the introduction of short-term changes in the group of patients with poor metabolic control.
Evaluation of dental emergency during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Social Rehabilitation Centre of San Francisco Kobén (Campeche, Mexico)
Authors: Gamboa Orozco Pedro Miguel , Herrera López Luis Fernando , Zazueta Hernández María Alejandra
Published: June 2024

Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, access to dental treatment by persons deprived of their liberty (PPL) was affected due to dentist-patient proximity and the risk of generation of aerosols in dental procedures and treatments. The risks of infection for oral health personnel are considered high, mainly from cross-infection between patients. Objetives: Differentiate between a true and false dental consultation emergency during the SARS-CoV 2 outbreak for a better and effective screening of inmates of the Social Rehabilitation Center (CERESO) of San Francisco Kobén (Campeche, Mexico). Material and method: An observational, cross-sectional, descriptive, and prospective study was designed for a sample of 100 inmates of the CERESO San Francisco Kobén, the data was collected in the prison’s dental office, the participants signed a letter of informed consent to be voluntarily included in the study during the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. The questionnaire “Assessment of a true Dental Emergency” previously validated for the Mexican population was applied, the personnel was standardized and an intra- examiner and inter-examiner reliability of k = 0.98 was obtained. To prepare the database and the analysis of the information collected, the Statistical Package for Social Science v. 21 (SPSS v.21) was used. Results: When evaluating emergencies at the dental clinic, 84% were determined according to the instrument as a false emergency and 16% were a true emergency. Discussion: In the population of CERESO of San Francisco Kobén, the figures for medical-dental care show that inmates face a proportionally low dental morbidity-mortality.
Homogeneity of pharmacological prescription and control measures applied in cases of scabies detected amongst inmates in Catalonia
Authors: Moreno-Valdiris Efrain A. , Gallego Carlos , Abdo Indiana Jesús , Flores-Imbernón Angels , Vaz María Elisa , Touzon Carlos , Marco Andrés
Published: June 2024

Objectives: To review the homogeneity of pharmacological prescription and control measures applied in cases of scabies in prisons in Catalonia. Material and method: Observational, multicenter, and retrospective study. Cases of scabies from March 01, 2021 and March 01, 2022 were analyzed according to the International Alliance for the Control of Scabies (IACS) 2020 criteria: a) confirmed cases; b) clinically probable cases; and c) suspected cases. Epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic and regimental control variables were collected. We checked whether the interventions were homogeneous in each site. The mean and standard deviation were used as continuous variables and percentages and confidence interval (95%) for discrete variables. The Chi-square test was used to determine statistical association. Results: 269 cases were detected (21.2% confirmed, 50.2% clinically probable and 28.6% suspected). 61.3% were treated with permethrin, 18.6% with ivermectin and 20.1% with both. 27.1% of the cases were withdrawn. There were no significant in-site differences in the study of contacts, isolation and treatment of clothing and belongings, but there were significant differences in the prescription of drugs (P <0.001), duration of treatment (P <0.001) and disinfection of the cell (P <0.001). Discussion: The number of detected cases is estimated to be high, and the majority (71.4%) confirmed or clinically probable. Control measures are homogeneous, except for cell disinfection, which was conventional in 59.1%. Pharmacological treatment and its duration varied between prisons. It would be advisable to establish a protocol to standardize control measures applied to new cases in the centers of Catalonia and subsequently evaluate their efficacy.
“Lin Daiyu on the Long, Pretty Lady of War”—Ms. Yuexia’s Poetic Creation“Lin Daiyu on the Long, Pretty Lady of War”—Ms. Yuexia’s Poetic Creation
Authors: Wang Xi
Published: June 2024

As a local poet of Gansu during the war period, Ms. Yuexia’s poems have become an integral part of the literary scene in Gansu during this period. Since her creative works were concentrated in the early period of the Anti-Japanese War, Ms. Yuexia’s poems present a somber beauty like the war situation, with distinctive wartime experience and sense of confusion and disillusionment in terms of subject matter, imagery, and emotion. Through Ms. Yuexia’s poetry, we can not only observe the process of learning and absorbing the old and new poetic styles in the debate and competition in the early 1930s, but also understand the real picture of Gansu’s literary world in the period of the Anti-Japanese War on the basis of her poetry.
Regulation role of miR-204 on SIRT1/VEGF in metabolic memory induced by high glucose in human retinal pigment epithelial cells
Authors:   Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 460060, Hubei Province, China, Lai Qiao-Ling , Zheng Wei-Dong ,   Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350004, Fujian Province, China, Huang Yan ,   Department of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350004, Fujian Province, China
Published: June 2024

AIM: To examine the regulatory role of microRNA-204 (miR-204) on silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) under high-glucose-induced metabolic memory in human retinal pigment epithelial (hRPE) cells.
METHODS: Cells were cultured with either normal (5 mmol/L) or high D-glucose (25 mmol/L) concentrations for 8d to establish control and high-glucose groups, respectively. To induce metabolic memory, cells were cultured with 25 mmol/L D-glucose for 4d followed by culture with 5 mmol/L D-glucose for 4d. In addition, exposed in 25 mmol/L D-glucose for 4d and then transfected with 100 nmol/L miR-204 control, miR-204 inhibitor or miR-204 mimic in 5 mmol/L D-glucose for 4d. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect miR-204 mRNA levels. SIRT1 and VEGF protein levels were assessed by immunohistochemical and Western blot. Flow cytometry was used to investigate apoptosis rate.
RESULTS: It was found that high glucose promoted miR-204 and VEGF expression, and inhibited SIRT1 activity, even after the return to normal glucose culture conditions. Upregulation of miR-204 promoted apoptosis inhibiting SIRT1 and increasing VEGF expression. However, downregulation of miR-204 produced the opposite effects.
CONCLUSION: The study identifies that miR-204 is the upstream target of SIRT1and VEGF, and that miR-204 can protect hRPE cells from the damage caused by metabolic memory through increasing SIRT1 and inhibiting VEGF expression.
Dry eye disease in systemic lupus erythematosus: a cross sectional study
Authors:   Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250033, Shandong Province, China, Kang Sui-Fang , Zhang Qi-Chen ,   Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250033, Shandong Province, China, Wang Zhi-Lun ,   Department of Rheumatology, the Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250033, Shandong Province, China, Chen Guo-Ling ,   Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250033, Shandong Province, China
Published: June 2024

AIM: To explore ocular surface manifestations of dry eye disease (DED) and its influencing factors in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients.
METHODS: Ophthalmological examinations were conducted in SLE patients (n=43) and controls (n=41), including Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), objective scatter index (OSI), tear meniscus height (TMH), lipid layer thickness (LLT), non-invasive Keratograph tear breakup time (NIKBUT), corneal fluorescein score (CFS), Schirmer I test. DED was diagnosed according to the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society Dry Eye Workshop II Criteria. SLE patients were further divided into DED group and non-DED group, the disease activity, clinical manifestations and laboratory investigations were compared between the two groups. The disease activity was evaluated by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K). Receiver operative characteristic (ROC) curve and multiple-factor binary logistic regression were performed.
RESULTS: SLE patients showed higher OSDI [9.1 (2.8-15.9) vs 6.3 (2.2-7.5), P=0.035], higher OSI [1.67 (1.09-2.60) vs 0.96 (0.87-1.60), P=0.001], higher CFS [1 (0-2) vs 0 (0-1), P=0.001], lower LLT [65 (42-100) vs 100 (79.5-100), P=0.010], and lower NIKBUT [8.03 (4.02-9.73) vs 9.67 (5.26-12.71), P=0.030] than controls. The 32.6% of SLE patients had DED, which was higher than 12.2% of healthy controls. DED group showed higher SLEDAI-2K score [9.7±6.1 vs 5.4±3.4, P=0.025], higher anti-cardiolipin antibody (ACL) [8.7 (3.5-13.2) vs 3.6 (2.0-6.9), P=0.035], and higher proportion of patients with cutaneous eruption [42.9% vs 6.9%, P=0.015] than non-DED group. According to multiple-factor binary logistic regression analysis, the SLEDAI-2K score (OR=1.194, P=0.041) and cutaneous eruption (OR=7.094, P=0.045) could be consider as risk factors for DED in SLE patients. The ROC curve of the combined factors including age, disease duration, SLEDAI-2K score, ACL, and cutaneous eruption was analyzed, with a sensitivity of 0.786, a specificity of 0.793, and an area under curve of 0.820.
CONCLUSION: Ocular surface affection is frequent in SLE patients, and patients with high disease activity and cutaneous eruption show increased risk of DED.
Detecting early changes in choroidal vascularity and thickness using optical coherence tomography in patients with corneal crosslinking for keratoconus
Authors:   Department of Ophthalmology, Bursa Uludag University School of Medicine, Bursa 16059, Turkey, Doganay Selim , Doganay Derya ,   Department of Ophthalmology, University of Health Sciences Bursa Yuksek Ihtisas Training and Research Hospital, Bursa 16310, Turkey, Kacmaz Elif ,   Department of Ophthalmology, Bursa Uludag University School of Medicine, Bursa 16059, Turkey
Published: June 2024

AIM: To investigate changes in choroidal thickness and vascularity in keratoconus patients treated with corneal crosslinking.
METHODS: This study evaluated 28 eyes of 22 patients with keratoconus who underwent corneal crosslinking. The choroidal thicknesses were evaluated on enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography at the preoperative and postoperative 3d, 1, and 3mo. Choroidal thickness in the four cardinal quadrants and the fovea were evaluated. The choroidal vascularity index was also calculated.
RESULTS: There was no significant difference in central choroidal thickness between the preoperative and postoperative 3d, 1mo (P>0.05). There was a significant increase in the 3mo (P=0.034) and a significant decrease in the horizontal choroidal vascularity index on the postoperative 3d (P=0.014), there was no statistically significant change in vertical axes and other visits in horizontal sections (P>0.05).
CONCLUSION: This study sheds light on choroidal changes in postoperative corneal crosslinking for keratoconus. While it suggests the procedure's relative safety for submacular choroid, more extensive research is necessary to confirm these findings and their clinical significance.
Risk evaluation for diabetic retinopathy in Chinese renal-biopsied type 2 diabetes mellitus patients
Authors:   Department of Ophthalmology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated Medical School, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China, Huang Shou-Yue , Zhang Ze-Wei ,   Department of Ophthalmology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated Medical School, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China, Shen Ping-Yan ,   Department of Nephrology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated Medical School, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China, Zhang Qiong ,   Department of Ophthalmology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated Medical School, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China
Published: June 2024

AIM: To investigate diabetic retinopathy (DR) prevalence in Chinese renal-biopsied type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with kidney dysfunction, and to further evaluate its relationship with diabetic nephropathy (DN) incidence and the risk factors for DR development in this population.
METHODS: A total of 84 renal-biopsied T2DM patients were included. Fundus and imaging examinations were employed for DR diagnosis. Demographic information and clinical measures along with renal histopathology were analyzed for comparisons between the DR and non-DR groups. Risk factors on DR development were analyzed with multiple logistic regression.
RESULTS: DR prevalence was 50% in total. The incidences of DN, non-diabetic renal disease (NDRD) and mixed-type pathology were 47.6%, 19.0% and 33.3% in the DR group respectively, while 11.9%, 83.3% and 4.8% in the non-DR group. Systolic blood pressure, ratio of urinary albumin to creatine ratio, urinary albumin, 24-hours urinary protein, the incidence and severity of DN histopathology were found statistically increased in the DR group. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed histopathological DN incidence significantly increased the risk of DR development [odds ratio (OR)=21.664, 95% confidential interval (CI) 5.588 to 83.991, P<0.001 for DN, and OR=45.475, 95%CI 6.949 to 297.611, P<0.001 for mixed-type, respectively, in reference to NDRD)], wherein DN severity positively correlated.
CONCLUSION: Renal histopathological evidence indicates DN incidence and severity increases the risk of DR development in Chinese T2DM patients inexperienced of regular fundus examinations.
Clinical prediction of insufficient vaults after implantable collamer lens implantation
Authors:   National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang Province, China, Zhu Jun , Zhu Xue-Ying ,   National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang Province, China, Li Fen-Fen ,   National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang Province, China, Yang Ye ,   National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang Province, China, Ye Yu-Feng ,   National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang Province, China
Published: June 2024

AIM: To determine the factors related to preoperative ocular characters that are predictive of insufficient vault (<250 μm) after implantable collamer lens (ICL V4c; STAAR Surgical) implantation.
METHODS: The participants underwent ICL surgery and were divided into the low (<250 μm) and normal (250-1000 μm) vault groups based on the postoperative vault at 3mo. The preoperative biometric parameters and clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups. The relationship between the 3-month vault values and preoperative ocular parameters were evaluated by Generalized estimating equations.
RESULTS: Sixteen (23 eyes) and 36 patients (63 eyes) were in the low and normal vault groups, respectively. All implantation procedures were uneventful with no cataract formation in the early postoperative period. The sulcus-to-sulcus lens rise (STSL) and iris ciliary angle (ICA) were correlated with vault at 3mo after surgery. Every 0.1 mm increase in STSL was associated with 38.9 μm decrease in the postoperative 3-month vault. A rise of 1 degree in ICA is associated with a reduction of 4 μm in vault.
CONCLUSION: Eyes with a narrow ciliary sulcus are associated with a higher rate of low vault after ICL implantation, suggesting a need for adjustments to the ICL size in these patients. Evaluating the characteristics of the ciliary sulcus contributes valuable information to predict low vault after surgery.
Early changes in corneal densitometry after FS-LASIK combined with accelerated corneal cross-linking for correction of high myopia
Authors:   Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, Shandong Province, China, Wang Qing-Bao , Wang Xiao-Fan ,   Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, Shandong Province, China, Fan Hua ,   Affiliated Eye Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Clinical Medicine Research Center, Jinan 250002, Shandong Province, China, Li Li ,   Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, Shandong Province, China, Ji Peng ,   Affiliated Eye Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Clinical Medicine Research Center, Jinan 250002, Shandong Province, China
Published: June 2024

AIM: To observe the effects of femtosecond laser-assisted excimer laser in situ keratomileusis combined with accelerated corneal cross-linking (FS-LASIK Xtra) on corneal densitometry after correcting for high myopia.
METHODS: In this prospectively study, 130 patients underwent FS-LASIK or FS-LASIK Xtra for high myopia. Their right eyes were selected for inclusion in the study, of which 65 cases of 65 eyes in the FS-LASIK group, 65 patients with 65 eyes in the FS-LASIK Xtra group. Patients were evaluated for corneal densitometry at 1, 3, and 6mo postoperatively using Pentacam Scheimpflug imaging.
RESULTS: Preoperative differences in corneal densitometry between the FS-LASIK and FS-LASIK Xtra groups in different ranges were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Layer-by-layer analysis revealed statistically significant differences in the anterior (120 μm), central, and total layer corneal densitometry between the FS-LASIK and FS-LASIK Xtra groups at 1 and 3mo postoperatively (all P<0.05), the FS-LASIK Xtra group is higher than that of the FS-LASIK group. Analysis of different diameter ranges showed statistically significant differences between the FS-LASIK group and the FS-LASIK Xtra group at 1mo postoperatively in the ranges of 0–2, 2–6, and 6–10 mm (both P<0.05); At 3mo postoperatively, the FS-LASIK Xtra group is higher than that of the FS-LASIK group in the ranges of 0–2 and 2–6 mm (P<0.05). At 6mo postoperatively, there were no statistically significant differences in corneal densitometry between the FS-LASIK group and the FS-LASIK Xtra group in different diameter ranges (all P>0.05).
CONCLUSION: There is an increase in internal corneal densitometry during the early postoperative period after FS-LASIK Xtra for correction of high myopia. However, the densitometry values decreased to the level of conventional FS-LASIK at 6mo after surgery, with the most significant changes observed in the superficial central zone.
Surgical approaches to correct corneal astigmatism at time of cataract surgery: a mini-review
Authors:   Department of Ophthalmology, the 305 Hospital of PLA, Beijing 100017, China, Yin Xiao-Lei , Li Xiu-Xin ,   Department of Ophthalmology, the 305 Hospital of PLA, Beijing 100017, China, Liang Xue-Mei ,   Department of Medical Administration, the 305 Hospital of PLA, Beijing 100017, China, Ji Shu-Xing ,   Department of Ophthalmology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
Published: June 2024

Among refractive errors, astigmatism is the most common optical aberration, where refraction changes in different meridians of the eye. It causes blurred vision at any distance and includes corneal, lenticular, and retinal astigmatism. Cataract surgery used to cause a progressive increase in the pre-exisiting corneal astigmatism because of creating a surgically induced astigmatism, for example, a large size surgery incision. The development of surgical techniques during last decades has made cataract surgery interchange to treat preoperative corneal astigmatism at time of surgery. Nowadays, three surgical approaches can be used. By placing a sutureless clear corneal incision on the steep meridian of the cornea, a preoperative corneal astigmatism less than 1.0 D can be corrected. Single or paired peripheral corneal relaxing incisions (PCRIs) provide 1.0-3.0 D corneal astigmatism correction. PCRIs are typically used for treating 1.0-1.5 D of regular corneal astigmatism, if more than 2.0 D, the risk of overcorrection and irregular astigmatism is increased. When toric intraocular lenses (IOLs) are unavailable in markets, PCRIs are still a reasonable option for patients with up to 3.0 D of pre-existing corneal astigmatism. Toric IOLs implantation can correct 1.0-4.5 D of corneal astigmatism. Several IOLs are approved to correct a high degree of corneal astigmatism with cylinder power up to 12.0 D. These approaches can be used alone or in combination.
Ephemeroptera (Insecta) en un gradiente altitudinal de la región andino-amazónica colombiana: validación de una regla de Rapoport
Authors: Gutiérrez-Garaviz Jhonatan , Rocha Odete , Peláez-Rodríguez Marlon , Agredo-Jiménez Oscar
Published: June 2024

La región andino-amazónica del departamento de Caquetá,  Colombia, es reconocida por su alta biodiversidad de especies y gran variedad de ecosistemas acuáticos. Nuestro estudio se centró en el análisis de la distribución del orden Ephemeroptera a lo largo de un gradiente altitudinal en dicha región, con el objetivo de validar la regla Rapoport y determinar el recambio taxonómico. Para ello, se definieron tres regiones de estudio, Andes, Transición y Amazonas, donde se recolectaron muestras biológicas durante cuatro jornadas de campo entre el 2021 y el 2022. En el análisis de los datos se estimaron los números de Hill con base en la riqueza observada (q.0), la diversidad de Shannon-Wiener (q.1) y el índice de Gini-Simpson (q.2). Además, se utilizó un análisis de agrupamiento NMDS para explorar el recambio de especies, y un modelo de regresión lineal simple para corroborar una de las reglas de Rapoport. Los resultados revelaron tres rangos altitudinales: uno amplio en la región de los Andes, uno medio en zona de transición en los Andes, y uno restringido en Amazonas. Según el NMDS, se establecieron dos conjuntos que indicaron el recambio de especies entre la cordillera de los Andes y el Amazonas, con un valor de p de 0,001 en la ANOSIM. En cuanto a la regla Rapoport, se evidenció una relación negativa en los estimativos q.0, q.1 y q.2, pero su alcance se limitó a una escala regional, enfocado en los Andes y no en todo el gradiente altitudinal. Así, en la región deestudio se encontró una relación del gradiente altitudinal con el recambio de especies y los estimativos de diversidad del orden Ephemeroptera.
Aprendiendo del Fun Palace: cinco lecciones para una arquitectura efímera y perdurable
Authors: Cifuentes Quin Camilo Andrés
Published: June 2024

En un contexto de crisis ecológica, uno de los grandes desafíos de la arquitectura es ofrecer soluciones sostenibles y durables. El reto es mayor teniendo en cuenta que las sociedades contemporáneas se caracterizan por transformarse de manera permanente. Cedric Price diseñó en los años 1960 el Fun Palace, un edificio que, concebido como un evento temporal, se convirtió en un referente del cual se pueden extraer lecciones para pensar una arquitectura efímera y perdurable. El objetivo del artículo busca identificar en el Fun Palace principios para un ejercicio sostenible de la profesión, en resonancia con las exigencias de la crisis ecológica actual.
Recrear lo jamás creado. La doble paradoja de la reconstrucción de los moldajes de la "Casa en Jean Mermoz" (1956-1961-1992)
Authors: Fracalossi Igor , Aceves Álvarez Oscar
Published: June 2024

Thirty years after its demolition, the House in Jean Mermoz (Fabio Cruz Prieto, 1956-1961), a foundational work of the Valparaíso School, regains substance thanks to a design investigation with the aim of recovering the invaluable experience of being on site. However, what was recreated in 2021 was not strictly a replica but rather what was never seen of the house: the formwork system of the concrete structure. In light of the paradox of replacement by Heraclitus and Plato, and Aristotle's causes, two referential cases are analyzed—the Ise Shrine (7th century) and the Barcelona Pavilion (1929). This raises the need for a fifth cause; the contextual one. Finally, the article presents a critical reflection on the case of the recreation of the House in Jean Mermoz within the issue of architectural reconstructions.
De la obra construida al conocimiento proyectado. Estudio de los proyectos Amairis y Parque Educativo Saberes Ancestrales
Authors: Hernández Villamizar Mayra Ximena
Published: June 2024

Traditionally, architectural projects are analyzed based on an understanding of the triad site, activity, and technique. This research highlights how the analysis of architectural projects extends beyond previous studies. Instead, spaces are shaped through users and events that unfold over time. A performative cartography of users is employed for this purpose, revealing the unplanned actions and versions of the projected spaces. The investigation begins with built work as a generic support, anticipating certain forms of use and utilization of its elements, allowing for the observation, examination, and analysis of usage production. Projected knowledge is connected to the interpretation of the ordinary and every day, capturing and making visible (re-presenting) users' daily situations and scenarios. This representation consists of multiple spatial scenes where the time factor engages with units of spaces and users.
La vida después de los pabellones culturales en Colombia: Estrategias con enfoque circular para extender su ciclo de vida y el potencial social de su reutilización
Authors: Yemail Cortés Antonio
Published: June 2024

Pavilions are temporary structures designed for large events and experimentation spaces, which have seen technical developments and shown cultural representations on a global scale. However, given their life cycles and the lineal production model in which they are made, their dismantling tends to mean wasted materials and wasted re-use potential. In Colombia, pavilions are recognized as an accessible and adaptable opportunity for expanding cultural presence in different contexts. Based on this premise, this investigation uses design strategies developed in the 2018-2023 Yemail Arquitectura study aimed at extending the life cycle of temporary projects, from conception to re-use.
Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Vermicelli Made of Modified White Rice, Brown Rice, and Black Rice
Authors: Sulistyawati Eko Yuliastuti Endah , Mustofa Akhmad , Rismaya Rina , Suhartatik Nanik
Published: June 2024

Modification technology of starch has been developed to enhance its utilization in the food industry and for health-related purposes. Starch serves as a carbohydrate source that contributes to energy when digested in the body. The starch modification enables starch to be converted into resistant starch. This study investigated the physicochemical properties of vermicelli made from modified rice flour. The rice flour used in this study originated from three varieties: white rice, brown rice, and black rice. The physicochemical properties of vermicelli evaluated were chemical composition, pasting properties, and starch morphology. Analyses were conducted on both the rice flour and the vermicelli product. The results indicate that the protein content in rice flour ranged from 10.30% to 10.87% (dry weight), whereas the protein content in vermicelli decreased to 9.78% to 10.26% (dry weight). There was also a decrease in other components like lipid content, amylopectin, anthocyanin, and crude fiber. The antioxidant activity of vermicelli tended to be lower than that of the flour form, as did the anthocyanin content. Processing rice flour enhanced the water-holding capacity of starch and reduced its swelling power. Rice flour modification can be employed as an alternative to improve the functional properties of starchy food materials.
Chemical Characteristics of Chicken Litter Waste in Closed-House System
Authors: Prasetyo Teguh Budi , Maulana Amsar , Monikasari Moli , Andestopano Alfino , Darfis Irwan , Pratama Ikram , Ryswaldi Ridho , Herviyanti Herviyanti
Published: June 2024

Waste from the broiler and layer farming industry with a closed-house system continues to increase without optimizing waste utilization and harms the environment. Potential chicken litter waste from the chicken farming industry in West Sumatra is 5 tons per harvest (40 days) from a chicken livestock capacity of 100,000 chickens. This research aims to assess the potential and utilization and study the biochemistry of chicken manure waste in closed-house systems as biosorbents and fertilizers through amelioration technology. Closed-house chicken coop bedding waste (CHCCW) in the form of sawdust has functional groups such as carboxyl that can absorb cations because it can increase the negative charge in the soil so that it can be utilized by plants. In addition, the CHCCW can also absorb cations (pollutants). Chemical characteristics from the analysis results prove the ability of the CHCCW. Chicken litter waste has chemical characteristics that have the potential as a biosorbent and are valid as fertilizer, which has a proximate composition (moisture 4.26%; volatile matter 74.20%; ash 6.78% and fixed carbon 14.76%); pH (pH H2O 8.37 and pH PZC 7.37); electrical conductivity (EC) >2 dS m-1 and cation exchange capacity (CEC) 182.67 Cmol(+)kg-1. The nutrient composition of chicken manure waste in closed-house systems has macro nutrients (6.88% C; 0.06% N; 5.89% P; 34.89% K; 36.28% Ca; 5.76% S) and micronutrients (2.49% Fe; 1.39% Mn; 1.22% Zn; 1.01% Cu; and 5.15% Cl). Chicken manure waste in closed-house systems also has functional groups such as O-H, N-H, C-H, C-OH, C=C, C=O, C-O-C, Si-O, and O-CH3, which play an active role in the absorption of pollutants and nutrients in the soil.
Partial Least Square Regression for Nondestructive Determination of Sucrose Content of Healthy and Fusarium spp. Infected Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Utilizing Visible and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Prasetyo Eko Widi , Amanah Hanim Zuhrotul , Farras Ibnu , Pahlawan Muhammad Fahri Reza , Masithoh Rudiati Evi
Published: June 2024

Conventional methods of quantifying the chemical content of potatoes at different storage temperatures are time-consuming and expensive. This research studied the Visible and Near Infrared (Vis-NIR) spectroscopy for possible rapid and nondestructive methods. In this study, healthy and Fusarium spp. Potato seeds of Granola L varieties were infected artificially through the process of inoculation of fungi, and healthy potatoes were stored in various post-harvest storage conditions, namely temperatures 12°C, 25°C and a combination of temperatures 12°C and 25°C. VIS-NIR spectral data from seeds are observed periodically during the storage period. The study results showed that Vis-NIR predicted sucrose content in potatoes. The best-developed PLSR calibration model for potatoes stored at 25°C and a combination of 12°C and 25°C show R2c of 0.87 and 0.83 and RMSEC of 0.26 and 0.28. The models also successfully predicted the sugar content of potato stored at 25°C and a combination of temperatures 12°C and 25°C with R2p 0.75 and 0.78, RMSEP of 0.36 and 0.32, and RPD of 1.99 and 2.81 for sucrose. The developed model of sucrose content or potato storage temperatures of 12°C is not recommended for monitoring and detection due to the low RPD < 1.9 even though the R2c values are 0.65 – 0.9. the results of this investigation indicate that VIS-NIR spectroscopy could potentially serve as a tool for quantifying the chemical composition of potatoes during post-harvest storage.
Predictive response to the behaviour of old structures using ambient vibrations
Authors: Maraf Zoubida , Naili Mounir , Bensoula Mohamed , Kibboua Abderrahmane , Missoum Hanifi
Published: June 2024

The response of ancient structures such as the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church or the current El-Badr mosque in Mostaganem (Algeria) to earthquakes depends on these physical characteristics and consequently on modal properties such as frequencies, damping and modal deformations. In this paper, ambient vibration tests were carried out on the three parts of the mosque building, and the response spectra and damping obtained will be correlated with the mechanical tests carried out in the second part of the work. Determination of the dynamic characteristics made it possible to distinguish differences in stiffness and to clearly highlight a disparity in frequencies in each structure, which may correspond to the age of each part of the building, the design and construction and differences in levels, etc. The results of the destructive tests give indications that confirm the hypotheses of ageing of the materials. The low young modulus of the various components partly confirms the frequency and damping values obtained. The experimental study of the mosque using ambient vibrations will give an order of magnitude of the vibratory mode periods, which are the first steps in any modelling, reinforcement and/or verification strategy and constitute a health record for this type of heritage.