bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of genetic variants related to metabolic syndrome by next-generation sequencing
Authors: Lee Sanghoo , Kim Seol-A , Hong Jeonghoon , Kim Yejin , Hong Gayeon , Baik SaeYun , Choi Kyeonghwan , Lee Mi-Kyeong , Lee Kyoung-Ryul
Published: August 2022

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of conditions associated with glucose intolerance, hypertension, abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance that increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Since MetS is known as a complex symptom with a high incidence of genetic factors, it is important to identify genetic variants for each clinical characteristic of MetS.

Methods

We performed targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) to identify genetic variants related to obesity, blood glucose, triacylglycerol (TG), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol level, and hypertension in 48 subjects with MetS and in 48 healthy subjects.

Results

NGS analysis revealed that 26 of 48 subjects (54.2%) with MetS had putative non-synonymous variants related to the clinical features of MetS. Of the subjects with MetS, 8 (16.7%) had variants in 4 genes (COL6A2, FTO, SPARC, and MTHFR) related to central obesity, 17 (35.4%) had variants in 6 genes (APOB, SLC2A2, LPA, ABCG5, ABCG8, and GCKR) related to hyperglycemia, 3 (6.3%) had variants in 4 genes (APOA1, APOC2, APOA4, and LMF1) related to hypertriglyceridemia, 8 (16.7%) had variants in 4 genes (ABCA1, CETP, SCARB1, and LDLR) related to low HDL-cholesterolemia, and 5 (10.4%) had variants in ADD1 related to hypertension.

Conclusions

Our findings may contribute to broadening the genetic spectrum of risk variants related to the development of MetS.
Can formalisation of pastoral land tenure overcome its paradoxes? Reflections from East Africa
Authors: Robinson Lance , Flintan Fiona
Published: August 2022

Legal frameworks for communal land rights in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania are now gaining momentum. Questions can be raised as to whether, how, and to what extent these frameworks take into account the disadvantages of formalising tenure and the complexities of pastoral resources. In this paper, we consider the impact of these challenges on the formalisation of communal ownership, beginning with an overview of how commons theory has influenced land governance policies and how it is applied to pastoral systems. We identify the main challenges that land policy interventions in East Africa face and ways in which the conceptual models of shared property rights embodied in current land tenure regimes are not well adapted to the socio-ecological characteristics of some rangeland landscapes. We argue that policy interventions capable of overcoming the paradox of pastoral tenure and strengthening tenure security while addressing herders’ needs for mobility and flexibility will often involve the progressive recognition of layers of sometimes overlapping rights, rather than attempts to subdivide landscapes into simple mosaics of discrete communal territories. This paper is based on an analysis of the legal frameworks for land tenure in the three countries and a review of the literature on pastoralism and land governance in the region.
Incidence of infant mortality and its predictors in East Africa using Gompertz gamma shared frailty model
Authors: Tesema Getayeneh Antehunegn , Seifu Beminate Lemma , Tessema Zemenu Tadesse , Worku Misganaw Gebrie , Teshale Achamyeleh Birhanu
Published: August 2022

Background

Globally, infant mortality is a major public health concern and a sensitive indicator of countries' socio-economic and health status. Despite the substantial reduction of under-five mortality in sub-Saharan African countries specifically in East Africa, the infant mortality rate remains highest and too far below to achieve the WHO target. As to our search of the literature is concerned, there is a dearth of evidence on the incidence and predictors of infant mortality in East Africa. Therefore, this study investigated the incidence of infant mortality and its predictors in East Africa.

Methods

The present study has utilized 138,803 weighted samples from Demographic and Health Surveys (DHSs) of 12 East African countries. Considering the hierarchical nature of DHS data shared frailty parametric survival models were fitted and compared based on deviance (-2LLR), AIC, and BIC. Gompertz gamma shared frailty model was the best-fitted model for the data since it had the lowest deviance, AIC, and BIC values. Variables with a p-value < 0.2 in the bi-variable analysis were considered for the multivariable analysis. In the multivariable Gompertz gamma shared analysis, the Adjusted Hazard Ratio (AHR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was reported to declare the significant predictors of infant mortality.

Results

The infant mortality rate in East Africa was 41.41 per 1000 live births. Mothers aged 25–34 years, wanted birth, health facility delivery, 1–3 ANC visit, being 2nd- 4th birth order, 5th and above, the birth interval of 24–48 months, and birth interval of 49 months and above were significantly associated with lower risk of infant mortality. Whereas women who didn’t have formal education, women who didn't participate in making health care decisions making, being male children, cesarean delivery, small size at birth, and large size at birth were significantly associated with a higher risk of infant mortality.

Conclusion

Despite the substantial progress in improving maternal and child health, this study showed that infant mortality is still a major public health concern in East Africa. Maternal age, place of delivery, maternal education, birth size, sex of the child, mode of delivery, women's autonomy, birth order, birth interval, and ANC visit were found to be significant predictors of infant mortality. Therefore, public health interventions enhancing health facility delivery, ANC visit, maternal education, birth spacing, and empowering women are crucial for reducing the incidence of infant mortality in East Africa.
Global antimicrobial resistance: a system-wide comprehensive investigation using the Global One Health Index
Authors: Zhou Nan , Cheng Zile , Zhang Xiaoxi , Lv Chao , Guo Chaoyi , Liu Haodong , Dong Ke , Zhang Yan , Liu Chang , Chang Yung-Fu , Chen Sheng , Guo Xiaokui , Zhou Xiao-Nong , Li Min , Zhu Yongzhang
Published: August 2022

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the top ten global public health challenges. However, given the lack of a comprehensive assessment of worldwide AMR status, our objective is to develop a One Health-based system-wide evaluation tool on global AMR.

Methods

We have further developed the three-hierarchical Global One Health Index (GOHI)-AMR indicator scheme, which consists of five key indicators, 17 indicators, and 49 sub-indicators, by incorporating 146 countries’ data from diverse authoritative databases, including WHO's Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) and the European CDC. We investigated the overall- or sub-rankings of GOHI-AMR at the international/regional/national levels for data preprocessing and score calculation utilizing the existing GOHI methodology. Additionally, a correlation analysis was conducted between the GOHI-AMR and other socioeconomic factors.

Results

The average GOHI-AMR score for 146 countries is 38.45. As expected, high-income countries (HICs) outperform the other three income groups on overall rankings and all five key indicators of GOHI-AMR, whereas low-income countries unexpectedly outperform upper-middle-income countries and lower-middle-income countries on the antibiotics-resistant key indicator (ARR) and ARR-subordinate indicators, including carbapenem-, β-lactam-, and quinolone resistance, and even HICs on aminoglycoside resistance. There were no significant differences among the four groups on the environmental-monitoring indicator (P > 0.05). GOHI-AMR was positively correlated with gross domestic product, life expectancy, and AMR-related publications, but negatively with natural growth rate and chronic respiratory disease. In contrast to Cyprus, the remarkably lower prevalence of "ESKAPE pathogens" in high-scoring Sweden and Denmark highlights Europe's huge gaps. China and Russia outperformed the other three BRICS countries on all key indicators, particularly India's ARR and Brazil's AMR laboratory network and coordination capacity. Furthermore, significant internal disparities in carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) prevalence were observed between China and the USA, with MRSA prevalence both gradually declining, whereas CRKP prevalence has been declining in the USA but increasing in China, consistent with higher carbapenems-related indicator’ performance in USA.

Conclusions

GOHI-AMR is the most comprehensive tool currently available for the assessment of AMR status worldwide. We discovered unique features impacting AMR in each country and offered precise recommendations to improve the capacity to tackle AMR in low-ranking countries.

Graphical Abstract
Physio-pathological effects of N6-methyladenosine and its therapeutic implications in leukemia
Authors: Liu Wei-Wei , Wang Hao , Zhu Xiao-Yu
Published: August 2022

N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most prevalent epigenetic modification of RNA in mammals, has become a hot topic throughout recent years. m6A is involved with every links of the RNA fate, including RNA splicing, nuclear export, translation and stability. Due to the reversible and dynamic regulatory network composed of ‘writers’ (methylase), ‘erasers’ (demethylase) and ‘readers’ (m6A binding proteins), m6A has been deemed as an essential modulator in vast physiological and pathological processes. Previous studies have shown that aberrant expression and dysfunction of these regulators are implicated in diverse tumors, exemplified by hematological malignancies. However, we should hold a dialectic perspective towards the influence of m6A modification on leukemogenesis. Given that m6A itself is neither pro-oncogenic nor anti-oncogenic, whether the modifications promote hematological homeostasis or malignancies occurrence and progression is dependent on the specific targets it regulates. Ample evidence supports the role of m6A in maintaining normal hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis, thereby highlighting the therapeutic potential of intervention in m6A modification process for battling leukemia. In this review, we introduce the advances of m6A modification and summarize the biological functions of m6A in RNA metabolism. Then we discuss the significance of several well-studied m6A regulators in modulating normal and malignant hematopoiesis, with focus on the therapeutic potentials of targeting these regulators for battling hematopoietic malignancies.
Effects of investor sentiment on stock volatility: new evidences from multi-source data in China’s green stock markets
Authors: Gao Yang , Zhao Chengjie , Sun Bianxia , Zhao Wandi
Published: August 2022

The effect of investor sentiment on stock volatility is a highly attractive research question in both the academic field and the real financial industry. With the proposal of China's "dual carbon" target, green stocks have gradually become an essential branch of Chinese stock markets. Focusing on 106 stocks from the new energy, environmental protection, and carbon–neutral sectors, we construct two investor sentiment proxies using Internet text and stock trading data, respectively. The Internet sentiment is based on posts from Eastmoney Guba, and the trading sentiment comes from a variety of trading indicators. In addition, we divide the realized volatility into continuous and jump parts, and then investigate the effects of investor sentiment on different types of volatilities. Our empirical findings show that both sentiment indices impose significant positive impacts on realized, continuous, and jump volatilities, where trading sentiment is the main factor. We further explore the mediating effect of information asymmetry, measured by the volume-synchronized probability of informed trading (VPIN), on the path of investor sentiment affecting stock volatility. It is evidenced that investor sentiments are positively correlated with the VPIN, and they can affect volatilities through the VPIN. We then divide the total sample around the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The empirical results reveal that the market volatility after the COVID-19 pandemic is more susceptible to investor sentiments, especially to Internet sentiment. Our study is of great significance for maintaining the stability of green stock markets and reducing market volatility.
Integrated analysis of clinical, bioelectrical and functional variables in newly diagnosed lung cancer adult patients: pilot study
Authors: Regüeiferos Justa Carmen Columbié , Luna Taira Teresa Batista , Brooks Soraida Cándida Acosta , Rodriguez Maylet Planas , Matamoros Larisa Zamora , Rodríguez Beatríz Legrá , Fernández Arnolis Poll , Bello José Luis García , Pedrón Arquímedes Montoya , González Maraelys Morales , Garcia Julio Cesar Núñez , Fonseca Esmirna Cascaret , Cabrales Luis Enrique Bergues
Published: August 2022

Background

Many variables have been studied in cancer patients. Nevertheless, an study that analyzes simultaneously physical, functional and biological variables in they from clinical, physical and statistical points of views is not reported in the literature. The aim of this study is to propose an integrated analysis of clinical, bioelectrical and functional variables in newly diagnosed lung cancer adult patients for the integral evaluation and possible prognostic of them.

Methods

This Pilot study was retrospective and cross-sectional and 23 patients aged 53–82 years participated in it. The electrical resistance and capacitive electrical reactance were measured with the Bodystat Quadscan® 4000 analyzer. The electrical impedance modulus and the phase angle were calculated. The serum concentrations of epidermal growth factor, CYFRA21-1 and CA 72–4 were quantified. Correlations/associations among variables and the principal component analysis were suggested.

Results

The majority of patients had tumor markers, electrical resistance and the phase angle in their respective normal ranges. The capacitive electrical resistance was below its normal range. Minimum, low and moderate grades of linear correlation/association prevailed among studied variables. The principal components I and II were interpreted as prognosis and body energetic reserve of the patient, respectively.

Conclusions

It is concluded that the clinical, bioelectrical and functional variables allow the integral analysis and possible prognosis of newly diagnosed lung cancer adult patients. The decrease of the capacitive electrical reactance is the most influence to the loss of the body energetic reserve that leads to alterations of the overall health, tiredness and decrease of weight and body mass index of these patients.
Resilient outage recovery of a distribution system: co-optimizing mobile power sources with network structure
Authors: Li Chenchen , Xi Yanna , Lu Yufan , Liu Nian , Chen Liudong , Ju Li , Tao Yibin
Published: August 2022

Outage recovery is important for reducing the economic cost and improving the reliability of a distribution system (DS) in extreme weather and with equipment faults. Previous studies have separately considered network reconfiguration (NR) and dispatching mobile power sources (MPS) to restore the outage load. However, NR cannot deal with the scenario of an electrical island, while dispatching MPS results in a long power outage. In this paper, a resilient outage recovery method based on co-optimizing MPS and NR is proposed, where the DS and traffic network (TN) are considered simultaneously. In the DS, the switch action cost and power losses are minimized, and the access points of MPSs are changed by carrying out the NR process. In the TN, an MPS dispatching model with the objective of minimizing power outage time, routing and power generation cost is developed to optimize the MPSs’ schedule. A solution algorithm based on iteration and relaxation methods is proposed to simplify the solving process and obtain the optimal recovery strategy. Finally, numerical case studies on the IEEE 33 and 119-bus systems validate the proposed resilient outage recovery method. It is shown that the access point of MPS can be changed by NR to decrease the power outage time and dispatching cost of MPS. The results also show that the system operation cost can be reduced by considering power losses in the objective function.
Graft versus host disease-related eosinophilic fasciitis: cohort description and literature review
Authors: Hidalgo Calleja Cristina , Martín Hidalgo Daniel , Román Curto Concepción , Vázquez López Lourdes , Pérez López Estefanía , Cabrero Calvo Mónica , Martín López Ana África , Caballero Barrigón María Dolores , Lopez-Corral Lucía
Published: August 2022

Background

Chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD) simulating eosinophilic fasciitis (EF) is an underdiagnosed and challenging complication due to the lack of knowledge about its pathogenesis, refractoriness to traditional immunosuppressive agents and their negative impact on the physical function and quality of life. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical-biological characteristics and response to treatment of a case series and to provide a comprehensive literature review on cGVHD related EF involvement.

Methods

Prospective observational study to describe the clinical and diagnostic evaluation characteristics of patients with EF-like follow-up as part of our multidisciplinary cGVHD consultations. In addition, the literature on joint and/or fascial musculoskeletal manifestations due to cGVHD was comprehensively reviewed.

Results

118 patients were evaluated in multidisciplinary cGVHD consultations, 39 of whom (33%) developed fasciitis. Notably, 11 patients had isolated joint contractures without sclerotic skin. After a median of three lines of treatment, the vast majority of patients achieved some degree of response. 94 potentially eligible articles were identified by the search strategy, with 17 of them, the majority isolated case reports, making the final selection. The validated staging scales used for the assessment were the Joint and Fascial Score and the Photographic Range of Motion.

Conclusion

Fascial/articular involvement needs to be recognized and evaluated early. To our knowledge, our cohort is the second largest series to have been reported. Literature addressing fascial/joints complications related to cGVHD is scarce. The search for new biomarkers, the use of advanced imaging techniques and multidisciplinary approach may help improve the prognosis of patients with cGVHD.
CEUS cardiac exam protocols International Contrast Ultrasound Society (ICUS) recommendations
Authors: Porter Thomas R. , Feinstein Steven B. , Senior Roxy , Mulvagh Sharon L. , Nihoyannopoulos Petros , Strom Jordan B. , Mathias Wilson , Gorman Beverly , Rabischoffsky Arnaldo , Main Michael L. , Appis Andrew
Published: August 2022

The present CEUS Cardiac Exam Protocols represent the first effort to promulgate a standard set of protocols for optimal administration of ultrasound enhancing agents (UEAs) in echocardiography, based on more than two decades of experience in the use of UEAs for cardiac imaging. The protocols reflect current clinical CEUS practice in many modern echocardiography laboratories throughout the world. Specific attention is given to preparation and dosing of three UEAs that have been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and additional regulatory bodies in Europe, the Americas and Asia–Pacific. Consistent with professional society guidelines (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 31:241–274, 2018; J Am Soc Echocardiogr 27:797–810, 2014; Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 18:1205, 2017), these protocols cover unapproved “off-label” uses of UEAs—including stress echocardiography and myocardial perfusion imaging—in addition to approved uses. Accordingly, these protocols may differ from information provided in product labels, which are generally based on studies performed prior to product approval and may not always reflect state of the art clinical practice or guidelines.
“Oh, that makes sense”: Social Metacognition in Small-Group Problem Solving
Authors: Halmo Stephanie M. , Bremers Emily K. , Fuller Sammantha , Stanton Julie Dangremond
Published: August 2022

When students collaborate they can stimulate metacognition in one another, which can lead to improved learning. Life science students were recorded during small-group problem-solving sessions. Through discourse analysis of their conversations, metacognitive statements and questions associated with high-quality reasoning were uncovered.
Recent Research in Science Teaching and Learning
Authors: Eddy Sarah L.
Published: August 2022

This installment of Current Insights introduces life science educators and researchers to a collection of three articles from the fields of psychology and STEM education that explore the impact of a novel study strategy (making deliberate mistakes), how evoking interest may have costs for learning, and how faculty beliefs influence diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
Juvenile Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) use a time-compensated sun compass for orientation
Authors: Spiecker Lisa , Laurien Malien , Dammann Wiebke , Franke Andrea , Clemmesen Catriona , Gerlach Gabriele
Published: August 2022

Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus), an ecologically and economically important species in the northern hemisphere, shows pronounced seasonal migratory behaviour. To follow distinctive migration patterns over hundreds of kilometers between feeding, overwintering and spawning grounds, they are probably guided by orientation mechanisms. We tested whether juvenile spring-spawning Atlantic herring, caught in the western Baltic, use a sun compass for orientation just before they start leaving their hatching area. Fish were randomly divided into two groups, one of them clock-shifted 6 h backwards, to investigate whether they shift their orientation direction accordingly. Individual fish were placed in a circular bowl and their orientation was tested multiple times with the sun as a sole visual orientational cue. Our results show for the first time that juvenile Atlantic herring use a time-compensated sun compass during their migration. Their swimming direction was impaired, but still present, even when the sky was very cloudy, indicating additional orientation capabilities.
DLBS3233 reduces inflammatory marker on kidney by increasing expression GLUT1 and GLUT2 in diabetic rats
Authors: Mohani Chandra Irwanadi , Rudijanto Achmad , . Aulanni’am , Soeharto Setyawati
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), as a diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMT2) complications, is getting more prevalent nowadays. Inflammation is one of the renal injury mechanisms evaluated through the surge in in TNF-α and NF-κβ expression. Impaired expression of gluten transporter 1 (GLUT1) and GLUT2 reduces glucose uptake. DBLS3233 is a novel anti-diabetes agent and Indonesian herbal product responsible for glucose control and upregulation of insulin signal transduction. We performed an experiment on DLBS3233 to examine the response of TNF-α and NF-κβ and the expression of GLUT 1 and GLUT2.

Methods: A total of 30 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups (n=5 per group): nondiabetic rats in the control group (group 1); untreated diabetic rats (group 2); diabetic rats treated with DLBS3233 4,5mg/kgBW (group 3); 9mg/kgBW (group 4); 18mg/kgBW (group 5), and diabetic rats treated with pioglitazone (group 6). Immunohistochemistry was performed to examine the expression of GLUT1 and GLUT2 in the pancreas and expression of TNF-α and NF-κβ in the kidney. The data was then analyzed by ANOVA.

Results: In the DBLS3233 group, reduced expression of both TNF-α and NF-κβ was seen through immunohistochemistry, whereas GLUT1 and GLUT2 were intensified compared to untreated groups. From statistical analysis, we obtained significantly lower expression of TNF-α and NF-κβ, as well as enhanced GLUT1 and GLUT2 expression compared to untreated groups (p<0.05).

Conclusions: DBLS3233 significantly reduces the inflammatory process and enhances the expression of GLUT1 and GLUT2 diabetic rats.
Green synthesis and characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticles using bush tea (Athrixia phylicoides DC) natural extract: assessment of the synthesis process.
Authors: Kaningini Gabriel Amani , Azizi Shohreh , Nyoni Hlengilizwe , Mudau Fhatuwani Nixwel , Mohale Keletso Cecilia , Maaza Malik
Published: August 2022

Background: Nanoparticles are globally synthesized for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, catalytic, magnetic, optical, and electronic properties that have put them at the forefront of a wide variety of studies. Among them, zinc oxide (ZnO) has received much consideration due to its technological and medicinal applications. In this study, we report on the synthesis process of ZnO nanoparticles using Athrixia phylicoides DC natural extract as a reducing agent.  

Methods: Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used to identify the compounds responsible for the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles. Structural, morphological and optical properties of the synthesized nanoparticles have been characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS).  

Results: LC-MS results showed that different flavonoids and polyphenols, as well as Coumarin, an aromatic compound, reacted with the precursor to form ZnO nanoparticles. XRD and UV-Vis analysis confirmed the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles, with a spherical shape showed in SEM images. The quasi-spherical ZnO crystals had an average crystallite size of 24 nm. EDS and FTIR analysis confirmed that the powders were pure with no other phase or impurity.  

Conclusions: This study successfully demonstrated that the natural plant extract of A. phylicoides DC. can be used in the bio-reduction of zinc nitrate hexahydrate to prepare pure ZnO nanoparticles, thus, extending the use of this plant to an industrial level.
PROBLEMS OF DETERMINING EFFECTIVENESS CONTENT MARKETING
Authors: ERSHOVA E
Published: August 2022

The article discusses the problems of determining the effectiveness of content marketing. Constant monitoring of content marketing helps to identify the most effective tools, themes, channels. By paying sufficient attention to effective ways to promote a product or service, marketers have the opportunity to choose a more successful content marketing strategy.
ANALYTICAL COEFFICIENTS IN THE EVALUATION OF THE ACTIVITIES OF MICROENTERPRISES
Authors: MIRKINA O
Published: August 2022

Analysis and evaluation of the company’s activities allow you to make informed management decisions. Microenterprises make up several forms of reporting, which does not allow for a full-fledged analysis. It is necessary to identify a group of analytical coefficients that will characterize the social, economic and financial condition of a microenterprise.
CONTRACT SERVICE AND CONTRACT MANAGERS FOR PROCUREMENT
Authors: BELYAEVA E
Published: August 2022

The article examines the issue of the position and activities of contract services, the demand for which has become most relevant after the changes made to Law No. 44-FZ, the conditions under which the customer is obliged to create a contract service are disclosed.
FORMATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF PROFESSIONAL SUBJECTIVITY OF STUDENTS IN THE EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT OF A HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
Authors: KALUGINA N , BELAN N.
Published: August 2022

The author presents the results of a study of the resourcefulness of the educational environment of the Far Eastern Federal University from the perspective of a subjective approach, which involves students’ awareness and acceptance of the availability of objective resources, and concludes that there is a need for tutor support of their educational and practical activities.
CHARACTERISTIC OF A TEACHER-PHILOLOGIST’S PROFESSIONAL PERSONALITY THROUGH THE PRISM OF AXIOLOGY
Authors: PALIY T , BAGIYAN A
Published: August 2022

This article raises the urgent problem of modern higher linguistic education connected with the pedagogical activities of the teaching staff of language departments. The aim of the research is to design and test the axiological model of the professional personality of a philologist teacher. The study is based on sociological and culturological approaches, traditions of linguistic education in Russia, which are significant for the formation of the personality of a future teacher, translator, interpreter, etc., understanding of the peculiarities of the pedagogical activity of linguists. Discussion, psychological and mathematical-statistical methods were used in the course of the following research. The results of the study have demonstrated some certain unique features of the Russian axiological space. The priorities of students in the process of assessing teachers of philologists and their professional activities are also established. The results obtained can serve as a basis for the design and testing of original trainings, refresher courses, taking into account the received request from the objects of the educational process.
HA (hyaluronic acid) fillers in aesthetic medicine - the most common complications
Authors: Szwed Monika , Szwed Weronika , Szwed Jakub , Miga Nadia
Published: August 2022

Introduction and purpose

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a polysaccharide consisting of the disaccharide units of glucuronic acid and N-acetylglucosamine. The age-related changes in the different anatomical layers of the face can be treated with hyaluronic acid fillers. Knowing the predictable aging changes of the face is crucial as this guides the optimum filler choice. HA is currently the most common used filler worldwide. 

The aim of the study is to discuss the most common complications following aesthetic medicine treatments with the use of hyaluronic acid.

 

Description of the state of knowledge

Filling soft tissues with hyaluronic acid is a popular procedure in the field of aesthetic medicine for patients who want non-invasive rejuvenation. Among the numerous fillers, those with hyaluronic acid (HA) have many advantages: HA is easy to use and its effect is reversible. HA fillers are considered safe, although there may be complications such as: allergic reactions, infections, granulomas, nodules, tyndall effect, ecchymosis and skin necrosis. Many complications with the HA filler are correctable, for example: too little formulation, over-correctionand, asymmetry. Hyaluronic acid fillers are examples of reversible dermal fillers as they can be removed with hyaluronidase.

 

Summary

Avoiding complications is a top priority and must start with a thorough understanding of the anatomy followed by a precise injection technique. The ability to recognize complications and manage protocols will allow for their effective treatment.
A Penalty Branch-and-Bound Method for Mixed Binary Linear Complementarity Problems
Authors: De Santis Marianna , de Vries Sven , Schmidt Martin , Winkel Lukas
Published: August 2022

Linear complementarity problems (LCPs) are an important modeling tool for many practically relevant situations and also have many important applications in mathematics itself. Although the continuous version of the problem is extremely well-studied, much less is known about mixed-integer LCPs (MILCPs) in which some variables have to be integer-valued in a solution. In particular, almost no tailored algorithms are known besides reformulations of the problem that allow us to apply general purpose mixed integer linear programming solvers. In this paper, we present, theoretically analyze, enhance, and test a novel branch-and-bound method for MILCPs. The main property of this method is that we do not “branch” on constraints as usual but by adding suitably chosen penalty terms to the objective function. By doing so, we can either provably compute an MILCP solution if one exists or compute an approximate solution that minimizes an infeasibility measure combining integrality and complementarity conditions. We enhance the method by MILCP-tailored valid inequalities, node selection strategies, branching rules, and warm-starting techniques. The resulting algorithm is shown to clearly outperform two benchmark approaches from the literature.

History: Accepted by Andrea Lodi, Area Editor for Design & Analysis of Algorithms – Discrete.

Funding: M. De Santis acknowledges support within the project RM120172A2970290, which has received funding from Sapienza, University of Rome. M. Schmidt thanks the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) for its support within project A05 and B08 in the “SFB TRR 154 Mathematical Modelling, Simulation and Optimization using the Example of Gas Networks.” L. Winkel is supported by the DFG within the Research Training Group 2126: “Algorithmic Optimization.”

Supplemental Material: The online supplementary material is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/ijoc.2022.1216 .
Optimizing Free-to-Play Multiplayer Games with Premium Subscription
Authors: Mai Yunke , Hu Bin
Published: August 2022

We consider the optimal operating policies of a free-to-play multiplayer game with a premium subscription to maximize its lifetime operating profit. Accounting for social comparisons between free and premium players, we model the game attracting or losing players with a hybrid of the Bass diffusion model and the replicator equation in evolutionary game theory. Leveraging optimal control theory, we characterize optimal dynamic pricing and advertising policies and show that the developer should prioritize initial growth through aggressive advertising, while postponing the introduction of a premium subscription. Surprisingly, the optimal subscription price may start high and gradually decrease. We further show that the developer should strengthen social-comparison effects, that payment-based matchmaking can be an effective monetization driver, and that our main findings remain robust when allowing individual in-game item purchases/partial premium subscription. These findings are potentially instructive for game developers adopting the premium subscription model.

This paper was accepted by Víctor Martínez-de-Albéniz, operations management.
An Unusual Differential Diagnosis of Gastric Haemorrhage: A Rare Case of Gastrosplenic Fistula
Authors: Cicchini Claudia , Santarelli Simona , Pugliese Francesco Rocco
Published: August 2022

A gastrosplenic fistula is a rare complication of primary splenic lymphoma and a rare cause of massive upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage. We report a case of a spontaneous gastrosplenic fistula secondary to splenic large B-cell lymphoma. The patient was admitted to the emergency department with haematemesis.  Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy showed a deep gastric ulcer, and a subsequent CT scan revealed a gastrosplenic fistula. Gastric biopsy demonstrated gastric mucosa with infiltration by large lymphoid cells. A multidisciplinary discussion on the management of this case was conducted.  Primary surgical treatment of the fistula was not deemed indicated because the bleeding had stopped. The patient was stabilized, transfused, and then transferred to the oncology unit for chemotherapy.  During hospitalization, lung metastases were found but the progressive worsening of the patient’s general condition contraindicated chemotherapy. She was transferred to a hospice and died 2 months later of neoplastic cachexia. Gastrosplenic fistula is a rare condition. Prompt recognition of the underlying pathology can save the patient’s life. We aim to highlight this rare complication of splenic lymphoma, discuss the presenting signs and symptoms, and explore the management options.
Pulmonary Nocardiosis as an Opportunistic Infection in COVID-19
Authors: Laplace Marc , Flamand Thomas , Ion Ciprian , Gravier Simon , Mohseni-Zadeh Mahsa , Debriel Dominique , Augereau Olivier , Gregorowicz Guillaume , Martinot Martin
Published: August 2022

Secondary bacterial pneumonia infection is frequent in COVID-19 patients. Nocardia are responsible for opportunistic pulmonary infections especially after steroid treatment. We describe a case of pulmonary nocardiosis following critical COVID-19 pneumonia in an 83-year-old male. Two weeks after initiation of dexamethasone 6 mg/L, the patient developed a new episode of acute dyspnea. The sputum cultures identified Nocardia cyriacigeorgica. In spite of intravenous imipenem and cotrimoxazole treatment the patient died. Physicians should be aware of the possibility of nocardiosis in case of deterioration of respiratory status of severe COVID-19 inpatients and perform Nocardia evaluation. This evaluation requires prolonged culture.
Dark-field scattering image compression using a sparse matrix
Authors: Hu Xiaobo , Lei Jiarui , Hu Xiaoyao , Sun Feng , Liu Dong
Published: August 2022

Dark-field scattering imaging is an imaging method with high contrast and high sensitivity. It has been widely employed in optical components evaluation, biomedical detection, semiconductor manufacturing, etc. However, useless background information causes data redundancy, which increases unnecessary time-space costs in processing. Furthermore, the problem is particularly serious in high-resolution imaging systems for large-aperture components. The dark-field scattering image compression (DFSIC) based on the compressed sparse row is proposed to solve this problem. The compression method realizes local data access for a sparse matrix. The result of the experiments shows that the average time-space consumption of the DFSIC is reduced to less than 2%, compared with the raw image structure, and is still kept below 68% in dense cases. This method provides a more efficient program implementation for the dark-field scattering imaging and exhibits potential in the application of the optical detection with large scale.
Optical fiber sensor and assembly method for measuring the tensile strain of a nickel-based directionally solidified superalloy in a high-temperature environment
Authors: Wen Zhixun , Liu Yating , Wang Jundong , Lian Yeda , Ai Changsheng , Zheng Xuguang
Published: August 2022

Nickel-based superalloys are widely used in key hot-end components such as aero engines and industrial gas turbines due to their excellent comprehensive properties. Real-time monitoring of engine blades and other structures in high-temperature environments can promptly discover possible internal damage to the structure. Optical fiber sensing technology has unique advantages that traditional electrical sensors do not have, such as anti-electromagnetic interference, small size, light weight, and corrosion resistance. The technology is gradually replacing traditional methods and becoming an important means of structural health monitoring. We propose an optical fiber sensor and assembly method that can be used to measure the strain of a nickel-based directionally solidified superalloy in a high-temperature environment more accurately. The proposed technology is simple to manufacture and also has low cost and a high survival rate, which is of great significance for high-temperature strain measurements in aerospace and other fields.
Detection method based on a coupled illumination correction algorithm for the detection of surface defects in ZrO2 ceramic bearing balls
Authors: Tao Chen , Le Dong , Xin Zhang , Zhuting Jiang , Qi Zheng , Nanxing Wu
Published: August 2022

To address the problem of feature texture loss in defective images of zirconia bearing balls on unbalanced illumination backgrounds, a coupled algorithm of the local gamma function transform-block interpolation balancing equation is designed. A combination of a light reflection imaging model and a three-dimensional Gaussian surround function is used to extract the illumination estimate of the original image. Subsequent illumination balance correction is performed in the value color space. The contrast between the edges of the feature texture and the background is analyzed to construct a locally adaptive gamma function transformation model. We establish local block interpolation balance equations to eliminate the effects caused by illumination that is too high or too low. The experimental results show that the information entropy of the images after illumination correction changes in the range of 5% or less. The standard deviation and mean gradient can be increased by 15.21% and 14.78%, respectively.
Asymmetric double-image encryption based on chaotic random phase encoding
Authors: Su Yonggang , Xue Xinyu , Deng Runzi , Wang Yonghui , Zhao Qinyu , Li Tianlun , Li Yan , Liu Shuaiqi , Zhao Jie
Published: August 2022

An asymmetric double-image encryption scheme based on chaotic random phase encoding (CRPE) is proposed. In this proposed encryption scheme, two grayscale images to be encrypted are first Fresnel transformed and combined into a complex image. Then, the amplitude and phase components are obtained by conducting phase–amplitude truncation on the complex image. Finally, the amplitude component is again Fresnel transformed and encrypted into a noise-like pattern by the CRPE in the Fresnel domain. Since the initial values and control parameters of the chaotic map can replace the random phase masks to serve as secret keys, the management and transmission of secret keys will become more convenient in the proposed encryption scheme. Furthermore, the Fresnel transform parameters and phase keys derived from the complex image’s phase component can also act as secret keys during the decryption process. Numerical simulations have demonstrated the feasibility, security, and robustness of the proposed encryption scheme.
Influence of heating temperature on the optical response properties and surface relief patterns of TiO2/GeO2/ormosils composite films containing azobenzene
Authors: Zhang Xuehua , Wang Xingyun , Zhang Yaqi , Wang Zhongjie , Wang Yongjin , Hu Fangren
Published: August 2022

With the progress of modern integrated optical technology, organic–inorganic composite materials have been widely used in integrated optoelectronic devices. Because of satisfying optical response properties among azobenzene, it will be an ideal choice to introduce the material into organic–inorganic composite materials.

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composite films containing azobenzene were prepared by combining the solgel technique with the spin-coating process. The optical transmission modes and loss of as-prepared samples at different transmission wavelengths were researched by a prism coupler. The result shows that the composite film is multi-mode transmission at the transmission wavelength of 633 nm and single-mode transmission at 1538 nm. The transmission loss is sufficient for applications in optical elements. The response properties and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of as-prepared samples at different heating temperatures were also studied. The composite films obtained at 50°C have the best optical response properties. Furthermore, the banding energy and chemical composition among the films were measured through x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Finally, the surface topography of as-prepared samples was observed by atomic force microscopy. The surface of the composite film appears with patterns of relief under the appropriate temperature. The above results show that the as-prepared

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composite films containing azobenzene will be a kind of ideal material in the field of integrated optics applications.
Biomechanical assessment of chronic liver injury using quantitative micro-elastography
Authors: Mowla Alireza , Belford Rose , Köhn-Gaone Julia , Main Nathan , Tirnitz-Parker Janina E. E. , Yeoh George C. , Kennedy Brendan F.
Published: August 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most lethal cancers worldwide, causing almost 700,000 deaths annually. It mainly arises from cirrhosis, which, in turn, results from chronic injury to liver cells and corresponding fibrotic changes. Although it is known that chronic liver injury increases the elasticity of liver tissue, the role of increased elasticity of the microenvironment as a possible hepatocarcinogen is yet to be investigated. One reason for this is the paucity of imaging techniques capable of mapping the micro-scale elasticity variation in liver and correlating that with cancerous mechanisms on the cellular scale. The clinical techniques of ultrasound elastography and magnetic resonance elastography typically do not provide micro-scale resolution, while atomic force microscopy can only assess the elasticity of a limited number of cells. We propose quantitative micro-elastography (QME) for mapping the micro-scale elasticity of liver tissue into images known as micro-elastograms, and therefore, as a technique capable of correlating the micro-environment elasticity of tissue with cellular scale cancerous mechanisms in liver. We performed QME on 13 freshly excised healthy and diseased mouse livers and present micro-elastograms, together with co-registered histology, in four representative cases. Our results indicate a significant increase in the mean (×6.3) and standard deviation (×6.0) of elasticity caused by chronic liver injury and demonstrate that the onset and progression of pathological features such as fibrosis, hepatocyte damage, and immune cell infiltration correlate with localized variations in micro-elastograms.
Concise and explicit expressions for typical spatial-structured light beams beyond the paraxial approximation
Authors: Cui Zhiwei , Wang Ju , Ma Wanqi , Zhao Wenjuan
Published: August 2022

Structured light beams with distinct spatial inhomogeneity of amplitude, phase, and polarization have garnered tremendous attention in recent years. A better understanding of the vectorial structure of such beams is helpful to reveal their important and interesting features for further applications. In this paper, explicit analytical expressions for the electric field components of typical spatial-structured light beams, including fundamental Gaussian beams, Hermite–Gaussian beams, Laguerre–Gaussian beams, Bessel/Bessel–Gaussian beams, and Airy beams, beyond the paraxial approximation are derived on the basis of the vectorial Rayleigh–Sommerfeld diffraction integrals. Compared with the existing expressions in the literature, the expressions given in this paper are very concise. Using the derived analytical expressions, distributions of the electric field components of these typical structured light beams are displayed and analyzed.
Three-dimensional single-photon imaging through realistic fog in an outdoor environment during the day
Authors: Zhang Yinbo , Li Sining , Sun Jianfeng , Zhang Xin , Liu Di , Zhou Xin , Li Haoyang , Hou Yue
Published: August 2022

Due to the strong scattering of fog and the strong background noise, the signal-to-background ratio (SBR) is extremely low, which severely limits the 3D imaging capability of single-photon detector array through fog. Here, we propose an outdoor three-dimensional imaging algorithm through fog, which can separate signal photons from non-signal photons (scattering and noise photons) with SBR as low as 0.003. This is achieved by using the observation model based on multinomial distribution to compensate for the pile-up, and using dual-Gamma estimation to eliminate non-signal photons. We show that the proposed algorithm enables accurate 3D imaging of 1.4 km in the visibility of 1.7 km. Compared with the traditional algorithms, the target recovery (TR) of the reconstructed image is improved by 20.5%, and the relative average ranging error (RARE) is reduced by 28.2%. It has been successfully demonstrated for targets at different distances and imaging times. This research successfully expands the fog scattering estimation model from indoor to outdoor environment, and improves the weather adaptability of the single-photon detector array.