bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A logistic regression model based on inpatient health records to predict drug-induced liver injury caused by ramipril—An angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor
Authors: Thi Thu Phuong Nguyen , Quynh Mai Ngo Thi , Van Hung Nguyen , Thanh Hoi Nguyen , Minh Khue Pham
Published: August 2022

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a rare side effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs). Ramipril is a widely used ACE compound because of its effectiveness in the treatment of hypertension and heart failure, as well as its low risk of adverse effects. However, the clinical features of ramipril, and the risk of DILI, have not been adequately studied. A retrospective cohort study was performed based on data from 3909 inpatients to compare the risk of DILI conferred by ramipril and other ACEIs. A logistic regression model was then constructed and validated against data from 1686 patients using ramipril, of which 117 patients were diagnosed with DILI. The use of ramipril increased the risk of DILI by 2.68 times (odds ratio = 2.68; 95% confident interval (CI):1.96–3.71) compared with the group using other ACEIs. The clinical features of DILI in the ramipril group were similar to those from the ACEI group (P>0.05), except that the ALT level was higher (P<0.05). A logistic regression model including Body mass index (BMI), comorbidity, liver disease, daily dose, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was built and successfully validated for DILI risk prediction, with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the model of 0.82 (95% CI: 0.752–0.888). We recommend that clinicians should be aware of the levels of ALT and ALP as well as BMI, comorbidities, and liver disease before prescribing ramipril to avoid the risk of DILI in patients.
Effect of Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol on milk proteins and lipid levels in HC11 cells
Authors: Josan Chitmandeep , Podinic Tina , Pfaff Nikko , Raha Sandeep
Published: August 2022

Pregnant and lactating women have been discouraged from using cannabis by Health Canada. However, the increasing rate of cannabis use among pregnant women has presented an urgent need to investigate its physiological effects during the perinatal period. During pregnancy, the mammary gland (MG) undergoes remodeling, which involves alveolar differentiation of mammary epithelial cells (MECs), which is essential for breast milk production and secretion. Limited evidence has been reported on the impact of cannabis or its components, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), on MG development or MEC differentiation. In this study, we investigated the effects of THC and CBD on the differentiation of MECs by assessing changes in cellular viability, lipid accumulation, and gene and protein expression of major milk protein and lipid synthesizing markers. using the HC11 cells as a model. We hypothesized that THC and CBD will negatively impact the synthesis of milk proteins and lipids, as well as lipid markers in HC11 cells. Our results demonstrated that THC and CBD reduced cellular viability at concentrations above 30μM and 20μM, respectively. Relative to control, 10μM THC and 10μM CBD reduced mRNA levels of milk proteins (CSN2 and WAP), lipid synthesizing and glucose transport markers (GLUT 1, HK2, FASN, FABP4, PLIN2 and LPL), as well as whey acidic protein and lipid levels. In addition, co-treatment of a CB2 antagonist with THC, and a CB2 agonist with CBD, reversed the impact of THC and CBD on the mRNA levels of key markers, respectively. In conclusion, 10μM THC and CBD altered the differentiation of HC11 cells, in part via the CB2 receptor.
Cost-effectiveness of alternative minimum recall intervals between whole blood donations
Authors: Sadique Zia , Willis Sarah , Corte Kaat De , Pennington Mark , Moore Carmel , Kaptoge Stephen , Angelantonio Emanuele Di , Miflin Gail , Roberts David J. , Grieve Richard
Published: August 2022

Background

The INTERVAL trial showed shorter inter-donation intervals could safely increase the frequency of whole-blood donation. We extended the INTERVAL trial to consider the relative cost-effectiveness of reduced inter-donation intervals.

Methods

Our within-trial cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) used data from 44,863 whole-blood donors randomly assigned to 12, 10 or 8 week (males), and 16, 14 or 12 week inter-donation intervals (females). The CEA analysed the number of whole-blood donations, deferrals including low- haemoglobin deferrals, and donors’ health-related quality of life (QoL) to report costs and cost-effectiveness over two years.

Findings

The mean number of blood donation visits over two years was higher for the reduced interval strategies, for males (7.76, 6.60 and 5.68 average donations in the 8-, 10- and 12- week arms) and for females (5.10, 4.60 and 4.01 donations in the 12-, 14- and 16- week arms). For males, the average rate of deferral for low haemoglobin per session attended, was 5.71% (8- week arm), 3.73% (10- week), and 2.55% (12- week), and for females the rates were: 7.92% (12-week), 6.63% (14- week), and 5.05% (16- week). Donors’ QoL was similar across strategies, although self-reported symptoms were increased with shorter donation intervals. The shorter interval strategies increased average cost, with incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of £9.51 (95% CI 9.33 to 9.69) per additional whole-blood donation for the 8- versus 12- week interval for males, and £10.17 (95% CI 9.80 to 10.54) for the 12- versus 16- week interval arm for females.

Conclusions

Over two years, reducing the minimum donation interval could provide additional units of whole-blood at a small additional cost, including for those donor subgroups whose blood type is in relatively high demand. However, the significance of self-reported symptoms needs to be investigated further before these policies are expanded.
Facilitators and barriers to COVID-19 vaccine uptake among women in two regions of Ghana: A qualitative study
Authors: Afrifa-Anane Grace Frempong , Larbi Reuben Tete , Addo Bright , Agyekum Martin Wiredu , Kyei-Arthur Frank , Appiah Margaret , Agyemang Clara Opoku , Sakada Ignatius Great
Published: August 2022

Although COVID-19 vaccines are available, evidence suggests that several factors hinder or facilitate their use. Several studies have found gender differences in COVID-19 vaccine uptake, with women less likely to vaccinate than men in many countries, including Ghana. These studies, however, have primarily been quantitative. This study used a qualitative approach to examine the facilitators and barriers to vaccine uptake among women in Ghana. Using a cross-sectional descriptive qualitative research design, 30 women in the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions of Ghana were conveniently sampled and interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Fifteen (15) interviews were conducted in each region. The data were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using QSR NVivo version 10 software. Among the key factors that facilitate COVID-19 vaccination are the desire to protect oneself and family against COVID-19, education about COVID-19 vaccines, seeing others receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and vaccine being cost-free. On the other hand, long queues at the vaccination centres, fear of side effects, misconceptions about the vaccines, and shortage of vaccines were the main barriers against COVID-19 vaccination. The study results show that individual, institutional, and vaccine-related factors facilitate or hinder COVID-19 vaccination among women. Addressing these factors need continuous comprehensive health education, and ensuring vaccine availability at vaccination sites will improve women’s uptake of the COVID-19 vaccines.
White Guinea yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir.) landraces trait profiling and setting benchmark for breeding programs in the Republic of Benin
Authors: Loko Yêyinou Laura Estelle , Gbemavo Charlemagne D. S. J. , Agre Paterne A. , Dassou Anicet G. , Yelome Octaviano Igor , Idossou Roger , Etchiha Afoha S. Alban , Dadonougbo Eric , Fakorede Jeannette , Dansi Alexandre A.
Published: August 2022

To meet the high demand for white Guinea yam, there is a need to develop and release improved varieties to farmers. Unfortunately, low rate of adoption of most of the improved yam varieties by both producers and consumers was observed. Information regarding agronomic characteristics and food qualities of popular white Guinea yam landraces with high market value are not available to establish minimum standards to be considered by breeding programs. To fill this gap, surveys using rural appraisal tools were carried out in 20 villages and 16 markets throughout Benin. Data on the agronomic performance suggested that for an improved variety to be adopted by Beninese farmers it should have a minimum yield of 4.16 ± 0.15 kg per mound, and average number of marketable tubers of 1.23 ± 0.05, a mean tuber length of 36.41 ± 1.22 cm, and a minimum diameter of 25.44 ± 1.16 cm. The sensorial attributes for boiled and pounded tubers of this improved variety should have minimum score of 3.16 for texture, 0.75 for softness, 3.75 for elasticity, and 1.34 for colour during the sensory evaluation. The improved variety must also have a minimum average severity score of 1.1 for yam mosaic virus disease, 1.33 for anthracnose and 1 for nematodes. Landraces Amoula, Laboko, and Djilaadja should be considered as the standard for yield, sensory attributes, and tolerance to pest and diseases while landraces Danwari, Kodjewe, Mondji, and Gnidou should be characterized as possessing good flowering and fruit setting capacities for breeding programs.
Metabolic analyses reveal dysregulated NAD+ metabolism and altered mitochondrial state in ulcerative colitis
Authors: Kang Yu Hui , Tucker Sarah A. , Quevedo Silvia F. , Inal Aslihan , Korzenik Joshua R. , Haigis Marcia C.
Published: August 2022

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a complex, multifactorial disease driven by a dysregulated immune response against host commensal microbes. Despite rapid advances in our understanding of host genomics and transcriptomics, the metabolic changes in UC remain poorly understood. We thus sought to investigate distinguishing metabolic features of the UC colon (14 controls and 19 patients). Metabolomics analyses revealed inflammation state as the primary driver of metabolic variation rather than diagnosis, with multiple metabolites differentially regulated between inflamed and uninflamed tissues. Specifically, inflamed tissues were characterized by reduced levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and enhanced levels of nicotinamide (NAM) and adenosine diphosphate ribose (ADPr). The NAD+/NAM ratio, which was reduced in inflamed patients, served as an effective classifier for inflammation in UC. Mitochondria were also structurally altered in UC, with UC patient colonocytes displaying reduced mitochondrial density and number. Together, these findings suggest a link between mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and NAD+ metabolism in UC.
VItamin K In PEritonial DIAlysis (VIKIPEDIA): Rationale and study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Roumeliotis Stefanos , Roumeliotis Athanasios , Georgianos Panagiotis I. , Thodis Elias , Schurgers Leon J. , Maresz Katarzyna , Eleftheriadis Theodoros , Dounousi Evangelia , Tripepi Giovanni , Mallamaci Francesca , Liakopoulos Vassilios
Published: August 2022

Vascular calcification (VC) is an active process, resulting from the disturbance of balance between inhibitors and promoters of calcification, in favor of the latter. Matrix Gla Protein, a powerful inhibitor of VC, needs vitamin K to become active. In vitamin K depletion, plasma levels of the inactive form of MGP, dephosphorylated, uncarboxylated MGP (dp-ucMGP) are increased and associated with VC and cardiovascular (CV) outcomes. End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients have increased circulating dp-ucMGP levels and accelerated VC. VItamin K In PEritoneal DIAlysis (VIKIPEDIA) is a prospective, randomized, open label, placebo-controlled trial, evaluating the effect of vitamin K2 supplementation on arterial stiffness and CV events in ESRD patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). Forty-four PD patients will be included in the study. At baseline, dp-ucMGP and pulse-wave velocity (PWV) will be assessed and then patients will be randomized (1:1 ratio) to vitamin K (1000 μg MK-7/day) or placebo for 1.5 years. The primary endpoint of this trial is the change in PWV in the placebo group as compared to the treatment group. Secondary endpoints are the occurrence of CV events, mortality, changes in PD adequacy, change in 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure indexes and aortic systolic blood pressure and changes in calcium/phosphorus/parathormone metabolism. VIKIPEDIA is a new superiority randomized, open label, placebo-controlled trial aiming to determine the effect of vitamin K2 supplementation on VC, CV disease and calcium/phosphorus metabolism, in PD patients.

Trial registration: The protocol of this study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with identification number NCT04900610 (25 May 2021).
Traumatic brain injury in the elderly after a skiing accident: A retrospective cohort study in a level 1 emergency department in Switzerland
Authors: Consuegra Alberto , Lutz Katharina , Exadaktylos Aristomenis K. , Z’Graggen Werner J. , Hasler Rebecca M.
Published: August 2022

Background

Skiing is a very popular sport worldwide, with increasing trends over the past decades. This study aimed to evaluate the importance of traumatic brain injury (TBI), especially in the elderly, after a ski accident, and to describe its short-term repercussions.

Methodology

Patients were analyzed who were admitted to our neurotrauma center from 2012–2018 after a head trauma while skiing. Three different age groups were differentiated and analyzed for the severity of TBI depending on the initial Glasgow Coma Scale as the primary outcome and as secondary outcomes need and type of surgery, Glasgow Outcome Score, preexisting use of anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs, time to presentation, and pattern of brain injury. TBI severity was adjusted to the time to initial medical consultation.

Results

No significant difference in TBI severity was found when comparing the middle (>29–54) and older (≥54) age groups to the reference group <30 years (OR:0.45, p = 0.127; OR:0.46, p = 0.17). Acute subdural hemorrhage was present in 21.2% of the ≥55 group and 14.5% of the 30–54 age group, compared to 12.8% of the youngest group (p = <0.001). Overall, 39.4% of the patients in the ≥55 group and 8.1% of the 30–54 age group presented with chronic subdural hemorrhage, whereas none of the youngest patients did (p = <0.001).

Conclusion

No differences were observed in terms of TBI severity between age groups after acute trauma. Nonetheless, a different pattern of head injury after TBI in older patients was demonstrated. Accordingly, the management differs for these TBIs compared to those of younger patients.
Single-cell analysis of Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus infection in three-dimensional air-liquid interface culture model
Authors: Jung Kyle L. , Choi Un Yung , Park Angela , Foo Suan-Sin , Kim Stephanie , Lee Shin-Ae , Jung Jae U.
Published: August 2022

The oral cavity is the major site for transmission of Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), but how KSHV establishes infection and replication in the oral epithelia remains unclear. Here, we report a KSHV spontaneous lytic replication model using fully differentiated, three-dimensional (3D) oral epithelial organoids at an air-liquid interface (ALI). This model revealed that KSHV infected the oral epithelia when the basal epithelial cells were exposed by damage. Unlike two-dimensional (2D) cell culture, 3D oral epithelial organoid ALI culture allowed high levels of spontaneous KSHV lytic replication, where lytically replicating cells were enriched at the superficial layer of epithelial organoid. Single cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) showed that KSHV infection induced drastic changes of host gene expression in infected as well as uninfected cells at the different epithelial layers, resulting in altered keratinocyte differentiation and cell death. Moreover, we identified a unique population of infected cells containing lytic gene expression at the KSHV K2-K5 gene locus and distinct host gene expression compared to latent or lytic infected cells. This study demonstrates an in vitro 3D epithelial organoid ALI culture model that recapitulates KSHV infection in the oral cavity, where KSHV undergoes the epithelial differentiation-dependent spontaneous lytic replication with a unique cell population carrying distinct viral gene expression.
Special Issue: ‘Reality Television in South Asia: Performance, Negotiation, Imagination’
Authors: Weidman Amanda , Rudisill Kristen
Published: August 2022

Since the early 2000s, contest-based performance reality shows have become a major source of televisual entertainment in South Asia as well as an important site of publicity for musicians, singers, dancers and choreographers. They have become important venues for the performance of film, folk and classical music and dance, as well as sites where the aesthetics, meaning and status of these genres, and the boundaries between them, are recast. The reality show format has introduced new performance practices, new practices of viewing and audition and new modes of identification and evaluation. The articles in this Special Issue present case studies of the staging, curation and presentation of performance-based reality shows and the kinds of gendered, ethnic, classed and casted subjects produced and recruited through these shows. Moving beyond the more-studied Hindi belt, the articles focus on India’s south and northeast, as well as Pakistan and Nepal.
Subversion and reinforcement of gender norms in the Tamil reality dance competition show Maanada Mayilada
Authors: Rudisill Kristen
Published: August 2022

This article explores the ways Tamil-language dance reality competition show Maanada Mayilada (The Deer Dances and the Peacock Dances) (MM) interacts with and partially subverts the gender norms of Tamil cinema. While the structure of MM supports and promotes female contestants, the choreography tends to reinforce the gender stereotypes found in the larger industry. The show, consisting of male/female song-and-dance sequences, privileges women in a way the larger film industry does not. The choreographers are all male, and they conceptualize the dances, select and edit the music, and compose the movements for the contestants and backup dancers. The performances are then evaluated and scored by a panel of female actors and choreographers led by Kala Master. They sometimes praise dancers and choreographers for breaking gender stereotypes and at other times admonish them to work within them. MM positions women in such a way that it does not default to their objectification and exploitation as is common in the reality show genre.
Prevalence and tick loads in Nguni cattle reared in different environmental conditions across four provinces of South Africa
Authors: Mapholi Ntanganedzeni O. , Banga C. , Dzama K. , Matika O. , Riggio V. , Nyangiwe N. , Maiwashe A.
Published: August 2022

Background and Aim: In tropical and subtropical countries, ixodid ticks are among livestock's most economically important ectoparasites. Although Nguni cattle from South Africa have adapted to harsh environments, it is unknown whether they will be resistant to ticks, and the diseases carried by ticks under various climatic conditions. Therefore, this study aimed to compare tick load and estimate the prevalence of different tick species among Nguni cattle under different environmental conditions.

Materials and Methods: Tick counts were conducted monthly under natural challenges over 2 years on 586 Nguni cattle located at ARC-Roodeplaat and Loskop farms (warmer climate), Mukhuthali Nguni Community and the University of Fort Hare farms (cooler climate). The generalized linear model procedure of the Statistical Analysis System was used to analyze the data. It fitted the location (farm), sex, year, month or season, and animal age as covariates.

Results: The tick species (relative prevalence) observed were as follows: Amblyomma hebraeum (42%), Rhipicephalus evertsi (22%), Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) spp. (16%), Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (11%), Hyalomma marginatum (5%), and Rhipicephalus simus (4%). Tick infestation was significantly affected by location, season, year, month of the tick counting and age of the animal. Loskop farm had the highest tick count (μ = 30.69) and showed the largest variation in tick count. Compared to the other seasons, higher tick counts were seen during the hot-dry (September–November) and hot-wet (December–February) seasons. A. hebraeum was the dominant tick species across all four farms, followed by R. evertsi. The perianal region (under the tail head), the perineum and the belly body locations were the most preferred tick attachment sites.

Conclusion: These results provide useful information for developing appropriate control strategies for ticks and tick-borne diseases in these provinces of South Africa. Further work must investigate the feasibility of genetic improvement for tick resistance.
Diversity of mosquito species and potential arbovirus transmission in long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis) breeding facilities
Authors: Novianto Dimas , Hadi Upik Kesumawati , Soviana Susi , Supriyono Supriyono , Rosmanah Lis , Darusman Huda Shalahudin
Published: August 2022

Background and Aim: Mosquito-borne viral infections are diseases that reduce human and animal health levels. Their transmission involves wildlife animals as reservoirs and amplifying hosts, including long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis), and potentially transmits to humans and vice versa. This study aimed to determine the species diversity, richness, and biting activity of mosquitoes in a long-tailed macaque breeding area facility and discover the presence of Flavivirus and Alphavirus as the two main arboviruses reported to infect macaques.

Materials and Methods: Human landing catch, light trap, and sweep net methods were used for mosquito collection around long-tailed macaques cages at parallel times for 12 h (18:00–06:00) for 12 nights. Mosquito species were identified to the species level based on the morphological identification key for Indonesian mosquitoes. Mosquito diversity was analyzed by several diversity indices. Mosquitoes caught using the human landing catch method were pooled based on mosquito species for viral ribonucleic acid extraction. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) detected the non-structural protein 5 of the Flavivirus region and the non-structural protein 4 of the Alphavirus region. This study used the man-hour density and man-biting rate formulas for mosquito density.

Results: Ten mosquito species were collected, namely, Aedes albopictus, Anopheles aconitus, Anopheles minimus, Anopheles vagus, Armigeres foliatus, Armigeres subalbatus, Culex gelidus, Culex hutchinsoni, Culex tritaeniorhynchus, and Culex quinquefasciatus. The number of mosquitoes caught using the light trap method had the highest abundance. In contrast, the number of mosquito species caught using the sweep net method had lower diversity than the other two methods. Seven mosquito species were obtained using the human landing catch method. The mosquito species with the highest density was Cx. quinquefasciatus within the observed densest period from 20:00 to 21:00. Negative results were obtained from RT-PCR testing on five species detected using universal Flavivirus and Alphavirus primers.

Conclusion: The occurrence of mosquitoes in long-tailed macaque breeding facilities can be a source of transmission of zoonotic vector-borne diseases between animals and humans and vice versa.
Using the ideal point method to search the best authentication method in corporate information systems
Authors:   South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia, Loginovskiy O.V. , Koval M.E. ,   South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia, Shinkarev A.A. ,   LLC “Softmast-IT”, Chelyabinsk, Russia
Published: August 2022

Nowadays, various information systems, including enterprise ones, are becoming increasingly popular. Many of these systems store sensitive data of their users. Basically, this data is protected only by a login and a password, which today can no longer provide a high level of security and guarantee the safety of the data. Along with the development of information systems, methods and tools that attackers can use to get hold of confidential information are also evolving. It is not uncommon to hear news that some of the large companies have leaked its users' personal data. So, in order to minimize the risk of compromising user data, it is worth taking a more careful approach to selecting a method of authenticating users in the system. Aim. To determine the most appropriate method of authentication in enterprise information systems with the help of a mathematical approach and taking into account certain criteria. Materials and methods. The following types of authentication were considered: reusable password authentication, TOTP (Time-based one-time password authentication), SMS-based authentication, biometric authentication, OpenID, SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language). The Pareto set method and the ideal point method were used to determine the most preferable authentication method to implement. Results. In the article, the authors describe the authentication methods considered, the algorithm of their work, and diagrams of their interaction. Using the ideal point method, SAML was determined to be the most appropriate authentication method.
Comparison of transformer architecture neural network models based on evaluating the vector representation compactness of semantically similar texts in the European classification skills ESCO
Authors:   Chelyabinsk State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia, Nikolaev I.E. , Melnikov A.V. ,   Ugra Research Institute of Information Technologies, Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia
Published: August 2022

In the process of analyzing short texts of the requirements of the Russian labor market, it was revealed that the same skills may have different formulations in natural language. In this regard, the search for a neural network model capable of effectively identifying semantically similar groups of texts of requirements for further formation of profiles of the skills and professions of the Russian labor market becomes an urgent task. The purpose of the study is to develop a method for evaluating neural network models built on the architecture of transformers by comparing the compactness of vector representations of semantically close short texts of skills of professions from the European classification (European Skills, Competencies, and Occupations). Materials and methods. The article provides an analysis for the original model of the European taxonomy of ESCO skills in English, and the texts of skills translated into Russian by the Yandex Translator and Google Translate automatic translation services. The article also provides a comparison of various methods for obtaining sentence attachments (cls, mean, pooling, Sentence Transformers) for various neural network models built on the transformer architecture. The results of the study show that with the help of the proposed method, it is possible to effectively implement the choice of neural network models for the task of searching for groups of semantically similar texts of requirements from online job texts. Conclusion. The proposed method made it possible to effectively select neural network models for the task of identifying compact groups of semantically similar texts of professional skills, which in turn will make it possible to identify groups of skills when forming profiles of professional skills, inclu¬ding semantically similar formulations, and profiles of entire professions. Such tools will allow you to quickly identify: key changes in the needs of the labor market at the level of individual competencies, will allow you to form an idea of the dynamics and sets of relevant competencies, will increase the effectiveness of management decisions to create digital literacy programs, retraining and advanced training, will allow you to assess competencies, will help all participants in the labor market to more accurately assess the existing trends, supply and demand in the labor market.
Improvement of computer recognition of foam parameters in potash flotation machines by anti-glares from bubbles
Authors:   Perm National Research Polytechnic University, Berezniki Branch, Berezniki, Russia, Zatonskiy A.V. , Varlamova S.A. ,   Perm National Research Polytechnic University, Berezniki Branch, Berezniki, Russia, Fedoseeva K.A. ,   Perm National Research Polytechnic University, Perm, Russia
Published: August 2022

The article is about a problem of improving the quality of foam layer parameters recognition in potash flotation machines. The urgency of the problem has recently been emphasized by the need to strengthen Russia's food security, for which, in particular, potash fertilizers are required. The glare method of recognizing the parameters of the foam layer in potash flotation machines makes it possible to eliminate the human factor from control, improve product quality and reduce waste. However, it has a number of disadvantages – a large spread of results, sensitivity to the organization of lighting, etc. The aim: to improve the quality of foam layer parameters recognition by taking into account not only glare, but also anti-glare from bubbles. Materials and methods. Anti-glare is recognized by two-level adaptive binarization of the image. Dozens of video sequences were processed from slurry, silvin and pneumatic ejector flotation machines on two potash enterprises. The possibility of linear approximation of not only the upper one, but also the lower level of binarization is investigated. Binarization profiles for additional recognition of glare and anti-glare are constructed. Results. The possibility of using anti-glare bubbles to improve their recognition by an average of 3.6% is shown. The greatest increase in quality is achieved on pneumatic ejector flotation machines. The estimation of the average deviation suggests that the accuracy of alarm deviations due to noise reduction will improve by 1.4–4.8%. The anti-glare profiles character shows that a small shift in the adaptive level of binarization can further improve recognition in the range of 0.6–1.5%. The characteristic features of the method are revealed, for example, its superiority over the original glare method in the sense of a lower sensitivity to the error of calculating the binarization level. The double increase in recognition time is a disadvantage of the method, but it does not prevent one’s using, including using of multi-frame noise filtering. Conclusion. The conducted research suggests that taking into account the anti-glare bubbles when recognizing the parameters of potassium foam flotation machines can improve the process performance and can be applied in practice, preferably for pneumatic ejector machines.
Development of smart technologies in the management of Russian regions in modern conditions
Authors:   South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia, Loginovskiy O.V. , Hollay A.V. ,   South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia, Shestakov A.L. ,   South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia, Korennaya K.A. ,   JSC “Kuznetsk Ferroalloys”, Novokuznetsk, Russia
Published: August 2022

Due to the extreme aggravation of the military-political and economic situation in the world, the introduction by the United States of America and other Western countries of various kinds of sanctions against our country, the management of the development of regions, agglomerations and cities, as well as industrial enterprises and corporations located on their territory is of particular importance. The purpose of the work. The topic of this article is devoted to solving the problem of improving the efficiency of management of the subjects of the Russian Federation, as well as industrial enterprises located on their territories, and is the purpose of the scientific developments presented in this article. Materials and methods. Based on the analysis of works in the field of creating intelligent management in the regions of Russia, as well as the regulatory framework on which these developments are based, the shortcomings of the existing practice of implementing intelligent management in the subjects of the Russian Federation are shown and a set of scientific and practical provisions on the development of intelligent management in the regions of the country is given. At the same time, strategies for the development of intelligent management in the regions are formed taking into account and in relation to concepts and projects of intelligent management in specific regions. Results. An integral set of scientific provisions and developments of the authors of this article is presented, which allows to significantly increase the effectiveness of the strategic development of intelligent technologies in the management of domestic regions. In the significantly changed business conditions associated with overcoming the consequences of the sanctions of the United States of America and other Western countries, as well as the aggravation of relations between political competitors in the world, technologies and algorithms for the formation of strategies for the development of intellectual enterprises in domestic regions are of particular importance. The main adequate methods of increasing the efficiency of strategic and operational management of industrial enterprises in these new conditions are given. Conclusion. It is shown that the creation of an intelligent management strategy in the regions of the Russian Federation should be carried out in accordance with the complex of scientific provisions, methods and algorithms presented in this article. In addition, materials and developments are presented, on the basis of which industrial enterprises can form the main priorities of their own strategic development in the new conditions of economic activity.
“From Her Eyes”: On the Affordances of Video Resources in Supporting Teacher Reflection
Authors: Hüttner Julia
Published: August 2022

The contribution presents data and findings from a teacher education intervention, which aimed at supporting (student) teachers’ professional vision in order to improve their (dialogic) reflective practices. In order to facilitate meaningful dialogue, video-recorded English lessons were used as bases of discussion. The 19 participants were early career teachers (with about two to four years teaching experience) from diverse geographical and educational backgrounds. Overall, interactions amounting to 349 minutes were recorded. Data show interesting interactions between participants describing and noticing specific teaching events on the video material, the challenges of suspending evaluation and the crucial role of dialogue in deepening the reflective process. Findings also show the affordances of video materials on fostering professional vision, such as the means of re-watching episodes and of several participants having seen the same teaching event. Although the participants had teaching experience, the facilitators were crucial in guiding towards both specific moments in the teaching events observed and to theory-based knowledge available to the participants. This raises implication for both pre- and in-service teaching aimed at reflective practice.
Ellipsometry study of the infrared-active phonon modes in strained SrMnO3 thin films
Authors: Marsik Premysl , de Andrés Prada Roberto , Daniil Andreana , Bernhard Christian
Published: August 2022

We performed infrared and time-domain terahertz spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements of thin films of the perovskite antiferromagnetic insulator SrMnO3 that were grown by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) on LaAlO3, SrLaGaO4, and LSAT substrates which yield an epitaxial strain ranging from −0.3 to 1.7%. Taking these thin films as a representative example, we discuss the strategies for analyzing the ellipsometry spectra and extracting the information about the thin film dielectric response that can be equally applied to a variety of oxide based thin films and heterostructures. In particular, for the room temperature spectra we show that the three infrared-active phonon modes of the cubic perovskite structure of SrMnO3 undergo the expected softening with increasing tensile strain. For the SrMnO3 film on SrLaGaO4, we find that the low-energy (TO1) phonon mode reveals anomalous temperature dependence in the vicinity of the Néel temperature of about 170 K that signifies a strong spin-phonon coupling. For the SrMnO3 film on LSAT, we identify some irreversible changes of the infrared ellipsometry spectra that occur as the sample is heated to elevated temperature up to 560 K. These changes of the ellipsometry spectra have been attributed to a partial oxygen loss of the SrMnO3 thin film since they can be reverted with a post annealing treatment under high oxygen pressure.
Aberrant pulmonary immune response of obese mice to periodontal infection
Authors: Zhou Wei , Xuan Dongying , Yu Ting , Zhang Jincai
Published: August 2022

Obesity and periodontitis constitute mutual risk factors in respiratory disorders; this study aimed to explore the pulmonary immune response to periodontal infection using combined animal models with diet-induced obesity (DIO). Thirty-two C57 BL/6J mice were randomly divided into low-fat (LF) or high-fat (HF) diet groups and fed an LF diet as a control or an HF diet to induce obesity. The 30-week mice in the diet group were divided into periodontal ligation group (10 days usingPorphyromonas gingivalisATCC 33277) or sham-ligation group. The expressions of the macrophage-specific maker (F4/80), macrophage chemotactic protein1 (MCP1), and inflammatory cytokines in lung tissues were analyzed. The mRNA and protein levels of F4/80, MCP1, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 expressions were significantly upregulated by obesity in lung tissues. However, the mRNA and protein levels of F4/80, MCP1, and IL-6 were downregulated by periodontitis in DIO mice relative to that of the HF control group. Periodontitis increased tumor necrosis factor-α level of lung tissues under LF, while IL-10 was not affected by obesity regardless of periodontitis. Periodontitis may aggravate pulmonary immune response in obese rodents. This may relate to the imbalance of the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine status of lung lesions, which tends to attenuate the infiltration of alveolar macrophages.
Risk prioritization model driven by success factor in the light of multicriteria decision making
Authors: Tomak Necmiye , Polat Tulay Korkusuz
Published: August 2022

Some factors in the product development process can increase success. Evaluating the risks and success factors is necessary for a more successful product development process. Some inadequacies arise in classical risk assessment methods due to the subjective nature of likelihood and severity ratings. Different probability and impact values can give the same risk size. Due to these inadequacies, doubts about the accuracy of risk prioritization may arise. In this study, a new risk prioritization model is proposed to eliminate these doubts and to consider their contribution to the success of the process they affect while prioritizing the risks, with a detailed literature review and the support of the experts of the applied company, the risks affecting the product development process. The importance levels of risks and success factors were calculated using the analytical hierarchy process. With the proposed model, unlike the classical method, when calculating the risk size, the risk weight and the total score from the success factors are added to the likelihood and severity values of the risk. Thus, companies will obtain more detailed and objective results, considering success factors and risk importance levels, and use the resources they allocate for risk reduction activities more efficiently.
miR-21-3p and miR-192-5p in patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Akpınar Kadriye , Aslan Diler , Fenkçi Semin Melahat , Caner Vildan
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Microribonucleic acids (microRNA/miRNA/miR-) are predicted to be useful in the early diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of diabetic nephropathy (DN). We aimed to investigate the relationship of DN to miR-21-3p, miR-29a-3p, miR-29b-3p, miR-29c-3p, miR-126-3p, miR-129-1-3p, miR-137, miR-192-5p, miR-212-3p, and miR-320c.

Methods

There were 50 healthy controls and 100 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The diabetic patients were divided into three subgroups: normal to mildly increased (A1, n=51), moderately increased (A2, n=25), and severely increased (A3, n=24) albuminuria. The biochemical measurements were analysed using Roche Cobas 8000. The plasma miRNAs were analysed using RT-qPCR based on SYBR green chemistry.

Results

The relative expression of miR-21-3p was significantly lower in the (A3 p=0.005, 6.6-fold decrease) and DN (A1 + A3) (p=0.005, 6.6-fold decrease) groups compared to the controls. The relative expression of miR-192-5p was also significantly lower in the DN group (p=0.027, 2.4-fold decrease) compared to the controls. The area under curve value was 0.726 for miR-21-3p and 0.717 for miR-192-5p for distinguishing the DN group from the controls.

Conclusions

The decreased expressions of miR-21-3p and miR-192-5p are associated with the development of DN and may be potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis of DN.
Approaching the world of non-human experience: Unnatural ways of worldmaking in Ian McEwan’s fiction
Authors: Biwu Shang
Published: August 2022

The past two decades witnessed an increasing interest in literary worldmaking. This paper begins with examining the current models of worldmaking, in particular, the model of the phenomenological, the constructive, the cognitive psychological, the media, the narratological, and the ethical. In doing so, it reveals their shared feature of the human-centred view and mimetic bias. Against the backdrop of the non-human turn in the 21st century, it questions the generally accepted assumption that “the representation of human experience is the central aim of narrative” (Fludernik 1996: 51) and gears scholarly attention to non-human agents in literature and their contribution to constructing the non-human world. Drawing on insights from unnatural narratology, it aims to go beyond the existing mimetic paradigm by proposing the unnatural ways of worldmaking. Taking cues of the narrative function of worldmaking and focusing on the non-human character in particular, it delves into three types of non-human worlds in Ian McEwan’s fiction, namely the world of a fetus in The Nutshell (2016), the world of a machine in Machines Like Me (2019), and the world of a metamorphosized being in The Cockroach (2019). Arguably, by projecting the non-human world and representing the non-human experience, unnatural narrative works invite readers to address such questions as what to do with non-human world, how it is made, and ultimately what it means to humans.
Evolution of a theranostic applicator for microwave ablation treatment
Authors: Hessinger Carolin , Hübner Frank , Schüßler Martin , Paravicini Markus , Ketomäki Markus , Vogl Thomas , Jakoby Rolf
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this work is to further develop a novel dual-mode microwave applicator for diagnosis and thermal ablation treatment. The MR-compatible MW applicator enables differentiation of tumor tissue and healthy tissue through dielectric contrast measurements, optimizing the positioning of the applicator in the lesion. Due to the robust applicator design and the resulting permittivity tracking during ablation, even carbonized tissue can be detected. The use of operating frequencies between 5 and 10 GHz allow a noticeably lower power consumption for microwave ablation of only 20 W compared to commercially available applicators. Clinically relevant dimensions of ablation zones can be achieved and additionally monitored using MR imaging and thermometry.
A narrative review of nine commercial point of care influenza tests: an overview of methods, benefits, and drawbacks to rapid influenza diagnostic testing
Authors: Morehouse Zachary P. , Chance Nathan , Ryan Gabriella L. , Proctor Caleb M. , Nash Rodney J.
Published: August 2022

Context

Rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) are becoming increasingly accurate, available, and reliable as the first line of testing when suspecting influenza infections, although the global burden of influenza infections remains high. Rapid diagnosis of influenza infections has been shown to reduce improper or delayed treatment and to increase access to diagnostic measures in public health, primary care, and hospital-based settings.

Objectives

As the use of RIDTs continues to expand in all healthcare settings, there is a multitude of molecular techniques being employed by these various testing platforms. With this in mind, we compare the sensitivity, specificity, and time to diagnosis for nine highly utilized commercial RIDTs.

Methods

Nine commercially available RIDTs were identified from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, which were also referenced on PubMed by name within the title or abstract of peer-reviewed publications examining the sensitivity and specificity of each test against a minimum of three influenza A virus (IAV) strains as well as seasonal influenza B virus (IBV). Data from the peer-reviewed publications and manufacturers’ websites were combined to discuss the sensitivity, specify, and time to diagnosis associated with each RIDT.

Results

The sensitivity and specificity across the examined RIDTs were greater than 85.0% for both IAV and IBV across all platforms, with the reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays maintaining sensitivity and specificity greater than 95.0% for all viruses tested. However, the RT-PCR platforms were the longest in time to diagnosis when compared to the other molecular methods utilized in the examined RIDTs.

Conclusions

Herein, we discussed the benefits and limitations of nine commercially available RIDTs and the molecular techniques upon which they are based, showing the relative accuracy and speed of each test for IAV and IBV detection as reported by the peer-reviewed literature and commercial manufacturers.
Relationship between dental caries and saliva’s visfatin levels, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidant status (TOS)
Authors: Hataysal Ahmet Ercan , Ünlü Ali , Paydas Hataysal Esra , Abusoglu Sedat , Ünlü Nimet
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Dental caries is a multifactorial infectious disease caused by the colonization and proliferation of bacteria in the mouth. Recently, it has been reported that local antioxidant and oxidant status may play an important role in the pathogenesis of dental caries. Visfatin is an adipocytokine that enhances leukocyte activation and release of proinflammatory cytokines. In this study, our aim was to investigate the salivary visfatin levels, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and total oxidant status (TOS) in patients with and without dental caries.

Methods

Saliva samples were collected from 50 caries-free individuals and 115 patients with dental caries who were admitted to Selcuk University Restorative Dentistry Clinics. Saliva samples were collected based on the stimulated saliva collection procedure. Visfatin levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Spectrophotometric methods were used to determine salivary TAC and TOS.

Results

Salivary TAC, TOS, and visfatin levels were statistically higher in patients with dental caries compared to caries-free group (p=0.035; p=0.003; p<0.001 respectively). There was a positive correlation between caries number and salivary TOS and visfatin levels.

Conclusions

Findings of this prospective study demonstrated that oxidative stress may be involved in the pathogenesis of dental caries. Salivary visfatin, TAC, and TOS may be novel markers to evaluate dental caries.