bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
miRNA therapy in laboratory models of acute spinal cord injury in rodents: a meta-analysis
Authors: wang yang , Yi Hanxiao , Song Yancheng
Published: May 2022

Background: miRNA therapy is popularly investigated in treating acute spinal cord injury (SCI) and offers a significant prospect for the treatment of acute SCI. Aim: We aimed to provide pre-clinical validations of miRNA in the treatment of SCI. Methods: A systematic search of EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases was performed. Results: Rats, which were the most used animals (70%, n=46 articles), receiving miRNA therapy got prominent recovery in SCI models [BBB score, SMD 3.90, 95% CI: 3.08 to 4.73, p<0.01]. Locomotor function of fore and hind limbs in SCI mice receiving miRNA therapy (30%, n=19 articles) [grip strength, SMD 3.22, 95% CI: 2.14-4.26; p<0.01; BBB score, SMD 3.47, 95% CI: 2.38 to 4.56, p<0.01; BMS, SMD 2.27, 95% CI: 1.34 to 3.20, p<0.01] also recovered better than mice in control group. Then, we conducted the subgroup analysis and did find that high-quality articles trended to report non-therapeutic effect of miRNA. Furtherly, we analyzed 46 miRNAs, including 9 miRNA families (miR-21-5p/34a-3p/124-3p/126-3p/223-3p/543-3p/30-3p/136-3p/15-5p), among which miR-30-3p/136-3p/15-5p family were not effective in recovering locomotor function of rats. Conclusions: Conclusively, miRNAs are curative drugs for SCI, however, appropriate miRNA carrier and which miRNA is the most efficacious for SCI should be furtherly investigated.
Landau levels in curved space realized in strained graphene
Authors: Wagner Glenn , de Juan Fernando , Nguyen Dung
Published: May 2022

The quantum Hall effect in curved space has been the subject of many theoretical investigations in the past, but devising a physical system to observe this effect is hard. Many works have indicated that electronic excitations in strained graphene realize Dirac fermions in curved space in the presence of a background pseudo-gauge field, providing an ideal playground for this. However, the absence of a direct matching between a numerical, strained tight-binding calculation of an observable and the corresponding curved space prediction has hindered realistic predictions. In this work, we provide this matching by deriving the low-energy Hamiltonian from the tight-binding model analytically to second order in the strain and mapping it to the curved-space Dirac equation. Using a strain profile that produces a constant pseudo-magnetic field and a constant curvature, we compute the Landau level spectrum with real-space numerical tight-binding calculations and find excellent agreement with the prediction of the quantum Hall effect in curved space. We conclude discussing experimental schemes for measuring this effect.
New directions in the search for dark matter
Authors: Rajendran Surjeet
Published: May 2022

The identification of the nature of dark matter is one of the most
important problems confronting particle physics. Current observational
constraints permit the mass of the dark matter to range from
10^{-22}10−22
eV - 10^{48}1048
GeV. Given the weak nature of these bounds and the ease with which dark
matter models can be constructed, it is clear that the problem can only
be solved experimentally. In these lectures, I discuss methods to
experimentally probe a wide range of dark matter candidates.
Analysis of financial flows in the budget process of Ukraine under the conditions of structural imbalances of the financial system
Authors: Romenska Kateryna , Orlov Volodymyr , Pavlova Natalia , Kryvenkova Ruslana , Shalyhina Iryna
Published: May 2022

Adjusting the balanced movement of financial flows in the budget process is a vital component of ensuring the functioning of the financial system. This study aims to identify and outline possible areas for improving the management of financial flows in the budget process of Ukraine to regulate structural imbalances of the financial system. With the help of ranking and clustering, the analysis and assessment of local budgets based on indicators that characterize the movement of financial flows was carried out. The used methods made it possible to consider the differences in the formation and direction of budget flows of territorial communities and determine the progress of administrative-territorial units. An assessment of the state of financial flows consolidated in the treasury single account of Ukraine was conducted: the dynamics of balance, the volume of loans and repayments to local budgets, and the Pension Fund of Ukraine were considered. The assessment results made it possible to determine the directions of setting a stable and balanced movement of financial flows and levers to regulate the impact of structural imbalances of the financial system related to the management of cash balances of the treasury single account and increase of its liquidity. The volumes of revenues, expenditures, deficit, and borrowings to the State Budget of Ukraine were estimated to determine the conditions that cause imbalances in the financial system. The directions for timely and complete execution of the decisions by state authorities and local self-governments are outlined.
The clinic surgeon as the main link in the treatment of patients with chronic ischemia of the lower extremities of atherosclerotic genesis
Authors: Chervyakov Yu. V. , Moskovskiy I. A.
Published: May 2022

Introduction. An alternative way in the treatment of intermittent claudication is the use of genetic engineering technologies that lead to the stimulation of their own vasculogenesis in ischemic limbs. Treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis.

Purpose: to present the results of complex conservative treatment using a drug based on a plasmid with the VEGF165 gene in patients with grade II CINI according to the Fontaine – A.V. Pokrovsky classification for 7 years after one course of gene therapy.

Materials and methods. From 2009 to 2015, 50 patients were treated. Men – 41, women – 9. Average age 64.3 ± 10.5 years. All patients received basic therapy for atherosclerosis. In addition, a 1.2 mg gene preparation was injected twice into the muscles of the ischemic limb. The preservation of the limb, the survival rate of patients, the change in the distance of painless walking according to the treadmill test were assessed.

Results and discussion. The safety of the limb after 7 years was 94%, the survival rate was 80%. Significant and moderate clinical improvement was noted in 68% of cases, satisfactory result – 6%, deterioration – 2% of patients. Only in 6% of cases there was an unfavorable outcome associated with the progression of chronic limb ischemia. All patients showed good tolerance to the drug and no side effects. Continuous conservative treatment of patients with peripheral atherosclerosis is the key factor preventing rapid progression of the disease. There is high requirement for the development of new areas of the combination treatment, which would lead to compensation of blood circulation in the extremities in peripheral atherosclerosis. The provided innovative treatment method with widespread introduction into outpatient practice will improve the quality of life of patients with intermittent claudication.

Conclusions. Long-term results of treatment of patients with grade II CINI using gene therapy have been demonstrating high efficiency for 7 years. The presented innovative method of treatment, with its widespread introduction into outpatient practice, will improve the quality of life of patients with intermittent claudication by increasing the passable distance without pain in the legs, reduce the risk of ischemia progression, and minimize the burden on the healthcare system.
Motivación escolar: aproximaciones teóricas al proceso de aprendizaje
Authors: Lourenço Abílio Afonso , Paiva Maria Olímpia
Published: May 2022

Esta reflexión teórica busca conocer en qué medida la motivación puede influir en los procesos de aprendizaje de los estudiantes, estableciendo los puntos de conexión entre los modelos teóricos más importantes - la Teoría de la Atribución de Causalidad, la Teoría de la Autodeterminación y la Teoría de las Metas de Logro. La participación de los estudiantes en los contenidos escolares depende de varios factores que se relacionan individual y contextualmente con la motivación. Las teorías cognitivas recurrentes de la motivación estimulan y orientan el estudio de las creencias, valores y emociones del individuo, ya que consideran estas variables como mediadoras de la conducta y con fuerte influencia en el proceso de motivación. A partir de una revisión de la literatura, se desprende que es importante tener en cuenta que la motivación en el contexto escolar ha sido valorada como un determinante crítico del nivel y la calidad del aprendizaje y del rendimiento. También se puede concluir que la relación entre aprendizaje y motivación va más allá de cualquier suposición establecida de que es recíproca y, por lo tanto, la motivación puede influir en el aprendizaje y el desempeño de la misma manera que el aprendizaje puede interferir en la motivación. Por lo tanto, un cambio de práctica en las escuelas es esencial, promoviendo la participación de los estudiantes en el proceso de aprendizaje a través de tareas desafiantes, utilizando estrategias adecuadas y buscando desarrollar nuevas habilidades de comprensión y dominio. Se indican algunas pautas para la práctica educativa.
Assessment of dam-induced changes in ecogeomorphological behaviour and fluvial functionality in the Damodar River, West Bengal, India
Authors: Ghosh Sandipan , Hoque Md. Mofizul , Saha Ujwal Deep , Islam Aznarul
Published: May 2022

Anthropogenic interventions in the form of dams and barrages often alter the fluvial functionality and eco-geomorphological (geomorphology, hydrology, and ecology) behaviour of river systems. The present work examines the environmental flow, channel metamorphosis, and fluvial functionality of the Damodar River in the context of Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) dams and development. Structural (dams, barrages, weirs, etc.) and non-structural (urban–industrial and agricultural disposal with effluents, sand mining, etc.) interventions hinder the ecological functionality of the river. This study portrays that the eco-geomorphological behaviour and fluvial functionality of the river have changed due to flow alteration and diversion by dams and barrages and due to rapid urban–industrial and agricultural growth in the basin area. These changes have affected riverine ecological integrity. The ecological functionality level of this study area ranges from 85 to 181, i.e. from poor to good–fair. The ecological functionality level in the sample channel sections (i.e., the immediate upstream and downstream of the Durgapur Barrage) is poor, and the value ranges from 61 to 100 due to the hydrological impact of the barrage and the Durgapur urban–industrial belt. This assessment work will help to restore the fluvial environment for humans as well as riverine biota.

HIGHLIGHTS Dams and barrages have altered the hydrological flow regimes, affecting the eco-geomorphological behaviour of alluvial channels. Dam-induced fluvial metamorphosis is evident in the channel morphological parameters and channel classification. The fluvial functionality index has been applied to evaluate the ecological functionality level for the restoration of the riverine environment.
Partidos políticos e democracia:os efeitos das cláusulas de barreira e de desempenho sobre as dinâmicas partidária e eleitoral
Authors: Sousa João Pedro Martins de
Published: May 2022

Ao longo do século passado, os partidos políticos se tornaram cada vez mais importantes à representação no interior dos sistemas eleitorais democráticos, em particular daqueles que adotam o modelo proporcional, que tendem ao multipartidarismo, diferentemente do modelo majoritário, que tende ao bipartidarismo. Essas inclinações contrárias apresentadas pelos dois modelos se justificam pelo modo em que os votos concedidos são convertidos em mandatos: no sistema majoritário, o objetivo é eleger aquele que obtenha mais votos numa eleição, descartando-se todos os demais dados aos demais; já no sistema proporcional, existem preceitos que procuram assegurar que a divisão de cadeiras em disputa seja dividida se considerando a votação obtida pelos partidos ou coligações competidores, na tentativa de tornar a representação o mais equivalente possível ao eleitorado. Diante do fenômeno da fragmentação partidária, que aparenta ser inerente ao sistema proporcional, foram elaborados instrumentos para delimitar o grau de multipartidarismo, de modo que fossem equalizadas a representação proporcional e a governabilidade, dos quais se destacam dois: a cláusula de barreira e a cláusula de desempenho. Apesar de serem frequentemente utilizados como sinônimos, os institutos referidos possuem objetivos diferentes. Nesse contexto, o presente trabalho busca analisar as diferenças existentes entre “cláusula de barreira” e “cláusula de desempenho”, explicitar seus efeitos diretos e indiretos sobre as dinâmicas partidária e eleitoral e enfatizar qual delas foi instituída no Brasil por meio da Emenda Constitucional n° 97/2017, símbolo da última reforma política realizada.
A sustentabilidade como direito fundamental: instrumentos constitucionais para o cumprimento da Agenda 2030
Authors: Santos Lueverton Gonçalves dos , Neris Lucas Gabriel Duarte
Published: May 2022

O presente estudo tem como objeto investigar se a Constituição Federal de 1988 positivou instrumentos jurídicos suficientes que promovam o cumprimento dos objetivos elencados na Agenda 2030, bem como examinar se a sustentabilidade alcançou ou não o status de direito fundamental no atual ordenamento constitucional. Para tanto, desenvolveu-se por meio de uma análise qualitativa, pela qual se guiou a partir da Constituição Federal de 1988, da jurisprudência e obras doutrinárias sobre o tema, a fim de investigar instrumentos jurídicos constitucionais que promovam o cumprimento dos objetivos da Agenda 2030. No que concerne a estrutura do artigo, inicialmente descreveu-se os conceitos de sustentabilidade e Agenda 2030 no contexto político-jurídico brasileiro. Posteriormente, analisou-se o conceito de direitos fundamentais, com ênfase nos direitos fundamentais de 3ª geração. Logo após, investigou-se a evolução do tema sustentabilidade nas constituições brasileiras. Conclui-se que o reconhecimento da sustentabilidade como um direito fundamental é um importante passo para implementação de políticas públicas nacionais que visem sua implementação, bem como, é essencial para a promoção de sua tutela, facilitando, por exemplo, o uso de medidas judiciais (instrumentos jurídicos) previstas na Constituição para o cumprimento de compromissos firmados internacionalmente, tais quais a Agenda 2030.
As "ondas" de acesso à justiça e suas implicações no sistema jurídico brasileiro
Authors: Vieira Caio Henrique Lima , Freitas Cintia Souza de
Published: May 2022

Em razão da necessidade de compreender os fenômenos relacionados à dificuldade no acesso à Justiça, sobretudo às pessoas mais pobres, o presente artigo discorre sobre as “ondas” de acesso à Justiça e à justiça, consoante a obra de Cappelletti e Garth (1988), enfatizando as suas implicações no sistema jurídico brasileiro. O objetivo alçado é o de expor as reformas no acesso à justiça ao redor do mundo, para, posteriormente, avaliar sua aplicação no sistema jurídico brasileiro, bem como dissertar sobre os métodos de solução de conflitos. O artigo é desenvolvido utilizando-se do levantamento bibliográfico, por meio do método dialético a fim de prover melhor dinâmica na elucidação da temática. Por meio do estudo, denota-se que o acesso à justiça se trata de um preceito fundamental para a democratização do Estado e para a efetivação dos demais direitos presentes no ordenamento jurídico. Chega-se ao resultado de que no Brasil, o acesso à justiça ainda é um direito a ser ampliado, de forma que seus institutos sejam, de fato, efetivados, especialmente às pessoas mais pobres, que geralmente não tem acesso aos direitos mais básicos.
Hierarquia dos tratados internacionais de direitos humanos e sua incorporação no ordenamento jurídico pátrio
Authors: Silva Alex Rodrigues da , Menezes Rafael Danrley Barra de
Published: May 2022

No presente artigo realiza-se uma discussão sobre a posição que os Tratados Internacionais de Direitos Humanos ocupam nas normas jurídicas do país, tema que ganhou maior destaque com a promulgação da Constituição Federal de 1988. O objetivo geral é compreender a hierarquia desses Tratados à luz do § 2º e da introdução do § 3º (por meio da Emenda à Constituição nº 45/2004) do artigo 5º da Carta Magna; como objetivos específicos, busca-se analisar as razões históricas para sua inclusão no ordenamento nacional, seu papel para fortalecimento do Direito Internacional Público e identificar as correntes sobre os tratados internacionais de direitos humanos de acordo com a jurisprudência do Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF). Quanto ao método, utilizou-se a pesquisa bibliográfica exploratória, buscando uma aproximação com o assunto abordado por meio das informações disponíveis sobre o tema aqui pesquisado, junto com análise qualitativa. Esse método de pesquisa nos possibilita uma interpretação que tem por finalidade avaliar os resultados dentro dessa mudança de entendimento. Como resultado desse trabalho, podemos notar que a discussão a respeito da hierarquia desses documentos se torna relevante, sobretudo ante uma perspectiva de segurança jurídica, pois o recomendado é que tanto o direito interno, quanto o direito internacional direcionem esforços no sentido de proteger o homem naquilo que mais tem de importante: sua integralidade.
Gig Economy e as (re)configurações de trabalho
Authors: Lisboa Anna Luiza de Carvalho
Published: May 2022

O presente artigo objetiva analisar as inovações promovidas pela Gig Economy, especialmente no que tange às relações laborais. Nesse contexto, este trabalho visa a responder em que medida as novas formas de trabalho devem ser tuteladas pelo Direito, refletindo acerca da sua configuração jurídica. Nesse escopo, a princípio busca-se situar a Gig Economyno cenário global da 4ª Revolução Industrial, bem como definir de que modo esse fenômeno se relaciona a Sharing Economy. Em seguida, discute-se as perspectivas e os desafios vislumbrados para cada uma das novas formas de trabalho, crowdworke work on demand. Por fim, defende-se a elaboração de uma legislação específica acerca dessa forma de trabalho, com vistas a elaboração de um regramento específico com vistas a conferir segurança jurídica e um núcleo civilizatório de direitos trabalhistas e previdenciários aos profissionais que prestam serviços por intermédio de plataformas digitais.
IMUNIDADE TRIBUTÁRIA – A PROTEÇÃO CONSTITUCIONAL E O PROJETO DE LEI Nº 3.887/2020: A PROBLEMÁTICA ACERCA DA TRIBUTAÇÃO SOBRE LIVROS, JORNAIS E PERIÓDICOS
Authors: Queiroz Natália Costa , Costa Nathália Nathália Maria Xavier
Published: May 2022

O presente trabalho visa promover o entendimento acerca da imunidade tributária concedida aos livros, periódicos e revistas. Trata, principalmente, de seu fundamento, que, para a doutrina majoritária, garante-lhe o status de cláusula pétrea. Para mais, analisa o Projeto de Lei nº 3.887/2020, que propõe o fim da alíquota zero para os livros nas contribuições sociais. Por meio de pesquisa bibliográfica, foram analisados os pressupostos que fomentam o referido projeto de lei, bem como as problemáticas que envolvem sua possível promulgação. Objetiva-se traçar um paralelo com a justificativa constitucional utilizada para resguardar os livros da incidência de impostos. Ao final do trabalho, concebe-se a incongruência do Projeto de Lei nº 3.887/2020, que visa restringir direitos que a imunidade constitucional protege. Nesse cenário, destacam–se os direitos fundamentais à educação e cultura, na salvaguarda da liberdade de comunicação e pensamento, garantindo à proteção da liberdade de imprensa.
Aplicação do Selo PROCEL EDIFICA: Estudo de caso realizado em uma instituição de ensino superior em Mossoró/RN
Authors: Crisóstomo Daniel C. C. , M. Neto José A. , Silva Arison M. , Melo Marcos C. V.
Published: May 2022

O Brasil passa por uma transformação com relação à questão de eficiência energética no setor da construção civil, principalmentena temáticada sustentabilidade. Inserido no contexto da Lei Federal de Eficiência Energética nº 10.295, de 2001 e no Programa Brasileiro de Etiquetagem, publicado em 2009, o PROCEL EDIFICA se propõe a certificar projetos que preveem redução no consumo e o uso de energias alternativas. Embasado neste programa, objetiva-se nesteartigo, propor sugestões de melhoria para a adequação de um empreendimento existente, ao nível máximo de eficiência energética do Selo PROCEL EDIFICA. Para tanto, foi realizado um estudo de caso em uma instituição de ensino superior particular de Mossoró/RN. A análise do ambiente foi realizada pelo método prescritivo, através do software DOMUS®da Eletrobrás, que foi alimentado com dados coletados “in loco”. O mesmo, classificou os sistemas de envoltória, iluminação e condicionamento de ar desta edificação. Na primeira simulação a edificação obteve a letra C, na segunda A e na terceira B, salientando-se que a classificação vai de A (mais eficiente) a E (menos eficiente).
Análise técnica sobre as características gerais dos parques eólicos do RN
Authors: Nogueira Gabriel Luiz D. L. , Crisóstomo Daniel Carlos de C.
Published: May 2022

O Brasil possui grande potencial eólico, em especial oRio Grande do Norte(RN), que é, atualmente, o estado commaior potência eólica instaladano país, atraindoinvestidores todos os anos para implementação de novos empreendimentos. Este artigoaborda as principais características que permeiam os parques e aerogeradores do RN, buscandotraçar aspectos da evolução da potência eólica instalada, quantidade de turbinas por parque, potência por aerogerador, altura da torre,diâmetro do rotor, distribuição da potência por região de concentração dos empreendimentos, fabricantes e tipologia das máquinas. Para a reunião destas informações, foram coletados dados dos sistemas de informação de geração da Agência Nacional de Energia Elétrica (ANEEL) e ePowerBay, do qual determinou-setambém os tipos de máquinas dosmodeloscomerciaisde aerogerador no estado. Estes dados foram analisados e discutidos por meio de tabelas e gráficos estatísticos. Pôde-se concluir, por fim, a importância da determinação do perfil dos parques do RN como guia informativo sobre o panorama geral do setor eólico no estado, parasua utilização como base de pesquisa para aprofundamento sobre os parâmetros analisados dos parques e aerogeradores, além da aplicabilidade da metodologia para outros estados ou regiões.
Monitoramento do desgaste da ferramenta de HSS no processo de torneamento através da potência consumida
Authors: Assis Diego Gomes de , Lima Ramsés Otto Cunha
Published: May 2022

Durante o processo de usinagem deve-se ter atenção especial à vida da ferramenta de corte aplicada pois, dependendo do material ou tempo do processo, seu nível de desgaste se acentua, tornando-se um problema. Nesta pesquisa, foi realizado o monitoramento do desgaste da ferramenta de aço rápido para o processo de usinagem por torneamento, através de um aparato experimental, verificando ainda, a potência consumida pela máquina durante a evolução deste desgaste. Primeiramente, foram utilizadas cinco ferramentas de aço rápido com dimensões ¼” x 4”, afiações α = 8°, β = 62° e γ = 20°, usinando um tarugo de aço ABNT 1045, com Vc = 15m/min, n = 118rpm, ap = 0,5mm e f = 0,094mm/rot. Como critério de parada foi adotado o valor de desgaste de flanco médio de 0,30mm, de acordo com a Norma ISO 3685, medido com um microscópio eletrônico. Com esses dados, foi levantada uma curva de calibração do desgaste x potência consumida pela máquina ferramenta. Para validação desta, o procedimento de usinagem foi repetido com três ferramentas e obtidas suas curvas de desgaste. Os valores medidos apresentaram-se estatisticamente iguais aos valores de intervalo de confiança, validando assim, a curva de desgaste em relação a potência obtida.
Collaborative governance in handling covid-19 for elderly social services
Authors: Fitriana Kurnia Nur
Published: May 2022

In 2050, Indonesia will enter an ageing population of around 21.1% of the total population. Life expectancy has increased significantly despite having a high vulnerability to neglect due to elderly poverty in the COVID-19 pandemic. This condition encourages the need for inclusive service design to promote health and empower ageing in collaborative governance. In this paper, the author presents a study on how collaborative governance interventions in inclusive services for long-term elderly care in the COVID-19 pandemic. As a representation of national strategic research, this research uses research and development designs through interviews, observations, focus group discussions, analysis of elderly data documentation in 2021. The findings show collaborative governance in inclusive services during the COVID-19 pandemic can increase social resilience and empowerment of the elderly. Although, the elderly mortality rate during the COVID-19 pandemic is still high, there is a strengthening of stakeholder participation, social inclusion, and long-term policy support. So, the adoption of collaborative governance in inclusive services can improve the social welfare of the elderly in the long term care post-COVID-19. The implication is that it is necessary to strengthen the role capacity and participation of stakeholders at the local level based on social capital.
An Automated Surveillance System (SurCeGGID) for the French Sexually Transmitted Infection Clinics: Epidemiological Monitoring Study
Authors: Ndeikoundam Ngangro Ndeindo , Pioche Corinne , Vaux Sophie , Viriot Delphine , Durand Julien , Berat Bénédicte , Hamdaoui Mohammed , Lot Florence
Published: May 2022

Background

Viral and bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are public health concerns worldwide, but surveillance systems are not comprehensive enough to design and monitor accurately STI control strategies in most countries. In 2016, 320 STI clinics (CeGIDDs in French) were implemented in France, primarily targeting most exposed populations, although access is free of charge for anybody.

Objective

This article describes the mandatory surveillance system (SurCeGIDD) based on CeGIDD’s individual data aiming to better guide STI prevention.

Methods

A decree ensured the use of software to manage consultations in CeGIDDs and to transfer surveillance data. A web service was implemented to secure data transfer from CeGIDDs’ software to a centralized database. CeGIDDs can also transfer data in CSV format via a secured data-sharing platform. Then, data are automatically checked before integration. Data on sociodemographic variables, sexual exposure, blood exposure, symptoms, STI tests, STI diagnoses, and sexual health services delivery were collected for the previous year (n–1). Preliminary and descriptive analyses of 2017-2018 data transmitted in 2018 and 2019, respectively, were performed using numbers and proportions for qualitative variables.

Results

In 2017, 54/320 (16.9%) CeGIDDs transmitted their data. In 2018, this number of participants increased to 143/320 (44.7%) CeGIDDs. The corresponding volume of records increased from 2414 in 2017 to 382,890 in 2018. In 2018, most attendances were hospital based (263,480/382,890, 68.81%). In 2018, attendees were mostly men 227,326/379,921 (59.84%), while 151,963/379,921 (40%) were women 632/379,921 (0.17%) transgenders. The median age was 27 years for men, 23 years for women, and 30 years for transgender. Half of the attendees (81,964/174,932, 46.85%) were heterosexual men, 69,016/174,932 (39.45%) heterosexual women, 20,764/174,932 (11.87%) men who have sex with men, and 3188/174,932 (1.82%) women who have sex with women. A majority of them were born in France (227,698/286,289, 79.53%) and unemployed 115,913/211,707 (54.75%). The positivity rates were 0.37% for 205,348 HIV serologies, 1.31% for 131,551 hepatitis B virus serologies, 7.16% for 161,241 Chlamydia trachomatis PCR, 2.83% for 146,649 gonorrhea PCR, 1.04% for the syphilis combination of treponema and nontreponema serologies, and 5.96% for 13,313 Mycoplasma genitalium PCR.

Conclusions

Despite challenges, the effectiveness of the SurCeGIDD surveillance based on routine patients’ records was demonstrated. The wide range of information, including socioeconomic determinants, might help to better guide and evaluate the prevention policies and services delivery. However, the growing volumes of information will require adapted tools and algorithms for the data management and analyses.
Causal Modeling to Mitigate Selection Bias and Unmeasured Confounding in Internet-Based Epidemiology of COVID-19: Model Development and Validation
Authors: Stockham Nathaniel , Washington Peter , Chrisman Brianna , Paskov Kelley , Jung Jae-Yoon , Wall Dennis Paul
Published: May 2022

Background

Selection bias and unmeasured confounding are fundamental problems in epidemiology that threaten study internal and external validity. These phenomena are particularly dangerous in internet-based public health surveillance, where traditional mitigation and adjustment methods are inapplicable, unavailable, or out of date. Recent theoretical advances in causal modeling can mitigate these threats, but these innovations have not been widely deployed in the epidemiological community.

Objective

The purpose of our paper is to demonstrate the practical utility of causal modeling to both detect unmeasured confounding and selection bias and guide model selection to minimize bias. We implemented this approach in an applied epidemiological study of the COVID-19 cumulative infection rate in the New York City (NYC) spring 2020 epidemic.

Methods

We collected primary data from Qualtrics surveys of Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) crowd workers residing in New Jersey and New York State across 2 sampling periods: April 11-14 and May 8-11, 2020. The surveys queried the subjects on household health status and demographic characteristics. We constructed a set of possible causal models of household infection and survey selection mechanisms and ranked them by compatibility with the collected survey data. The most compatible causal model was then used to estimate the cumulative infection rate in each survey period.

Results

There were 527 and 513 responses collected for the 2 periods, respectively. Response demographics were highly skewed toward a younger age in both survey periods. Despite the extremely strong relationship between age and COVID-19 symptoms, we recovered minimally biased estimates of the cumulative infection rate using only primary data and the most compatible causal model, with a relative bias of +3.8% and –1.9% from the reported cumulative infection rate for the first and second survey periods, respectively.

Conclusions

We successfully recovered accurate estimates of the cumulative infection rate from an internet-based crowdsourced sample despite considerable selection bias and unmeasured confounding in the primary data. This implementation demonstrates how simple applications of structural causal modeling can be effectively used to determine falsifiable model conditions, detect selection bias and confounding factors, and minimize estimate bias through model selection in a novel epidemiological context. As the disease and social dynamics of COVID-19 continue to evolve, public health surveillance protocols must continue to adapt; the emergence of Omicron variants and shift to at-home testing as recent challenges. Rigorous and transparent methods to develop, deploy, and diagnosis adapted surveillance protocols will be critical to their success.
Assessing the Implementation of Digital Innovations in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic to Address Key Public Health Functions: Scoping Review of Academic and Nonacademic Literature
Authors: Francombe Joseph , Ali Gemma-Claire , Gloinson Emily Ryen , Feijao Carolina , Morley Katherine I , Gunashekar Salil , de Carvalho Gomes Helena
Published: May 2022

Background

Digital technologies have been central to efforts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, a range of literature has reported on developments regarding the implementation of new digital technologies for COVID-19–related surveillance, prevention, and control.

Objective

In this study, scoping reviews of academic and nonacademic literature were undertaken to obtain an overview of the evidence regarding digital innovations implemented to address key public health functions in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to expand on the work of existing reviews by drawing on additional data sources (including nonacademic sources) by considering literature published over a longer time frame and analyzing data in terms of the number of unique digital innovations.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review of the academic literature published between January 1, 2020, and September 15, 2020, supplemented by a further scoping review of selected nonacademic literature published between January 1, 2020, and October 13, 2020. Both reviews followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) approach.

Results

A total of 226 academic articles and 406 nonacademic articles were included. The included articles provided evidence of 561 (academic literature) and 497 (nonacademic literature) unique digital innovations. The most common implementation settings for digital innovations were the United States, China, India, and the United Kingdom. Technologies most commonly used by digital innovations were those belonging to the high-level technology group of integrated and ubiquitous fixed and mobile networks. The key public health functions most commonly addressed by digital innovations were communication and collaboration and surveillance and monitoring.

Conclusions

Digital innovations implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic have been wide ranging in terms of their implementation settings, the digital technologies used, and the public health functions addressed. However, evidence gathered through this study also points to a range of barriers that have affected the successful implementation of digital technologies for public health functions. It is also evident that many digital innovations implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic are yet to be formally evaluated or assessed.
How Innovation will Change the Healthcare Landscape: A Perspective from Future Health Care Leaders (Preprint)
Authors: Awa Fares , Guasti Jr Peter , Gurram Anoop , Sawicki Olivia , Avalos-Reyes Elisea , Aubert Ronald , Johnson Kathryn
Published: May 2022

UNSTRUCTURED

As future health care providers and leaders, we provide a unique perspective on the future direction of health care in the United States. We identified several opportunities for growth in a post-pandemic future, from leveraging technology to restructuring reimbursement. By building efficient and innovative digital ecosystems, that both patient and provider can access, we believe that cost, access, quality, and healthcare worker shortages can be addressed. These ecosystems can serve as decentralized virtual platforms housing data collection, financial and billing information, personalized medicine and resources that address various social determinants of health. Using these systems, we can improve patient health while reducing costs, increasing access and improving efficiency. We must continue to expect health providers to partner with data scientists and developers to build their digital front-doors while encouraging policymakers to think critically about the health policy surrounding these virtual offerings.
Apolipoprotein L1 High-Risk Genotypes and Albuminuria in Sub-Saharan African Populations
Authors: Brandenburg Jean-Tristan , Govender Melanie A. , Winkler Cheryl A. , Boua Palwende Romuald , Agongo Godfred , Fabian June , Ramsay Michèle
Published: May 2022

Background and objectives

Recessive inheritance of African-specific APOL1 kidney risk variants is associated with higher risk of nondiabetic kidney disease, progression to kidney failure, and early-onset albuminuria that precedes eGFR decline. The effect of APOL1 risk variants on kidney disease in continental Africans is understudied. Objectives of this study were to determine APOL1 risk allele prevalence and associations between APOL1 genotypes and kidney disease in West, East, and South Africa.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

This cross-sectional population-based study in four African countries included 10,769 participants largely aged 40–60 years with sociodemographic and health information, anthropometry data, and blood and urine tests for biomarkers of kidney disease. APOL1 risk alleles were imputed from the H3Africa genotyping array, APOL1 risk allele and genotype frequencies were determined, and genetic associations were assessed for kidney disease. Kidney disease was defined as the presence of eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2, albuminuria, or a composite end point including eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 and/or albuminuria.

Results

High G1 allele frequencies occurred in South and West Africa (approximately 7%–13%). G2 allele frequencies were highest in South Africa (15%–24%), followed by West Africa (9%–12%). Associations between APOL1 risk variants and albuminuria were significant for recessive (odds ratio, 1.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.25 to 2.12) and additive (odds ratio, 1.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.09 to 1.76) models. Associations were stronger for APOL1 G1/G1 genotypes versus G0/G0 (odds ratio, 3.87; 95% confidence interval, 2.16 to 6.93) compared with either G2/G2 (odds ratio, 1.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.09 to 2.51) or G1/G2 (odds ratio, 1.24; 95% confidence interval, 0.83 to 1.87). No association between APOL1 risk variants and eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 was observed.

Conclusions

APOL1 G1 and G2 alleles and high-risk genotype frequencies differed between and within West and South Africa and were almost absent from East Africa. APOL1 risk variants were associated with albuminuria but not eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2. There may be differential effects of homozygous G1 and G2 genotypes on albuminuria that require further investigation.

Podcast

This article contains a podcast at https://www.asn-online.org/media/podcast/CJASN/2022_05_16_CJN14321121.mp3
Sepsis Management for the Nephrologist
Authors: Patel Sharad , Puri Nitin , Dellinger R. Phillip
Published: May 2022

The definition of sepsis has evolved significantly over the past three decades. Today, sepsis is defined as a dysregulated host immune response to microbial invasion leading to end organ dysfunction. Septic shock is characterized by hypotension requiring vasopressors after adequate fluid resuscitation with elevated lactate. Early recognition and intervention remain hallmarks for sepsis management. We addressed the current literature and assimilated thought regarding optimum initial resuscitation of the patient with sepsis. A nuanced understanding of the physiology of lactate is provided in our review. Physiologic and practical knowledge of steroid and vasopressor therapy for sepsis is crucial and addressed. As blood purification may interest the nephrologist treating sepsis, we have also added a brief discussion of its status.
Procedural Foliage Generation
Authors: Kelkar Advait , Dahibhate Mayur , Jagtap Shantanu
Published: May 2022

Abstract: Procedural foliage generation refers to the generation of flora features, through the use of algorithms, with minimal input required from the user. In the process of game development, generating foliage is often an important part of the game development process. Traditional generation methods are often too time-consuming, especially with larger foliage variety. On the other hand, procedural methods that generate foliage automatically often do not have much user control over the output. We explore the usage of Lindenmayer systems in the creation of tree assets. Keywords: Procedural Generation, Computer Graphics, Lindenmayer Systems, Foliage Generation
Face and Voice Authentication System
Authors: Sadashiv Wagh Kishor , Bagal Anushka , Khatri Abhijit , Dhumal Maitrayee , Shaikh Sofiya
Published: May 2022

Abstract: The issue of design and security is very predominant in any financial and business organization, especially such organization as a bank. Therefore, we intend to aid in security of the bank by bringing in an Artificial intelligence system that involves an individual to get an access to some items using face and voice recognition security system. This AI system is not just a normal password lock system that require a user to insert password and gain access to some items, it is a system that has an administrative authentication. In addition, with this kind of security authentication system we intend to implement, a highly secured AI feature, which enables the user with assured and highly secured transactions using their personal frame. Here an individual have to provide the face and voice authentication, which uses different algorithms, and is read by the AI server for clarification and verification. From this project, we hope to build an alternative and highly verified security for banks. Keywords: Artificial intelligence, administrative authentication, secured transactions, financial, business, organization.
Automated Smart Attendance System Using Face Recognition
Authors: Shanthini Dr. B. , M S Gunasekaran
Published: May 2022

Abstract: In the human body, the face contains many important details, so the face is the most significant factor in identifying a person. There are several main ways to detect the presence of a person. Biometrics for capturing attendance. This is a time consuming process. In this paper, we will use a collection of rules to develop a model that classifies each character's face from the captured images. The HOG algorithm for recording student attendance. HOG (Histogram of Oriented Gradients) is one of the methods used to represent and classify images, is a common and effective method, and was chosen for its robustness against changes in pose and lighting. .. The proposed ASAS (Automated Smart Attendance System) captures images and compares them to the images stored in the databases. The database is updated during student enrollment using an automated process that also includes names and role numbers. Key Terms: HOG, python, ASAS
Voice to Sign Language Converter
Authors: Kishore Akshay , Chauhan Akshita , Verma Pooja , Veraksatra Shivam
Published: May 2022

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to design a convenient system that is helpful for the people who have hearing difficulties and in general who use very simple and effective method; sign language. This system can be used for converting sign language to voice and also voice to sign language. A motion capture system is used for sign language conversion and a voice recognition system for voice conversion. It captures the signs and dictates on the screen as writing. It also captures the voice and displays the sign language meaning on the screen as motioned image or video Keywords: Motioned Image, Sign Language Converter, Voice Recognition.
Predictive Model for Type II Diabetes: Deep Learning with Probability Density Function
Authors: Gandhimathi Mrs. K. , Umadevi Dr. N.
Published: May 2022

Abstract: Diabetes mellitus is a scientific ailment defined by hyperglycemia caused by a lack of absolute or relative insulin efficiency in the human body. Diabetes prediction is one of the newest and fastest-growing technologies in medical data analysis. The clustering method for grouping diabetes data based on cluster head properties is the focus of this study. This study proposes a new BG prediction method called RNN, which is based on recurrent neural networks (RNN). The probability of values of the variable is calculated using the probability density function (PDF). For pre-processing and missing value analysis, we used an enhanced Decision Tree and a weighted K-means method. The proposed method uses the weighted Binary Bat Optimization algorithm for feature selection. In terms of diabetic categorization, numerical findings reveal that when compared to other existing methods, the DP-RNN approach with PDF produces the way PDF-DPRNN produces the more accurate classification result. Keywords: PDF, RNN, Decision Tree, Bat Optimization, Diabetes mellitus
Employee Tracking System
Authors: Pawar Rohit , Chavan Vitthalsingh , Raskar Prof. Iswari
Published: May 2022

Abstract: Every organization, whether big or small, has human resource challenges to overcome. Every organization has different employee management needs, therefore we design exclusive employee management systems that are adapted to your managerial requirements. This is designed to assist in strategic planning, and will help you ensure that your organization is equipped with the right level of human resources for your future goals. Also, for those busy executive who are always on the go, our systems come with remote access features, which will allow you to manage your workforce anytime, at all times. These systems will ultimately allow you to better manage resources. One of the main features in employee management system is time tracking for employees. Effective time tracking mechanism saves both time and money for the organization. Keywords: Information system, Database system, DBMS, employee table, table fields, primary key, foreign key, relationship, sql queries, controls.
Implementation Paper on Web Based Mid-Day-Meal Analysis
Authors: Gomekar Miss. Prapti A. , Mate Miss. Shreya K. , Lokhande Miss. Shruti V. , Dhole Miss. Sonal R. , Joshi Miss. Anupama S. , Zade Dr. Amol. V.
Published: May 2022

Abstract: The Mid Day Meal Programme (MDMP) is a welfare programme that is being operated through the country and involves millions of children, crores of public funds, and thousands of officials manning the programme. While there can no denying that the programme needs to be monitored with an eagle’s eye for lacunae, discrepancies and malpractices, it is equally imperative that each and every well-intentioned effort, however miniscule, needs to be appreciated, rewarded and publicized for the simple reason that man motivation is a simple but a highly effective tool that can rev up the gargantuan lumbering machinery involved in the implementation of MDMP to generate unprecedented results, as expected of this populist programme. Keywords: Mid-Meal, Government schemes, School, Children, Database connection
Sign Language Recognition System
Authors: Patil Prof. Pritesh , Bhagwat Ruchir , Padale Pratham , Shah Yash , Surwade Hrutik
Published: May 2022

Abstract: A large number of deaf and mute people are present around the world and communicating with them is a bit difficult at times; because not everyone can understand Sign language(a system of communication using visual gestures and signs). In addition, there is a lack of official sign language interpreters. In India, the official number of approved sign language interpreters is only 250[1] . This makes communication with deaf and mute people very difficult. The majority of deaf and dumb teaching methods involve accommodating them to people who do not have disabilities - while discouraging the use of sign language. There is a need to encourage the use of sign language. People communicate with each other in sign language by using hand and finger gestures. The language serves its purpose by bridging the gap between the deaf-mute and speaking communities. With recent technological developments, sign language identification is a hard subject in the field of computer vision that has room for further progress. In this project, we propose an optimal recognition engine whose main objective is to translate static American Sign Language alphabets, numbers, and words into human and machine understandable English script and the other way around. Using Neural Networks, we offer a machine learning-based technique for identifying American Sign Language. Keywords: deep learning; convolutional neural network; recognition; comparison; sign language;