bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lab-scale and on-field industrial composting of biodegradable plastic blends for packaging
Authors: Chong Zhi Kai , Hofmann Alexander , Haye Marie , Wilson Sharon , Sohoo Ihsanullah , Kuchta Kerstin
Published: August 2022

Background: The acceptance of compostable plastic packaging in industrial composting plants is not universal despite available certification for compostability due to the persistence of compostable plastic residues reported by some industrial plants. This study aims to better understand this discrepancy by comparing the disintegration rate of two compostable plastic blends designed for rigid packaging (polylactic acid based) and soft packaging (polybutylene succinate based) between a controlled lab-scale test and an on-field test in an industrial composting plant.

Methods: The thermophilic lab-scale disintegration test was conducted according to ISO 20200 in triplicates for 4, 8 and 12 weeks while the on-field test was conducted by exposing duplicate test material in the compost pile of an industrial composting plant in northern Germany, for three weeks. The mass change of the remaining test material >2mm was used as an indicator of disintegration.

Results: The rigid packaging blend (1 mm thickness) retained on average 76.4%, 59.0% and 55.7% of its mass after 4, 8 and 12 weeks respectively in the lab-scale test. After exposure to industrial composting on-field, the remaining mass was 97.2% and 99.5%. The soft packaging blend (109±9 µm sample thickness) retained on average 45.4%, 10.9% and 0.3% of its mass after 4, 8 and 12 weeks respectively and 94.0% and 93.8% after exposure to industrial composting on-field.

Conclusions: The results show a substantial difference in disintegration rates between the lab-scale and the on-field test after three to four weeks. The difference between the tests that might contribute significantly to the differing disintegration rates is the composition of the composting substrate. Besides the design and characteristics of the packaging itself, the composting substrate and thermophilic composting duration of individual plants are important to determine the suitability of treating compostable plastic packaging in industrial composting plants as well as inform potential solutions.
PROBLEMS OF TAXATION OF INDIVIDUALS IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Authors: MYLNIKOVA L
Published: August 2022

The article considers the most urgent problems of taxation of personal income in the Russian Federation. Taxes collected from the population are an important source of financial resources received by the country’s budget. Being a special tool, the fiscal system requires a progressive gradation of taxation.
INTANGIBLE ASSETS OF RUSSIAN OIL AND GAS COMPANIES
Authors: GALYNCHIK T. , BANSHCHIKOVA K.
Published: August 2022

In the modern economy, the role of innovation, knowledge and information is increasing in order to ensure sustainable economic development. The importance of intangible assets is increasing in all areas of activity. The article analyzes the share of intangible assets of the largest public joint stock companies in the oil and gas industry of PJSC «NK-«Rosneft», PJSC «Gazprom» and PJSC «Lukoil».
PROJECT APPROACH IN THE BRANDING OF TERRITORIES
Authors: ERSHOVA E , KOSHEVENKO S
Published: August 2022

The article is devoted to the formation and development of the brand of the territory. The authors propose for consideration a model of territorial branding based on a project approach. Brand building is viewed as a project with initiation, planning, implementation and completion phases. The authors point to the need to identify groups of stakeholders, a detailed analysis of the target audience, building a communication strategy and focusing projects in the field of territorial branding on the formation of the product portfolio of the region.
THE ESSENCE AND SPECIFICS OF ADDITIONAL EDUCATIONAL SERVICES: AN EVOLUTIONARY APPROACH
Authors: VASILYEVA E
Published: August 2022

The article examines the economic essence of the concept of “educational service” from the perspective of an evolutionary approach. The characteristic is given and the specifics of additional educational services at the present stage of the development of the education system are determined. The criteria for the quality of educational services are given.
COMMENTARY AS A MEANS OF EPISTEMIC VIGILANCE
Authors: MINEEVA M
Published: August 2022

The article is devoted to the analysis of commentary as a means of overcoming ambiguity when interpreting English literary text. In terms of epistemic vigilance theory, commentary is considered as an important cognitive mechanism of text processing and defining credibility of information presented in the text.
HISTORIOGRAPHIC REVIEW ON THE TOPIC OF THE STUDY OF MIGRATION PROCESSES IN THE RUSSIAN FAR EAST AT THE BEGINNING OF THE XXI CENTURY
Authors: TITOVA E
Published: August 2022

The article provides an overview of scientific research on the study of migration processes in the Far Eastern regions. The problems of migration, the state mechanism for regulating migration issues, and the peculiarities of interethnic interactions are very topical topics not only at the regional, but also at the national level. In the Russian Federation, studies on these topics have appeared relatively recently. Due to the fact that at the end of the 20th century there was a surge in the ethnic self-awareness of the peoples of the country, together with the intensification of socio-economic transformation processes, there are sharp, often radical, changes in the field of interethnic interactions, in particular, the growth of armed interethnic conflicts, an increase in migration outflows or inflows. etc. Modern scientific research in the field of migration processes is practice-oriented, that is, they are aimed at the implementation of narrow applied problems, there is also an increase in the accumulation of an updated extensive theoretical and methodological base. In particular, studies, for example, concerning the topic of interethnic interactions, are directly related to the topic of ethnic tolerance, which has also become very popular and in demand in the last decade for specialists from various scientific fields - psychologists, ethnographers, lawyers, etc.
FEATURES OF MIGRATION POLICY IN THE JEWISH AUTONOMOUS REGION
Authors: TITOVA E
Published: August 2022

The article reveals the features of the state mechanism for regulating labor migration in the Jewish Autonomous Region. It is noted that labor migration is an integral part of the economic development of the region. The purpose of the study is the peculiarities of solving the problems of optimizing the mechanisms for regulating labor migration in the Jewish Autonomous Region (JAO). The practical significance of the study is underscored by the growing resource requirements of the Jewish Autonomous Region. The importance of attracting labor migrants from the widest list of countries, to increase the exchange of experience and improve interethnic relations, the organization of programs to increase the flow of willing workers and promising employers, is highlighted. The scientific novelty of the research is in the designation of the latest methods and state programs aimed at improving the efficiency of the labor migration management mechanism. Every year, the number of migrants illegally staying on the territory of Russia is growing, and the authorities of the Russian Federation are trying to improve the methods of control of foreign citizens entering the country, which makes it easier, but at the same time more effective, to exercise control over migrants and distribute it in. areas such as the patent system, employee-to-employer linkage and simplified taxation.
CHARACTERISTIC ASPECTS OF TRANSLATING ROMANCE NOVELS
Authors: OSETROVA O , STOKOLYAS A , KHUSAINOVA D
Published: August 2022

Peculiarities of translating romance novels are considered in the article. Examples from the novel by Kristan Higgins “Too good to be true” are given in order corresponding to their manifestation in the book. Special attention is given to the translation of realities. The main translation techniques used are transliteration and transcription, calquing, and combinations (concerning onomastic realities), descriptive translation and approximation (concerning everyday realities and associations). Besides, it is mentioned, that gender dimension is extremely pragmatically valid in the context of other stylistic and grammatical aspects of the text. The authors make a conclusion of dynamic changes in speech stereotypes towards blurring gender lines between masculine and feminine speech behavior. It is important to consider this fact when translating romance novels.
FEATURES OF THE FORMATION OF THE TERM SYSTEM IN ASTROPHYSICS
Authors: RUDENKO V , KRASNOVA E
Published: August 2022

This article is devoted to the study of the features of the development of astrophysical terminology in the diachronic aspect. The process of formation and subsequent development of the terminosystem was systematized, which led to an accurate understanding of the principles of the existence of the terminosystem in science. Consideration of lexical units based on the most famous works in this field of scientific knowledge, allowed us to consider in detail the principles of their functioning and the impact on the development of science as a whole.
THEORETICAL AND LEGAL ASPECTS OF PROVIDING MEDICAL ASSISTANCE TO EMPLOYEES OF THE MILITARY PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE
Authors: LEONOV T.M. , BOLSHAKOVA V.M. , NAUMOV P.YU.
Published: August 2022

The work is devoted to a comprehensive study of medical support, incl. sanatorium-resort treatment of employees of the military prosecutor’s office and members of their families (persons who are dependent on them). It is noted that health care is structurally included in services that, in addition to cash payments and benefits in kind, represent the entire social security system. The main attention in the article is focused on the analysis of the normative legal regulation of the health protection of employees of the military prosecutor’s office, as well as the provision of medical assistance to them (prophylactic medical examination, medical examination, military medical examination, medical and psychological rehabilitation, sanatorium treatment, reimbursement of expenses for drugs and treatment) of proper quality and in the required volume. The key scientific results of the study are the generalization of legal information and scientific knowledge about the procedure for providing medical assistance to employees of the military prosecutor’s office. The main scientific results of the article can be applied to organize training in the discipline «Military law and military legislation». The article will be of interest to persons conducting scientific research on the problems of social protection of servicemen and their families.
Botulinum toxin (BoNT) in the correction of mimic wrinkles - the most common complications
Authors: Szwed Monika , Szwed Jakub , Dzikowski Michał
Published: August 2022

Introduction and purpose

Botulinum toxin (BoNT) products are commonly used to treat muscle spasms such as cervical dystonia as well as to treat expression lines. Serotype A of botulinum toxin is the strongest and is used in aesthetic medicine procedures. It provides predictable results while having few side effects. Nevertheless, complications may occur, such as: ptosis of the upper eyelid, drooping eyebrows, ectropia, double vision, xerophthalmia, falling corners of the mouth, dysphagia, hoarseness, local swelling, erythema, bruising, pain at the injection site, asymmetry.

The aim of the study is to discuss the most common complications after injection of the botulin toxin in the correction of mimic wrinkles.

Description of the state of knowledge

BoNT is a neurotoxin that acts on the neuromuscular junctions, inhibits the release of acetylcholine, consequently causing temporary chemical denervation. Muscle function begins to return approximately 3 months after injection and fully returns after 6 months. Comparison of clinical trials of botulinum toxin type A in aesthetic allowed for the quantification of the frequency of adverse effects:drooping eyelids (2.5%), drooping eyebrows (3.1%), disturbed eye sensation (3%) and lip asymmetry (6.9%). Complications after cosmetic botulinum toxin injections are rare, and those that do occur are usually mild and transient. These complications are technique dependent; the incidence decreases as the injection ability improves.

Summary

Side effects are rare, nevertheless, thorough knowledge of the patient's anatomy, medical history, possible complications related to the specific product and site of administration, and close monitoring are essential for safe, effective treatment and the achievement of satisfactory results.
Orientalia w „Zbiorze potrzebniejszych wiadomości porządkiem alfabetu ułożonych” Ignacego Krasickiego
Authors: Siwiec Paweł
Published: August 2022

Zbiór potrzebniejszych wiadomości porządkiem alfabetu ułożonych pióra Ignacego Krasickiego ukazał się w latach 1781-1783 nakładem oficyny Michała Grölla w Warszawie i Lwowie. Ta dwutomowa księga, w porównaniu z wydanymi niespełna pół wieku wcześniej Nowymi Atenami ks. Benedykta Chmielowskiego, znanymi z określenia: „Koń, jaki jest każdy widzi”, była pierwszą nowoczesną polską encyklopedią. Wbrew nieco szorstkiej opinii Józefa Ignacego Kraszewskiego, biografa Krasickiego, który prawie sto lat później pisał: „Encyklopedya ta, owoc pracy długiej i żmudnej, mieści w sobie moc rzeczy, a jak wszystkie encyklopedye, ledwie się na co przydała. Notatki są krótkie, niedostateczne, niewyczerpujące, niedokładne, polskich w niej rzeczy wiele z różnych źródeł, obcych też dosyć. Bądź co bądź, myśl sama takiej encyklopedyi była coś warta, ale Krasicki nie zadał sobie pracy jej rozwinąć”. Dzieło to nawiązywało do wzorców wypracowanych przez encyklopedystów francuskich zarówno pod względem formy, jak i zawartości. Niektóre z zebranych w nim informacji to wręcz tłumaczenia haseł słynnej Encyclopédie, ou Dictionnaire raisonné des sciences, des arts et des métiers. W przypadku zaś terminów orientalnych widać wyraźny wpływ siedemnastowiecznego leksykonu Bibliothèque orientale, ou dictionnaire universel autorstwa Barthélemy’ego d’Herbelota. (fragment Słowa wstępnego)
Effects of aerobic dance exercise on oxidative stress and inflammatory status in abdominal obese women subjects
Authors:   Chronic Diseases Research Unit, Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok Province, Thailand, Meemark Suwadee , Pongthaisong Suthap ,   SaiNgam District Public Health Office, Ministry of Public Health, Kumpangphet Province, Thailand, Tangvarasittichai Orathai ,   Chronic Diseases Research Unit, Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok Province, Thailand
Published: August 2022

Background: Oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation have been suggested to play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of chronic diseases. Oxidative stress and inflammatory markers (IM) may be change after regular physical exercise. However, physical activity affects the redox balance and inflammatory markers in abdominal obese (AO) women are still unclear. Objectives: Aim of this study was to assess OS, total antioxidant and IM on before and after 2 months participation in aerobic dance exercise of 151 obese women. Materials and methods: A total of 151 obese women [median aged=48.0 years] participated in aerobic dance exercise. All women were subjected to physical and medical examination. Venous blood samples were collected for all biochemical examination. Results: At the end of the study, the median of glucose, triglyceride, insulin levels, Model assessment of insulin resistance, malondialdehyde, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin-6 were significantly decreased (p<0.05) and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were significantly increased (p<0.05) after participation in aerobic dance exercise. Oxidative stress, TAC and IM were involved into the adaptive metabolic changes and redox responses induced by physical exercise aerobic dance. Conclusion: Exercise aerobic dance reduced the potential OS, IM and protects the higher risk for developing diseases in AO that pathophysiologically linked to OS and IM.
Chronic deep venous thrombosis as the presenting manifestation of acute promyelocytic leukaemia : A case report
Authors:   Department of Medical Oncology/Hematology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, Das Prabodh Kumar , Bhola Rajesh Kumar ,   Laboratory Haematology Division, Department of Pathology, IMS & SUM Hospital, Siksha ’O’ Anusandhan, Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
Published: August 2022

Background: Acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) usually presents with disseminated intravascular coagulation or hyper-fibrinogenolysis followed by bleeding manifestation. But thrombosis as a presenting manifestation is less often reported in APL. Objectives: We describe an uncommon case of chronic deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of lower limb with unsuspected APL. Results: A 27 year old male presented with DVT and was treated with enoxaparin and later Dabigatran for 2 months without any improvement. A routine haematological assessment showed Leucopenia with few circulating abnormal promyelocytes. The bone marrow assessment with flow cytometry and molecular studies established the diagnosis of APL. Patient was never having any bleeding manifestation despite on anticoagulation too. A thrombophilia work up revealed presence of hyper-homocysteinemia and mild lupus anticoagulant in addition to APL as a prothrombotic event. Conclusion: DVT with leukopenia warrants further investigation to rule out Acute Promyelocytic Leukaemia. It includes a thorough peripheral smear examination to look for few circulating abnormal promyelocytes, bone marrow studies and molecular /cytogenetics analysis.
Reinfection of SARS CoV-2 in patients with relapse of symptoms after clinical recovery: A Case Series
Authors:   Department of Critical Care Medicine, IMS and SUM Hospital, Siksha O Anusandhan (Deemed to be) University, K-8, Kalinga Nagar, Bhubaneswar-751003, Odisha, India, Chandramouli Tatikonda , Mishra Shakti Bedanta ,   Department of Critical Care Medicine, IMS and SUM Hospital, Siksha O Anusandhan (Deemed to be) University, K-8, Kalinga Nagar, Bhubaneswar-751003, Odisha, India., Rath Arun ,   Department of Critical Care Medicine, IMS and SUM Hospital, Siksha O Anusandhan (Deemed to be) University, K-8, Kalinga Nagar, Bhubaneswar-751003, Odisha, India
Published: August 2022

Background: It has been more than a year, and still, we are battling with a novel coronavirus (SARS-COV-2). Initially, the interim guidelines by the World health organization (WHO) stated that infection ranges from asymptomatic to critical life-threatening pneumonia with the symptomatology of fever, cough and breathing difficulty. Objectives: To observe the reinfection of SARS CoV-2 in patients with relapse of symptoms after clinical recovery. Materials and methods: Three cases were observed during the isolation period. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and severity of similar symptoms in the fourth week from the onset was monitored. Results: All the three patients had health care exposure, and which pointed us towards health care associated reinfection could be a possible cause of step-up in the symptom severity. Conclusion: Reinfection by SARS CoV-2 can be considered in patients with relapse of symptoms after clinical recovery after natural infections.
Musculoskeletal pain in ambulatory patients with spinal cord injury who walking with or without walking devices: Prevalence and impact on walking speed
Authors:   School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen Province, Thailand., Mato Lugkana , Khamnon Narongsak ,   School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen Province, Thailand., Namwong Wilairat ,   School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen Province, Thailand., Thaweewannakij Thiwabhorn ,   School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen Province, Thailand., Amatachaya Sugalya ,   School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen Province, Thailand.
Published: August 2022

Background: Musculoskeletal pain in spinal cord injury (SCI) is a common problem. However, not much research exists on the prevalence of pain in ambulatory patients with SCI walking either with or without ambulatory assistive devices (AAD). Objectives: This study aimed to explore the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and to investigate the impact of pain on walking speed in ambulatory patients with SCI walking with or without AAD. Materials and methods: There were 86 patients with SCI who were able to walk independently with or without AAD. All the patients were evaluated for musculoskeletal pain using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Then their walking speed was assessed using a 10-meter walk test (10MWT). Results: The proportion of patients with pain was high in both groups (63% in patients using AAD and 55% in patients not using AAD). For those with AAD, the fastest walking speed was significantly different in patients with mild, moderate, and severe pain compared to patients with no pain while for those without AAD, the fastest speed was significantly different in patients with moderate and severe pain compared to patients with no pain (p<0.05). Conclusion: Musculoskeletal pain was commonly found in ambulatory patients with SCI walking with or without AAD, and this pain impacted their walking speeds. The finding of musculoskeletal pain in both patients walking with or without AAD could raise healthcare professionals’ awareness of the debilitating impact of musculoskeletal pain. Thus, the development of improved therapeutic approaches for reducing this impact is needed.
Non-iterative phase hologram generation with adaptive weighted constraints for color holographic display
Authors: Shen Chuan , Wang Bin , Wang Anlin , Zhang Yan , Zhang Cheng , Wei Sui
Published: August 2022

To provide better reconstruction quality, it takes more time for
iterative algorithms, especially when multiple holograms need to be
computed. A non-iterative method for calculating a phase hologram with
adaptive weighted constraints is proposed, which iteratively
calculates the optimized phase with a rectangular aperture as the
amplitude and multiplies the initial quadratic phase as the initial
complex amplitude. Subtraction feedback is introduced to improve the
visual effect and avoid the overcompensation problem of division
feedback. The proposed method is suitable for generating non-iterative
phase holograms with different sizes, and it can further be applied to
the calculation of color holograms. It improves computational speed
under the premise of ensuring reconstruction quality and can adapt to
the needs of different systems with different sizes or different
location requirements for holographic reconstruction. Optical
experiments also demonstrate the effectiveness of this method.
Directly modulated azimuthally polarized vector beam laser design
Authors: Ma Xiang , Li Shaobo , Liang Xiaodong , Yu Wenqi , Chen Quanan , Lu Qiao Yin , Guo Weihua
Published: August 2022

Directly modulated vector beam lasers are increasingly desirable for wide applications ranging from optical manipulation to optical communications. We report the first, to our knowledge, high-speed directly modulated vector beam laser with azimuthally polarized emission. It is a microcylinder cavity interacted with a proper second-order grating on top, which enables single mode lasing and efficient surface emission. Through theoretical and numerical analysis, the laser is designed in detail. With an optimized top grating, the emission of the laser is an azimuthally polarized vector beam. With high-differential-gain material and a small active region, the laser can be directly modulated with a high 3 dB bandwidth reach of 40 GHz in simulation. The proposed high-speed directly modulated semiconductor laser with an azimuthally polarized vector beam is promising for applications in fiber space communications or quantum information.
Polarization-driven camouflaged object segmentation via gated fusion
Authors: Fu Bingyang , Cao Tieyong , Zheng Yunfei , Fang Zheng , Chen Lei , Wang Yang , Wang Yekui , Wang Yong
Published: August 2022

Recently, polarization-based models for camouflaged object segmentation have attracted research attention. However, to construct this camouflaged object segmentation model, the main challenge is to effectively fuse polarization and light intensity features. Therefore, we propose a multi-modal camouflaged object segmentation method via gated fusion. First, the spatial positioning module is designed to perform channel calibration and global spatial attention alignment between polarization mode and light intensity mode from high-level feature representation to locate object positioning accurately. Then, the gated fusion module (GFM) is designed to selectively fuse the object information contained in the polarization and light intensity features. Among them, semantic information of location features is introduced in the GFM to guide each mode to aggregate dominant features. Finally, the features of each layer are aggregated to obtain an accurate segmentation result map. At the same time, considering the lack of public evaluation and training data on light intensity–polarization (I-P) camouflaged detection, we build the light I-P camouflaged detection dataset. Experimental results demonstrate that our proposed method outperforms other typical multi-modal segmentation methods in this dataset.
Quantitative refractive index tomography of millimeter-scale objects using single-pixel wavefront sampling
Authors: Kim Uihan , Quan Hailian , Seok Seung Hyeok , Sung Yongjin , Joo Chulmin
Published: August 2022

Optical diffraction tomography (ODT) is broadly employed to study 3D
structures of transparent objects in a stain-free manner. ODT is
commonly implemented with an interferometric setup, but its
applications on mesoscopic objects have been challenging due to its
limited phase detection range. We introduce an ODT method capable of
producing 3D refractive index (RI) distribution via a single-pixel
detector. Our method exploits a single-pixel wavefront sensor to
measure two-dimensional complex information of millimeter-scale weakly
absorbing objects at various projection angles. The application of the
Fourier diffraction (or slice) theorem to the acquired complex images
results in an RI tomogram of transparent objects. The experiments with
calibrated objects and zebrafish larvae demonstrate its promise for
measuring the RI tomogram of large and weakly absorbing objects beyond
the visible spectral range.
Systematic investigation of millimeter-wave optic modulation performance in thin-film lithium niobate
Authors: Zhang Yiwen , Shao Linbo , Yang Jingwei , Chen Zhaoxi , Zhang Ke , Shum Kam-Man , Zhu Di , Chan Chi Hou , Lončar Marko , Wang Cheng
Published: August 2022

Millimeter-wave (mmWave) band (30–300 GHz) is an emerging spectrum range for wireless communication, short-range radar, and sensor applications. mmWave-optic modulators that could efficiently convert mmWave signals into the optical domain are crucial components for long-haul transmission of mmWave signals through optical networks. At these ultrahigh frequencies, however, the modulation performances are highly sensitive to the transmission line loss as well as the velocity- and impedance-matching conditions, while precise measurements and modeling of these parameters are often non-trivial. Here we present a systematic investigation of the mmWave-optic modulation performances of thin-film lithium niobate modulators through theoretical modeling, electrical verifications, and electro-optic measurements at frequencies up to 325 GHz. Based on our experimentally verified model, we demonstrate thin-film lithium niobate mmWave-optic modulators with a measured 3-dB electro-optic bandwidth of 170 GHz and a 6-dB bandwidth of 295 GHz. The device also shows a low RF half-wave voltage of 7.3 V measured at an ultrahigh modulation frequency of 250 GHz. This work provides a comprehensive guideline for the design and characterization of mmWave-optic modulators and paves the way toward future integrated mmWave photonic systems for beyond-5G communication and radar applications.
Spatio-temporal clusters and patterns of spread of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika in Colombia
Authors: Freitas Laís Picinini , Carabali Mabel , Yuan Mengru , Jaramillo-Ramirez Gloria I. , Balaguera Cesar Garcia , Restrepo Berta N. , Zinszer Kate
Published: August 2022

Background

Colombia has one of the highest burdens of arboviruses in South America. The country was in a state of hyperendemicity between 2014 and 2016, with co-circulation of several Aedes-borne viruses, including a syndemic of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika in 2015.

Methodology/Principal findings

We analyzed the cases of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika notified in Colombia from January 2014 to December 2018 by municipality and week. The trajectory and velocity of spread was studied using trend surface analysis, and spatio-temporal high-risk clusters for each disease in separate and for the three diseases simultaneously (multivariate) were identified using Kulldorff’s scan statistics. During the study period, there were 366,628, 77,345 and 74,793 cases of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, respectively, in Colombia. The spread patterns for chikungunya and Zika were similar, although Zika’s spread was accelerated. Both chikungunya and Zika mainly spread from the regions on the Atlantic coast and the south-west to the rest of the country. We identified 21, 16, and 13 spatio-temporal clusters of dengue, chikungunya and Zika, respectively, and, from the multivariate analysis, 20 spatio-temporal clusters, among which 7 were simultaneous for the three diseases. For all disease-specific analyses and the multivariate analysis, the most-likely cluster was identified in the south-western region of Colombia, including the Valle del Cauca department.

Conclusions/Significance

The results further our understanding of emerging Aedes-borne diseases in Colombia by providing useful evidence on their potential site of entry and spread trajectory within the country, and identifying spatio-temporal disease-specific and multivariate high-risk clusters of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, information that can be used to target interventions.
How are public engagement health festivals evaluated? A systematic review with narrative synthesis
Authors: Martin Susannah , Chamberlain Charlotte , Rivett Alison , Selman Lucy E.
Published: August 2022

The evaluation of public engagement health festivals is of growing importance, but there has been no synthesis of its practice to date. We conducted a systematic review of evidence from the evaluation of health-related public engagement festivals published since 2000 to inform future evaluation. Primary study quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Extracted data were integrated using narrative synthesis, with evaluation methods compared with the Queen Mary University of London public engagement evaluation toolkit. 407 database records were screened; eight studies of varied methodological quality met the inclusion criteria. Evaluations frequently used questionnaires to collect mixed-methods data. Higher quality studies had specific evaluation aims, used a wider variety of evaluation methods and had independent evaluation teams. Evaluation sample profiles were often gender-biased and not ethnically representative. Patient involvement in event delivery supported learning and engagement. These findings and recommendations can help improve future evaluations. (Research Registry ID reviewregistry1021).
Great-tailed Grackles (Quiscalus mexicanus) as a tolerant host of avian malaria parasites
Authors: Pacheco M. Andreína , Ferreira Francisco C. , Logan Corina J. , McCune Kelsey B. , MacPherson Maggie P. , Albino Miranda Sergio , Santiago-Alarcon Diego , Escalante Ananias A.
Published: August 2022

Great-tailed Grackles (Quiscalus mexicanus) are a social, polygamous bird species whose populations have rapidly expanded their geographic range across North America over the past century. Before 1865, Great-tailed Grackles were only documented in Central America, Mexico, and southern Texas in the USA. Given the rapid northern expansion of this species, it is relevant to study its role in the dynamics of avian blood parasites. Here, 87 Great-tailed grackles in Arizona (a population in the new center of the range) were screened for haemosporidian parasites using microscopy and PCR targeting the parasite mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. Individuals were caught in the wild from January 2018 until February 2020. Haemosporidian parasite prevalence was 62.1% (54/87). A high Plasmodium prevalence was found (60.9%, 53/87), and one grackle was infected with Haemoproteus (Parahaemoproteus) sp. (lineage SIAMEX01). Twenty-one grackles were infected with P. cathemerium, sixteen with P. homopolare, four with P. relictum (strain GRW04), and eleven with three different genetic lineages of Plasmodium spp. that have not been characterized to species level (MOLATE01, PHPAT01, and ZEMAC01). Gametocytes were observed in birds infected with three different Plasmodium lineages, revealing that grackles are competent hosts for some parasite species. This study also suggests that grackles are highly susceptible and develop chronic infections consistent with parasite tolerance, making them competent to transmit some generalist haemosporidian lineages. It can be hypothesized that, as the Great-tailed Grackle expands its geographic range, it may affect local bird communities by increasing the transmission of local parasites but not introducing new species into the parasite species pool.
The impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, policy responses and macroeconomic fundamentals on market risks across sectors in Vietnam
Authors: Bui Hung Quang , Tran Thao , Nguyen Hung Le-Phuc , Vo Duc Hong
Published: August 2022

Vietnam has undergone four waves of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, which have posed significant market risks to various sectors. Understanding the market risk of Vietnamese sectors and its changes is important for policy implementation to support the economy after the pandemic. This study measures the sectoral market risks and examines the effects of the pandemic, policy responses and macroeconomic fundamentals on the market risks across sectors in Vietnam. We employ the Value-at-Risk (VaR) and Conditional Value-at-Risk (CVaR) techniques to measure the market risks for 24 sectors from 2012 to 2021. The market risk levels across Vietnamese sectors have changed significantly in response to the pandemic. Oil and Gas and Services sectors show the largest potential loss during the two Covid-19 waves in 2020. The Securities sector is the riskiest sector during the last two Covid-19 waves in 2021. Our results indicate that the new Covid-19 cases reported by the Government increase the market risk levels across Vietnamese sectors. On the other hand, enhancing containment and health policy and reducing economic policy uncertainty result in lower market risk across sectors. We also find that macroeconomic fundamentals such as the exchange rate and interest rate significantly affect the market risks across sectors in Vietnam.
Association of serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor with hepatic enzymes, AST/ALT ratio, and FIB-4 index in middle-aged and older women
Authors: Yokokawa Takumi , Sasaki Shohei , Sase Kohei , Yoshii Naomi , Yasuda Jun , Hayashi Tatsuya , Fujita Satoshi
Published: August 2022

Substantial evidence suggests an important role of liver function in brain health. Liver function is clinically assessed by measuring the activity of hepatic enzymes in the peripheral blood. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an important regulator of brain function. Therefore, we hypothesized that blood BDNF levels are associated with liver function and fibrosis. To test this hypothesis, in this cross-sectional study, we investigated whether serum BDNF concentration is associated with liver enzyme activity, aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/ alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio, and fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index in middle-aged and older women. We found that serum BDNF level showed a significant positive association with ALT and γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) activity and negative association with FIB-4 index, and a trend of negative association with the AST/ALT ratio after adjustment for age. Additionally, these associations remained statistically significant even after adjustment for body mass index (BMI) and fasting blood glucose level. These results demonstrate associations of serum BDNF levels with liver enzymes and hepatic fibrosis-related indices, which may underlie liver-brain interactions.
Towards standardization of measuring anxiety and depression: Differential item functioning for language and Dutch reference values of PROMIS item banks
Authors: Elsman Ellen B. M. , Flens Gerard , de Beurs Edwin , Roorda Leo D. , Terwee Caroline B.
Published: August 2022

Introduction

The outcomes anxiety and depression are measured frequently by healthcare providers to assess the impact of a disease, but with numerous instruments. PROMIS item banks provide an opportunity for standardized measurement. Cross-cultural validity of measures and the availability of reference values are prerequisites for standardized measurement.

Methods

PROMIS Anxiety and Depression item banks were completed by 1002 representative Dutch persons. To evaluate cross-cultural validity, data from US participants in PROMIS wave 1 were used and differential item functioning (DIF) was investigated, using an iterative hybrid of logistic regression and item response theory. McFadden’s pseudo R2-change of 2% was the critical threshold. The impact of any DIF on full item banks and short forms was investigated. To obtain Dutch reference values, T-scores for anxiety and depression were calculated for the complete Dutch sample, and age-group and gender subpopulations. Thresholds corresponding to normal limits, mild, moderate and severe symptoms were computed.

Results

In both item banks, two items had DIF but with minimal impact on population level T-scores for full item banks and short forms. The Dutch general population had a T-score of 49.9 for anxiety and 49.6 for depression, similar to the T-scores of 50.0 of the US general population. T-scores for age-group and gender subpopulations were also similar to T-scores of the US general population. Thresholds for mild, moderate and severe anxiety and depression were set to 55, 60 and 70, identical to US thresholds.

Conclusions

The limited number of items with DIF and its minimal impact, enables the use of standard (US) item parameters and comparisons of scores between Dutch and US populations. The Dutch reference values provide an important tool for healthcare professionals and researchers to evaluate and interpret symptoms of anxiety and depression, stimulating the uptake of PROMIS measures, and contributing to standardized outcome measurement.
Determination of risk factors of postoperative pneumonia in elderly patients with hip fracture: What can we do?
Authors: Yu Yibing , Zheng Peiwen
Published: August 2022

Background

Postoperative pneumonia is a serious complication in elderly patients with hip fracture. It is necessary to identify the influencing factors of postoperative pneumonia in patients with hip fracture.

Methods

Elderly patients with hip fractures admitted to a tertiary hospital in China from January 1, 2020 to August 31, 2021 were included. The characteristics of patients with and without postoperative pneumonia were evaluated and compared. Logistic multivariate regression analyses were conducted to assess the risk factors of postoperative pneumonia.

Results

267 patients with hip fracture were included, the incidence of postoperative pneumonia in patients with hip fracture was 13.11%. There were significant differences in the age, diabetes mellitus, anemia, hypoalbuminemia, anesthesia method and duration of surgery between infection and no infection group, no significant differences in the gender, BMI, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, type of fracture, preoperative oxygen saturation, white blood cell count, platelet count, red blood cell count, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, estimated blood loss during surgery were detected between infection and no infection group. Logistic regression analysis showed that age≥70y (OR2.326, 95%CI1.248~3.129), diabetes mellitus (OR2.123, 95%CI1.021~3.551), anemia (OR3.199,95%CI1.943~5.024), hypoalbuminemia (OR2.377, 95%CI1.211~3.398), general anesthesia (OR1.947, 95%CI1.115~3.038), duration of surgery≥120min (OR1.621, 95%CI1.488~2.534) were the risk factors of postoperative pneumonia in elderly patients with hip fracture (all p<0.05). Escherichia Coli (33.33%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (28.57%), Staphylococcus aureus (21.43%) were the most common bacteria of pulmonary infection.

Conclusion

There are many risk factors for postoperative pneumonia in elderly patients with hip fractures after surgery. In clinical practice, medical workers should take targeted interventions for those risk factors to reduce postoperative pneumonia.
Genomic comparison of Planktothrix agardhii isolates from a Lake Erie embayment
Authors: McKindles Katelyn M. , McKay R. Michael , Bullerjahn George S.
Published: August 2022

Planktothrix agardhii is a filamentous cyanobacterial species that dominates harmful algal blooms in Sandusky Bay, Lake Erie and other freshwater basins across the world. P. agardhii isolates were obtained from early (June) blooms via single filament isolation; eight have been characterized from 2016, and 12 additional isolates have been characterized from 2018 for a total of 20 new cultures. These novel isolates were processed for genomic sequencing, where reads were used to generate scaffolds and contigs which were annotated with DIAMOND BLAST hit, Pfam, and GO. Analyses include whole genome alignment to generate phylogenetic trees and comparison of genetic rearrangements between isolates. Nitrogen acquisition and metabolism was compared across isolates. Secondary metabolite production was genetically explored including microcystins, two types of aeruginosin clusters, anabaenopeptins, cyanopeptolins, microviridins, and prenylagaramides. Two common and 4 unique CRISPR-cas islands were analyzed for similar sequences across all isolates and against the known Planktothrix-specific cyanophage, PaV-LD. Overall, the uniqueness of each genome from Planktothrix blooms sampled from the same site and at similar times belies the unexplored diversity of this genus.
PRACTICES FOR DEVELOPING INTERCULTURAL COMPETENCE
Authors: Dikova Lyudmila
Published: August 2022

The poster presents a stage of the work of the team "Educational and enlightenment work" in order to conduct a study of practices for developing intercultural competence and integration in and through the teaching of different subjects among teachers from different schools in Plovdiv.At this stage, the task is to develop and promote a survey in order to: to monitor the extent to which students and teachers from schools in Plovdiv are familiar and engaged with the initiative "Plovdiv – European Capital of Culture 2019"; what is the mindset of teachers to develop intercultural interaction in their teaching practice; what good educational practices to motivate students to get to know their own culture and the cultural practices of other ethnicities are applied.The survey method is used, which is voluntary and anonymous. To classify respondents is included a question for determining the learning discipline and the stage at which they teach. The questionnaire includes: structured response questions (closed) that include a three-step scale - Yes, No, I don’t know; semi-closed questions that require, if yes is indicated, a free-to-answer supplement. The survey was developed in electronic format and was promoted through the project's website.The results obtained will serve to summarize good practices for intercultural interaction in an educational environment and will be promoted among pedagogical professionals.

The author expresses sincere gratitude to the Scientific Research Fund at the Ministry of Education and Science and the "Scientific and Project Activity" Division at Plovdiv University "Paisiy Hilendarski" for the assistance provided.
Factores asociados a la publicacin cientfica en estudiantes habaneros de Medicina y Estomatologa
Authors: Piñera-Castro Hector Julio , Saborit-Rodríguez Adrian
Published: August 2022

Introducción: Numerosas investigaciones se derivan del movimiento científico estudiantil cubano, pero son pocas las que se publican. Estudiar las causas de este problema constituye el primer paso para su resolución.

Objetivo: Identificar factores asociados a la publicación científica en estudiantes de Medicina y Estomatología de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de La Habana.

Métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal, mediante la aplicación de una encuesta en una muestra de 341 individuos. El análisis estadístico fue descriptivo. Se empleó la prueba exacta de Fisher para determinar la existencia de asociación entre la tenencia de publicaciones científicas y variables categóricas.

Resultados: Predominaron los estudiantes del sexo femenino (74,8 %), de Medicina (93 %), en el tercer año académico (21,4 %) y procedentes de la Facultad “Victoria de Girón” (50,1 %). El 19,6 % refirió poseer publicaciones científicas. La tenencia de estas se asoció de forma estadísticamente significativa (
p < 0,05) con 10 variables, las cuales se consideraron factores con influencia sobre la publicación científica.

Conclusiones: La pertenencia al Movimiento de Alumnos Ayudantes “Frank País”, la incorporación a un Grupo Científico Estudiantil, la vinculación a proyectos de investigación, la participación y obtención de premios en eventos, la motivación por el enriquecimiento del currículo y del prestigio, así como la percepción de un insuficiente conocimiento de metodología de la investigación y de redacción científica, de un deficitario asesoramiento de los tutores, de una escasa disponibilidad de tiempo y de poca estimulación a quienes la practican, son factores asociados a la publicación científica estudiantil.
The Geochemistry Of Matrix Of Metaconglomerate In Igarra South-Western, Nigeria
Authors: Ekhalekha Raphael
Published: August 2022

Geochemical exploration of Igarra district within the Igarra schist belt in southwestern Nigeriawas carried out using geological field mapping with the aim of determining the elementalcomposition of the matrix in metalonglomerate. A total of 15 samples were collected. Chemicalanalysis of 11 trace elements (Cr, Mn, Ni, Ti, V, Sr, Pb, Ba, La, Zn, and Cu) and 7 majorelements (P, K, Al, Mg, Fe, Ca, and Na) were carried out. The analytical results were subjectedto univariate statistical analysis in order to determine the elemental compositions of the matrixvia histogram. There are different in the concentration and percentage in the trace element andmajor element respectively in (MB1 to MB15). Barium has the highest and Titanium has thelowest in the elemental distribution of the trace element while Phosphorus has the highest andSodium has the lowest in the elemental distribution of the major elements. Two individual traceelement (Manganese and Lanthanium) show similarity in their concentration in (ppm)throughout the samples (MB1 and MB15). Magnesium and Strontium are below the detectionlimit in the geochemical analysis data, i.e. they are extremely low in the elemental compositionof the matrix. From the geochemical analysis, the trace element is more abundance than themajor element in the matrix of metalonglomerate. The occurrence of pathfinder elements such asNickel and Lead within the schist belt that could serve as hosts for mineralization of theseelements, provides a strong basis for this assertion.