bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma with high-grade transformation: case report
Authors: Hasan Nadia , Moatasim Ambreen
Published: February 2022

Background

Mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma (MTSCC) is a type of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) described as an entity with low-grade and low malignant potential. This report presents a high-grade transformation of MTSCC which is an uncommon finding in this subtype of RCC. Although most reported cases showed low malignant potential and good prognosis after surgical resection, a small subset of patients has been reported with aggressive phenotype and fatal outcome.

Case presentation

A case of a 23-year-old male is discussed with an incidental renal mass in the left kidney after a workup of bilateral flank pain. Morphologically, the tumor was composed of tubular structures lined by cuboidal cells mixed with spindle cells and sarcomatoid change was present in the tumor. Previously sarcomatoid change has been mostly reported along with conventional morphology in other common type of RCC with a worse prognosis.

Conclusions

The aim of this report is to draw the attention of pathologists and clinicians to the importance of high grade MTSCC owing to the unfavorable prognosis.
Gender inequalities in the sale of handmade corn tortillas in central Mexican markets: before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Cárdenas-Marcelo Alma Lili , Espinoza-Ortega Angélica , Vizcarra-Bordi Ivonne
Published: February 2022

Objective

The objective of this study was to analyze gender inequalities and intersectionality experienced by rural-indigenous women who produce and sell native maize tortillas at three different markets-tianguis in central Mexico, facing the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

This was a qualitative study based on 36 in-depth interviews before pandemic (2018), as well as 16 interviews during pandemic (2020) of women engaged in this work.

Results

Making corn tortillas by hand is one of the culturally assigned gender roles in the indigenous population of the Mazahua region, which is why their sale in local markets as a female strategy to have access to income for household sustenance has been widely by the communities. The configuration of the different market-space for the sale of handmade tortillas, reflects the inequalities of gender and intersectionality (ethnicity, class, age, family life cycle and education levels). The women in conditions of poverty, landlessness, and with school-age children, have met greater disadvantages in continuing to sell tortillas in the face of the experience of pandemic restrictions.

Conclusions

The women who were already disadvantaged by their intersectional relationships continue to experience the same inequalities that conditioned their position in the marketplaces before the pandemic, sustaining a marginal but constant market.
Facilitators and barriers to the consumption of traditional foods among adults in Zimbabwe
Authors: Chopera Prosper , Zimunya Praise R. , Mugariri Felistas M. , Matsungo Tonderayi M.
Published: February 2022

Background

Traditional foods have superior nutritional composition; however, they are largely absent from the Zimbabwean diet.

Objective

To identify barriers and facilitators to the consumption of traditional foods among adults aged 18–69 years in Zimbabwe.

Methods

An online-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among adults aged 18–69 years in Zimbabwe. The questionnaire was based on a socio-ecological model designed to assess barriers and facilitators at the individual, interpersonal, community, and national levels. Data were analysed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 20 software package. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Ethical approval was obtained from the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe (MRCZ/B/1931).

Results

The study enrolled 440 participants. Traditional food consumption was low in this population with only 9.3% consuming these foods daily. At the individual level, 44.4% of study participants mentioned their consumption of traditional foods is facilitated by generational factors, while the most important barrier at this level was the inconvenience in accessing and preparing traditional foods (33.2%). At the community and national levels, the most important facilitator was family members (26.2%) and lack of environmental contaminants (38.9%), respectively, while most important barrier at the community and national levels was their residential location or residence (31.8%) and aggressive marketing of processed foods (47.8%), respectively.

Conclusions

Consumption of traditional foods was low in general. Generational factors, family contribution, and food safety impact the consumption of traditional foods among adults in Zimbabwe. The food environment, particularly commercial advertising of alternative foods, is a deterrent. Therefore, interventions to promote the consumption of traditional foods must take into account these factors at every stage of the socio-ecological model.
Implementation Degree Assessment Sheet for Health Program in Japan by Customizing CFIR: Development and Validation
Authors: Okamoto Reiko , Kageyama Masako , Koide Keiko , Tanaka Miho , Yamamoto Yoshiko , Fujioka Mana , Osuna Ayami , Saeki Kazuko , Hirokane Kazue , Nagano Fusami , Takemura Shinji
Published: February 2022

Purpose

More than 70% of public health nurses in Japan belong to government agencies, and there is a need for further evidence-based capacity development for program implementation. The purpose of this research was to develop an Implementation Degree Assessment Sheet (IDAS) by customizing the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to health programs in Japan.

Methods

The draft IDAS (five domains, 31 constructs) created by customizing the CFIR was refined by the researchers and modified through pre-testing. The survey covered full-time public health nurses (PHNs) affiliated to all prefectures and the cities with health centers of Japan. The survey was conducted as an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire survey by mail.

Results

One hundred eighty-five of the 334 institutions (55.4%) agreed to participate in our survey. Of the 966 questionnaire forms distributed, 709 forms (73.4%) were collected, of which 702 responses (72.7%) were valid. No item required consideration of deletion based on the results of item analysis, and our confirmatory factor analysis on model fitness between the five IDAS domains and CFIR showed sufficient fit indices after modification. With regard to reliability, Cronbach’s coefficient alpha, a measure of internal consistency, stayed above 0.8 overall. Our verification of stability with the split-half (odd/even) method resulted in a Spearman–Brown reliability coefficient of 0.95. The correlation coefficient between the IDAS scores and the research utilization competency score, used as an external criterion, was 0.51 (p<0.001), supporting the coexistence validity of the criterion-related validity of the IDAS. The significant differences were observed between known-groups, supporting the known-group validity of the IDAS.

Conclusion

This study developed the IDAS and confirmed constant reliability and validity. Hereafter, it is necessary to promote the required capacity development based on the actual degree of implementation in order to use the IDAS for the competency development of public health nurses and related professions to deliver health programs.
Vocal fold myxoma: a case report and review of current literature
Authors: Nasir Zuraini Mohammad , Mohamed Mohd Hazmi , Bakrin Ikmal Hisyam , Liang Loh Tze
Published: February 2022

Background

Vocal fold myxoma is a rare mesenchymal tumor with unknown exact etiology. The aim of this report is to review current literature on demographic and clinical features of vocal fold myxomas in order to increase awareness among otorhinolaryngologists on management of this rare vocal fold pathology.

Case presentation

We report a case of a 46-year-old female teacher presented with 1 year history of progressive dysphonia with no airway obstructive or constitutional symptoms. Flexible laryngoscopy revealed a polypoid mass at the anterior two thirds of the left vocal fold. We proceeded with endolaryngeal microsurgery, where a left vocal fold mass with prominent overlying blood vessels was incompletely excised due to poor plane, in an attempt to prevent injury to vocal ligament. The histopathological findings were consistent with myxoma. No evidence of recurrence was noted at 2 months postoperatively.

Conclusions

Vocal fold myxoma should be considered as a differential diagnosis of vocal fold pathology clinically resembling vocal fold polyp, especially in older male adults. Complete excision with removal of a rim of surrounding tissue is the gold-standard treatment to prevent recurrence. If diagnosis is uncertain, intraoperative frozen section can be performed to ensure margins are free from tumor. Life-long follow-up is recommended in incomplete excision of tumor.
Serum interleukin-6 in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients and its relation to severity and acute exacerbation
Authors: Hussein Fatma G. M. , Mohammed Randa S. , Khattab Rasha A. , Al-Sharawy Laila A.
Published: February 2022

Background and objectives

The role of interleukins in the severity and clinical profile of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not known, but evidence supports the contribution of systemic inflammation to disease pathophysiology. This study evaluated the relationship of serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) to the severity and clinical parameters of COPD.

Aim of work

The aim of the work is to estimate the level of IL-6 in COPD patients and its relation to COPD severity and acute exacerbation.

Patients and method

We analyzed 45 COPD patients and 45 normal population as control. We estimate the IL-6 level by ELISA and correlate it with the severity and frequency of COPD exacerbation.

Results

In the current study, we noticed that IL-6 level was high in COPD patients and in those who experience frequent exacerbation. Also, IL-6 show a relation with the parameter of pulmonary function test; there is a statistically significant negative correlation withp-value < 0.05 between the level of IL-6 and the forced expired volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity (EFV1/FVC) among cases with COPD, which indicated that decrease in EFV/FVC will associate with the increase in IL-6 level.

Conclusions

The study revealed that serum IL-6 level elevated with increasing severity of airflow limitation in COPD patients, particularly in acute exacerbation phase. This increase was associated with a reduced quality of life and increased severity of hypoxemia.
Criteria and potential predictors of severity in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Zayed Niveen E. , Abbas Ahmad , Lutfy Samah Mohamad
Published: February 2022

Background

The challenge in treating severe COVID-19 in the absence of targeted medication is enforcing physicians to search carefully for clinical predictors of severity.

Aim

To define the profile of patients at risk of severe COVID-19 and to assess for certain predictors.

Methods

Confirmed COVID-19 cases were classified into the following: group A: mild/moderate cases and group B: severe/critical cases according to the selected criteria. History, radiological assessment, complete blood count, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), myocardial enzymes, serum ferritin, and D dimer were assessed. Patients were followed for the need of ICU and mechanical ventilation. Duration till conversion, length of stay, and mortality were recorded.

Results

A total of 202 patients were analyzed. Group B had higher age (53.2 ± 12.6 vs 40.3 ± 10.3, P < 0.001), more prevalence of DM (60.61% vs 16.57% P < 0.001), hypertension (51.52% vs 20.12%, P < 0.001), ischemic heart (27.27% vs 3.55%, P < 0.001), bronchial asthma (36.36% vs 3.55%, P < 0.001), COPD (9.09% vs 1.18%, P = 0.03), higher mean platelet volume (MPV) (12.76 ± 7.13 vs 10.51 ± 7.78 (fL), P < 0.001), higher serum ferritin (954 ± 138 vs 447 ± 166 ng/ml, P < 0.001), higher LDH (604 ± 220 vs 384 ± 183 U/L, P-value < 0.001), higher creatine phosphokinase (24.27 ± 5.82 vs 16.4 ± 4.87 IU/L, P < 0.001), and higher mortality (30.3% vs 0.6%, P < 0.001). Multivariate regression of predictors of severity identified three predictors; age, MPV, serum ferritin, and IHD.

Conclusions

The current study places of interest the characteristic host-related features of severe COVID-19 and draws attention to potential predictors.
Changes in ionised calcium in cases of ethylene glycol poisoning
Authors: Stasinskis Roberts , Stasinska Katrina , Mukans Maksims , Graudins Andis , Liguts Viesturs , Lejnieks Aivars
Published: February 2022

Ethylene glycol is a toxic alcohol that occurs in a variety of chemical preparations. In patients poisoned with ethylene glycol, diagnosis is usually based on clinical suspicion and non-specific tests. Hypocalcaemia is often present and results from production of calcium oxalate crystals from oxalic acid. 

Assess whether reduction in ionized calcium concentration is a common finding in ethylene glycol poisoning, whether it can be appropriate additional marker for the prognosis of outcome.

Retrospective clinical records review of patients with a diagnosis of ethylene glycol poisoning at the Riga East University Hospital from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2020. Ethylene glycol exposure was confirmed retrospectively, qualitatively in all patients. Results of blood gas samples and serum creatinine were analysed and abnormalities were compared amongst various groups.

Ionized calcium concentration in arterial blood was below the normal range in 59% of cases at the time of presentation and more commonly associated with a blood pH < 7.3  in 79% of cases. The number of patients with low ionized calcium concentration increased over time. However, the number of patients with blood pH ≥7.3 fell during the same time period. Linear regression analysis did not show a significant correlation between low ionized calcium and blood pH. However, analysis of results from the time of presentation revealed a moderate negative correlation between low ionized calcium concentration and blood pH and lactate concentration. There was also a moderate correlation between low ionized calcium concentration and serum creatinine.

A low ionised calcium concentration was a common finding in cases of ethylene glycol poisoning and was more commonly associated with patients exhibiting metabolic acidosis or developing acute kidney injury. Ionised calcium concentration and pH value may be additional markers for the diagnosis and risk stratification of severity from ethylene glycol poisoning.
Adverse Events of Electronic Moxibustion Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis: Case Reports and a Literature Review
Authors: Oh Yoona , Lee Jisun , Kim Yeonhak , Kim Eun Seok , Kim Kun Hyung , Lee Byung Ryul , Yang Gi Young
Published: February 2022

Background: Electronic moxibustion has the advantage of temperature control and maintenance, and overcomes the limitations of the existing moxibustion process without the use of the combustion process. However, as the application of electronic moxibustion in clinical practice has increased, safety issues are emerging.Methods: Clinical cases of electronic moxibustion treatment for knee osteoarthritis where burns occurred were collected. In addition, adverse events reported in clinical studies using electronic moxibustion for patients with knee osteoarthritis were collected from studies retrieved from Korean and international databases.Results: There were 3 cases of superficial 2nd degree burns retrospectively collected through chart reviews. Among the selected 5 studies for literature review, 2 studies reported adverse events which were burns milder than those reported in these 3 cases in this retrospective case review.Conclusion: Since the risk of superficial 2nd degree burn was discovered in the cases reviewed, further research on safe electronic moxibustion treatment is required without compromising the effectiveness of moxibustion.
Providing income certainty for carers? Care, labour market participation and support for a universal basic income in Europe
Authors: Murphy Caroline , Turner Thomas
Published: February 2022

The provision of care, in particular, long-term care, is a major policy concern across Europe, one exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Post-crisis, a universal basic income may be a progressive way to address how care is rewarded in society. In this article, we examine the relationship between caring responsibilities, labour market participation and support for a universal basic income across a number of European countries. Our findings indicate that support for such a scheme is extremely divided, even among care-providing groups who may potentially gain from its introduction.
Manufacturing foreign news from afar: Views from an editor’s desk
Authors: Bergman Tabe
Published: February 2022

Edward Herman and Noam Chomsky’s propaganda model, one of the major scholarly contributions to the understanding of – especially foreign – news produced by the US media, consists of trenchant analysis of media industries and volumes of media content, while mostly ignoring an important intermediate step: what happens in the newsroom. This article aims to fill in those blanks with a critical reflection informed by academic literature on the author’s time working as a global news editor with two news agencies, including the main American one, the Associated Press. Specifically, the article aims to clarify and expand on three concepts related to journalistic practices that get short shrift in the propaganda model: journalists’ individual responsibility for the product they produce, their intent and their conformity to organizational imperatives, thereby as much as possible making understandable how and why the propaganda model works on the ground.
Antimicrobial resistance management in Pacific Island countries: Current status, challenges, and strategic solutions
Authors: Magiri Royford , Gaundan Sharon , Choongo Kennedy , Zindove Titus , Bakare Archibold , Okyere Eunice , Okello Walter , Mutwiri George , Rafai Eric , Gautam Ashodra , Iji Paul
Published: February 2022

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is currently recognized as a major emerging threat to human and animal health. The burden of antimicrobial-resistant infections affects the economy in developed and developing countries. There is a rapid rise in AMR in human and veterinary medicine globally. AMR profiles are poorly documented in Fiji, and limited data are accessible. Fiji currently has no national veterinary antibiotic resistance surveillance network or regulations and guidelines on veterinary drug use. However, available literature shows that although human drugs are better managed than veterinary drugs, the knowledge is still constrained and dispersed. Furthermore, Fiji was chosen as a case study to develop a prototype AMR surveillance and control in the Pacific region. Pacific Island countries share similar geographic and climatic conditions. Currently, the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research has funded an AMR project that addresses some gaps in managing AMR in the region. The project is the first to adopt the One Health approach to research the AMR in humans, animals, and the Pacific region's environment. Combating AMR needs human health and veterinary personnel to work with all other stakeholders. Continuous surveillance for resistant clinical isolates in humans and animals and the development of appropriate policy intervention measures in human and veterinary drug use are necessary to alleviate AMR burden. Therefore, there is a need to educate farmers, human patients, and the public on the fight against AMR. In addition, AMR data are necessary to develop effective AMR control strategies. This review gives a comprehensive information assessment on AMR in Fiji and the other South Pacific Islands in relation to global trends. Suggestions on the most appropriate ways of effectively managing AMR in Fiji have been made.
Potencial biorremediador da microalga Chlorella vulgaris BEIJERINCK em meio composto por águas residuárias
Authors: Assis Neto Djalma Queiroga de , Lopes Thiago Santos de Almeida , Santos Whelton Brito dos , Ferreira Weruska Brasileiro , Lima Vera Lucia Antunes de
Published: February 2022

A dessalinização de águas salobras subterrâneas é, em muitas localidades, a única solução para o abastecimento de água. Porém, o processo de dessalinização por membrana de osmose inversa produz um rejeito poluente e de difícil tratamento. Similarmente, o efluente produzido pelo tratamento de esgoto doméstico em filtro anaeróbio também necessita de um pós-tratamento para se adequar às normas de despejo em corpos hídricos. Assim, a biorremediação de águas residuárias, utilizando microalgas, surge como uma opção de tratamento desse rejeito. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar e otimizar o potencial biorremediativo da espécie de microalga Chlorella vulgaris em meio composto por rejeito de dessalinização por osmose inversa e efluente de tratamento de esgoto doméstico em filtro anaeróbio. Na metodologia foi utilizado o planejamento experimental por delineamento composto central rotacionado (DCCR), tendo como variáveis independentes: pH, fotoperíodo e proporção de efluentes. Os parâmetros analisados foram a Demanda Química de Oxigênio (DQO) e o Fósforo Total (PT). As  taxas de remoção para a variável DQO variaram entre 28,73 e 70,73% e para a variável PT as taxas ficaram entre 52,19 e 100%. A otimização estatística dos modelos mostrou uma remoção teórica combinada de 69,08% para DQO e 89,34 PT.
Predicting the effectiveness of methotrexate therapy based on basal expression of the AMP-activated protein kinase gene in the blood of patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Chetina E. V. , Demidova N. V. , Markova G. A. , Salyanova E. P.
Published: February 2022

Objective: to search for an association between basal expression of the AMP-activated protein kinase (adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, AMPK) gene in the blood of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and disease activity, as well as joint destruction before and after 24 months of methotrexate (MT) therapy.Patients and methods. The study included 40 patients with RA who met the 1987 ACR classification criteria, with a disease duration of not more than 2 years, with a mean age of 47.5±15.5 years. All patients received 15 mg/week of MT. The number of swollen joints (SJC) out of 44, the number of tender joints (TSC) out of 53, the duration of morning stiffness (in minutes) and RA activity were assessed using the DAS28 index. The concentration of CRP and IgM rheumatoid factor (RF), antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptide (ACCP) were assessed. To evaluate the radiological progression of RA, the Sharp method modified by van der Heijde was used. Gene expression in peripheral blood cells was determined by reverse transcriptase reaction and real-time polymerase chain reaction.Results and discussion. During MT therapy, there was a decrease in disease activity by DAS28 index, CRP level, duration of morning stiffness, SJC and TJC. After 2 years, there were no statistically significant changes in the number of erosions, while the number of joints with narrowing of the joint space increased by the end of the study (p=0.004). Treatment with MT resulted in a decrease in AMPK expression. At the same time, patients who achieved remission had the highest level of AMPK before therapy, as did seronegative patients compared to seropositive ones. Based on the ROC analysis, the threshold value of AMPK gene expression was determined, which makes it possible to predict a high probability of a positive effect of MT therapy.Conclusion. AMPK gene expression is associated with disease activity. Its high initial blood level in RA patients is associated with greater efficiency of MT and, possibly, plays a protective role. With an AMPK gene expression index greater than 3.83, the probability of a positive response to MT is high.
Structure of the distribution of genetic determinants of the efficacy and safety of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the Russian population: focus on CYP2C8, PTGS1 and PTGS2
Authors: Denisenko N. P. , Abdullaev Sh. P. , Akmalova K. A. , Sozaeva Zh. A. , Kachanova A. A. , Sozaeva M. S-Kh. , Bolieva L. Z. , Grishina E. A. , Sychev D. A.
Published: February 2022

The efficacy and safety of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be determined by the polymorphic nature of the CYP2C8, PTGS1 and PTGS2 genes.Objective: to analyze the nature of the distribution of CYP2C8*3 (rs10509681), CYP2C8*3 (rs11572080), PTGS1 (rs10306135), PTGS1 (rs12353214) and PTGS2 (rs20417) among residents of the North Caucasus.Patients and methods. The study involved 676 volunteers from Russian, Balkar, Kabardian and Ossetian ethnic groups. Carriage of polymorphic markers CYP2C8, PTGS1 and PTGS2 was determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction.Results and discussion. There were no significant differences between the groups in the rs10509681 and rs11572080 variants of the CYP2C8 gene. In all groups, the carriage of a combination of CYP2C8 and CYP2C9 alleles, encoding the phenotype of normal metabolizers, prevailed with a frequency of about 75% or more. The rs10306135 variant of the PTGS1 gene was found in 5.9% of Russians, 1.1% of Balkars, 5.3% of Kabardians, and 10.6% of Ossetians; variant rs12353214 – in 19.1; 9.4; 10.8 and 9.2%, rs20417 polymorphism of the PTGS2 gene in 0.4; 5; 2.8 and 3.1% respectively.Conclusion. The data obtained can be used to develop a more rational approach to the prescription of NSAIDs, taking into account the genetic characteristics of the local population in ethnic regions.
Reducing the Order of Complex Models Using the Robust Control Toolbox
Authors:   Perm National Research Polytechnic University, Berezniki Branch, Berezniki, Russian Federation, Bilfeld N.V. , Varlamova S.A.
Published: February 2022

The city of Berezniki, Perm region is located on an underworked mine area. For several years, the city has been experiencing active subsidence of the soil, which provoke the destruction of buil-dings. Therefore, for several years now, the city's buildings and structures have been monitored, which makes it possible to analyze the degree of subsidence. Models of a sufficiently high order are used for an accurate analysis of the situation and forecasting. The article is about a possibility of modeling the deformation of buildings associated with soil subsidence, as a result of mine workings in the city of Berezniki. The purpose of the study is to consider the capabilities of the ‘Robust Control Toolbox’ for reducing the order of complexity of models. An example of an eight-story building included in the collection of reference examples for reducing models of linear dynamic systems is used. Materials and methods. Typical steps for solving the problem of model reduction are presented, commands and tools used to solve this problem are described. The parameters of the model in the state space are determined, which has 48 states, which are displacements or rates of change. The singular values of Hankel are used to select states that can be neglected. The model is reduced using an adaptive error boundary. Reduction using the multiplicative error bound is considered. Comparison of the results of reduction of the model by all described methods is carried out, the choice of the best method of reduction of the model is substantiated. Results. An analysis of the approximation error was performed for all the methods. The maximum relative error has been calculated. An example of calculating the order of the model for a given error value of 5% is given. The order of the result model is 34 states with the error less is then 1%, which is less than the original model. As a result, the AFCs of the original and reduced models, as well as the transient processes of the models, were constructed. The plots in the frequency domain of the models practically coincide, which indicates an adequate description of the system. Conclusions. As a result, it was shown that it is possible to reduce the size of the model by 14 orders of magnitude, goal achieved.
Цифровизация процессов активизации государственно-частного партнерства как инструмент привлечения инвестиций
Authors:   Voronezh State Technical University, Voronezh, Russian Federation, Averina T.A. , Barkalov S.A. , Lavrova Yu.S.
Published: February 2022

Currently, one of the promising areas of economic development is digitalization in general and the formation of a high-quality information infrastructure in particular. This is especially true for the processes of activating public-private partnership – mutually beneficial interaction between the state and business. Due to the pandemic, investors are working with their portfolio more carefully, and it becomes more difficult to attract private funds. The purpose of the study is to analyze the information environment for PPP projects, namely, to assess its attractiveness and transparency for investors. The objectives are to analyze the distribution of concession agreements by investment volume, identify problem areas in the implementation of public-private partnership programmes of the Russian Federation, describe measures that contribute to improving the efficiency of public-private interaction. General scientific methods of analysis and synthesis were used in the work. The authors relied on such materials as current publications of domestic and foreign scientists on the research topic, materials of All-Russian and international management conferences, electronic reports of research centers and official statistics provided by government agencies. As a result, an interactive map is described rating of cities by the level of development of project activities in the field of public-private partnership. The interactive map is a powerful tool of digital transformation, unlike the annual published electronic and paper reports, more accurately reflects the situation on the PPP projects market at the current time, that is, the information remains relevant for each of the requests of each subsequent user. The article also presents the results of a comparative analysis of popular mapping programs as a definition of the most effective and sustainable platform for creating a service. By transforming the traditional information infrastructure in this way, it is possible to increase the investment attractiveness of subjects, and therefore affect the quality of life of residents of both individual cities and the whole country.
Construction Management Based on Modeling Technology of Object Construction
Authors:   South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russian Federation, Gusev E.V. , Hollay A.V.
Published: February 2022

The time schedule is the main source of information in construction management. The overall efficiency and success of the project ultimately depends on its quality. At present, the concept of "technology for the construction of an object" is associated with the technological sequence of works of the object, the relationship between them, but there are practically no deep theoretical studies in the field of determining the quantitative relationships between interrelated works. The traditional approach to determining quantitative ratios based on previously adopted organizational decisions is fully justified for organizational and technological planning. But in order to organize the production of work, that is, to make the appropriate organizational decisions for the implementation of specific volumes of work, it is necessary to preliminarily determine these volumes.In the process of determination, technological requirements must be taken into account, which dictate the quantitative relationships between interrelated works. Purpose of the study. Building a model that takes into account technological dependencies in the process of performing construction and installation work. Materials and methods. The work used publications available in open sources on the organization of construction work, as well as regulations used in the Russian Federation, regulating the construction industry. Results. A new concept of construction technology of an object is given, as a quantitative and qualitative assessment of technological links between works, which determine the possibility of planning works and organizing production, depending on the state of the previous ones. This definition allows us to formulate the essence of modeling the construction technology of an object, namely, the establishment of technological links between the works and the determination of the minimum volumes on the previous one, which open up the possibility for planning a technologically interconnected volume on the subsequent work. The article has developed and presented such a model (model of object technological dependencies), which describes the technological interrelationships of works and their quantitative estimates at the beginning and end of works. The possibilities of the model of object technological dependencies in the development of management decisions from the point of view of the general functions of construction management are shown. Conclusion. The described model can successfully serve as a technological basis for planning construction and installation works, making organizational decisions, monitoring the progress of work, as well as developing management decisions in the process of construction production. With its help, you can analyze the progress and status of work in each planning period of the planned year.
Decision tree algorithm for multi-label hate speech and abusive language detection in Indonesian Twitter
Authors: Ihsan Fauzi , Iskandar Iwan , Harahap Nazruddin Safaat , Agustian Surya
Published: February 2022

Hate speech and abusive language are easily found in written communications in social media like Twitter. They often cause a dispute between parties, the victims, and the first who write the tweet. However, it is also difficult to distinguish whether a tweet contains hate speech and/or abusive language for those who take sides. This research aims to develop a method to classify the tweets into abusive and/or contain hate speech classes. If hate speech is detected, then the system will measure the hardness level of hatred. The dataset includes 13,126 real tweets data. Word embeddings are used for featuring text input. For the tweets classification, we use a Decision Tree algorithm. Some engineering of features and parameters tuning has improved the classification of the three classes: hate speech class, abusive words, and hate speech level. The lexicon feature in the Decision Tree classification produces the highest accuracy for detecting the three classes rather than engineering special features and textual features. The average accuracy of the three classes increased from 69.77 % to 70.48 % for the training-testing composition of 90:10, and another 69.35 % to 69.54 % for 80:20 respectively.
Grape leaf image disease classification using CNN-VGG16 model
Authors: Hasan Moh. Arie , Riyanto Yan , Riana Dwiza
Published: February 2022

This study aims to classify the disease image on grape leaves using image processing. The segmentation uses the k-means clustering algorithm, the feature extraction process uses the VGG16 transfer learning technique, and the classification uses CNN. The dataset is from Kaggle of 4000 grape leaf images for four classes: leaves with black measles, leaf spot, healthy leaf, and blight. Google images of 100 pieces were also used as test data outside the dataset. The accuracy of the CNN model training is 99.50 %. The classification yields an accuracy of 97.25 % using the test data, while using test image data outside the dataset obtains an accuracy of 95 %. The designed image processing method can be applied to identify and classify disease images on grape leaves.
Enhanced image security using residue number system and new Arnold transform
Authors: Babatunde Akinbowale Nathaniel , Oke Afeez Adeshina , Oloyede Abdulkareem Ayopo , Bello Aisha Oiza
Published: February 2022

This paper aims to improve the image scrambling and encryption effect in traditional two-dimensional discrete Arnold transform by introducing a new Residue number system (RNS) with three moduli and the New Arnold Transform. The study focuses on improving the classical discrete Arnold transform with quasi-affine properties, applying image scrambling and encryption research. The design of the method is explicit to three moduli set {2n, 2n+1+1, 2n+1-1}. These moduli set includes equalized and shapely moduli leading to the effective execution of the residue to binary converter. The study employs an arithmetic residue to the binary converter and an improved Arnold transformation algorithm. The encryption process uses MATLAB to accept a digital image input and subsequently convert the image into an RNS representation. The images are connected as a group. The resulting encrypted image uses the Arnold transformation algorithm. The encrypted image is used as input at decryption using the anti-Arnold (Reverse Arnold) transformation algorithm to convert the picture to the original RNS (original pixel value). Then the RNS was used to retransform the original RNS to its binary form. Security analysis tests, like histogram analysis, keyspace, key sensitivity, and correlation coefficient analysis, were administered on the encrypted image. Results show that the hybrid system can use the improved Arnold transform algorithm with better security and no constraint on image width and size.
Digital Election Model In The Election Of Regional Head And Deputy Head In Indonesia
Authors: Januwarso Arief , Sukristiyanto Agus , Darmawan Arief
Published: February 2022

This study aims to develop a model for digital general election in the election of Regional Head and Deputy Head. The focus of this research is on the simultaneous regional elections in 2020 in the regencies of Jember, Malang, Lamongan and Sidoarjo. In the research method, a qualitative-descriptive approach was used, with a phenomenological basis. The results of the study indicated that the legitimacy of authority in the 2020 Regional Head and Deputy Head Elections has decreased or the elections had incomplete legitimacy. This can be seen from the percentages of votes for the winners of the local elections, who received less than 50% in the regencies of Jember, Malang, Lamongan and Sidoarjo. Recommendations are offered for the  development of a new regional election system, which may attain full power legitimacy, as follows. First, the digital-based electoral system needs to be improved. Second, election needs to be socialized as early as possible. Third, political education needs to be developed by political parties, through political school programs with competent teachers. Fourth, the model, which needs to be set up with a bottom-up system through full community participation, may produce a pattern of regional election that is more in line with the conditions and desires of the people so that the people can give full power (full legitimacy) for the winners to manage the regional government.
Figuring Out Commercial Gimmicks Influencing Consumer Engagement from Psychological Change Points
Authors: Seguchi Motoki
Published: February 2022

Although the scale is not so large, there are many companies that carefully manufacture traditional products of high quality such as crafts and foods. For such companies, story-telling commercials explaining their elaborate products on their SNS sites are attractive means to enlarge their business scale, because it takes a lower cost than TV commercials. However, because of limited budgets, they make commercials for themselves. It is difficult for them to evaluate whether their commercials have an impact on consumers. To compose hand-made commercials appealing to new customers, this study proposes a method to estimate which gimmicks in a commercial affect consumer engagement. Customer targeting is important in business for the small amount of production. The study evaluates the method, dividing target consumers into two groups, students and working adults. The change point detection is applied to pupil size for estimating gimmicks affecting emotional engagement, so is to EDA for estimating ones affecting cognitive engagement. The impacts on behavioral engagement are evaluated with a questionnaire. Experiments show that characters are an important gimmick for cognitive engagement. A climax should be placed firmly in the story to influence emotional engagement. Flashback scenes also turn out useful gimmicks for both cognitive and emotional engagement. Furthermore, scenes that allow consumers to imagine themselves using the product are influential to behavioral engagement. Specific elements working well for each gimmick turn out to vary with students and adults. The method manifests gimmicks to be included in a commercial when companies compose their commercials for themselves.
Negative Reinforcement, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Strategies: A Narrative Review of Literature
Authors: Carneiro Juliana Margarida , Bertelli Rosangela
Published: February 2022

Clinical evidence has increasingly shown that Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can be effectively treated through psychotherapeutic interventions. Considering that there currently is a high diversity of psychotherapeutic interventions, how can health professionals decide on which strategies to use? What are the characteristics of the strategies effectively applied to treat OCD? The aim of the present review of clinical reports was to provide an overview of strategies employed in the psychotherapeutic treatment of OCD. The bibliographic research carried out through the Online Library of Knowledge (B-on) allowed for the identification of 23 publications that met the inclusion criteria for the present narrative review of the literature. Results revealed that amongst several strategies derived from the cognitive-behavioural model of learning, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) strategies applied in order to extinguish behaviours shaped by negative reinforcement directed many health professionals' attention.
Deep learning application for stellar parameters determination: I-constraining the hyperparameters
Authors: Gebran Marwan , Connick Kathleen , Farhat Hikmat , Paletou Frédéric , Bentley Ian
Published: February 2022

Machine learning is an efficient method for analysing and interpreting the increasing amount of astronomical data that are available. In this study, we show a pedagogical approach that should benefit anyone willing to experiment with deep learning techniques in the context of stellar parameter determination. Using the convolutional neural network architecture, we give a step-by-step overview of how to select the optimal parameters for deriving the most accurate values for the stellar parameters of stars:

T

eff

{T}_{{\rm{eff}}}

,

log
g

\log g

, [M/H], and

v

e

sin
i

{v}_{e}\sin i

. Synthetic spectra with random noise were used to constrain this method and to mimic the observations. We found that each stellar parameter requires a different combination of network hyperparameters and the maximum accuracy reached depends on this combination as well as the signal-to-noise ratio of the observations, and the architecture of the network. We also show that this technique can be applied to other spectral-types in different wavelength ranges after the technique has been optimized.
Exploring Senior High School Students’ English Academic Resilience in the Chinese Context
Authors: Liu Honggang , Han Xueke
Published: February 2022

While academic resilience has been a hot topic in positive psychology, there is still scope for researchers to explore it in the field of applied linguistics. Drawing on the framework of L2 (second language) learners’ resilience proposed by T. Y. Kim and Y. K. Kim (2017), the current study aims to examine senior high school students’ English academic resilience (EAR) and its relationship to their English achievement (EA). This study comprises a survey of 454 senior high school students. Follow-up interviews were carried out to triangulate the quantitative findings. The descriptive results demonstrate that students’ EAR is above the average, and its five subscales obtain medium to medium-higher levels due to the mean scores. It shows that students have good EAR that enables them to deal with academic adversity. The correlational analysis shows a low positive correlation between EAR and EA in general, and the subscales share medium to low correlations with students’ EA. EAR has a certain influence on EA, but the correlation may be influenced by other learner variables. Based on the results, suggestions on improving students’ EAR are provided.
Achieving Self-Imitation for English Intonation Learning: The Role of Corrective Feedback
Authors: Li Zhongmin , Lian Andrew-Peter
Published: February 2022

Corrective feedback is crucial for pronunciation teaching. However, in current pronunciation teaching practice, the corrective feedback provided usually fails to locate pronunciation problems and inform learners of the differences between their mispronunciations and the correct form. Based on the motor theory, this study attempted to explore a new way of corrective feedback for pronunciation teaching. Specifically, the learners’ speech output was modified and then was played back to them as an input model for learning. In this way, the learners can imitate the pronunciation model of their own voices, achieving self-imitation. This study included two experiments. The first explored the viability of obtaining one’s self-perceived voice through delayed feedback paradigm. The second experiment examined the effectiveness of self-imitation for English intonation learning. Results showed that imitating the pronunciation model of one’s own voice can reduce the learners’ phonological memory load, assist critical listening and facilitate accurate phonetic realizations of the target intonation.
Nitrieren von Fe-Cr-Legierungen
Authors: Schacherl R. E. , Mittemeijer E. J.
Published: February 2022

Kurzfassungen

Zur Untersuchung der Morphologie und Wachstumskinetik nitrierter Schichten von Fe-Cr-Legierungen wurden Legierungen mit 4 Gew.-%, 7 Gew.-%, 13 Gew.-% und 20 Gew.-% Cr in einer NH3/H2-Gasatmosphäre (bei 450 °C, 580 °C und 700 °C) nitriert. Die Untersuchung der Gefügemorphologie der Nitrierschichten wurde mithilfe von Licht- und Rasterelektronenmikroskopie durchgeführt. Die Variation der Elementzusammensetzung in den Nitrierschichten wurde durch Elektronenstrahlmikroanalyse (ESMA) bestimmt. Zur quantitativen Beschreibung des Stickstoffdiffusionsprofiles in den Nitrierschichten wurde ein numerisches Modell entwickelt. Die berechneten Stickstoffprofile wurden den gemessenen (ESMA) Profilen angepasst, wobei die folgenden Anpassungsparameter angewendet wurden: Stickstoffoberflächenkonzentration, Löslichkeitsprodukt von Chrom und Stickstoff in der Ferrit-Matrix sowie ein Parameter, welcher die Zusammensetzung des ausgeschiedenen Chromnitrides festlegt. Um die berechneten Profile an die gemessenen anzupassen, wurde zwischen mobilem und immobilem Überschussstickstoff in der Nitrierschicht unterschieden.
Verzugskompensation mittels Gasabschreckung in flexiblen Düsenfeldern*
Authors: Hunkel M. , Schüttenberg S. , Frerichs F. , Fritsching U. , Zoch H.-W.
Published: February 2022

Kurzfassungen

Der durch die Wärmebehandlung ausgelöste Bauteilverzug wird im Rahmen eines Teilprojekts des Sonderforschungsbereichs „Distortion Engineering“ an der Universität Bremen auf der Basis lokal asymmetrischer Abschreckvorgänge in gasförmigen Medien analysiert und modellmäßig beschrieben. An geometrisch einfachen Bauteilen wie Ringen aus 100Cr6 und Wellen aus 20MnCr5 wird sowohl das Verzugspotenzial aufgrund (gezielt) asymmetrischer Abschreckung untersucht als auch die Möglichkeiten der Verzugskompensation mittels Gasabschreckung in flexiblen Düsenfeldern aufgezeigt. Für einzelne Bauteile konnte aufgrund der asymmetrischen Abschreckung ein deutlicher Verzug provoziert werden. Bei Bauteilen, deren Verzugspotenzial a priori bekannt war, konnte die asymmetrische Gasabschreckung zur Kompensation des Verzugs verwendet werden.