bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HISTORICAL AND LEGAL FORMATION OF COERCIVE MEASURES IN THE CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS IN UKRAINE
Authors: Topchiy Vasyl , Svintsytskiy Andriy
Published: September 2022

The scientific article analyzes the opinions of scientists and regulations that provided for and provide for the possibility of coercive measures in the Criminal Proceedings in Ukraine. The historical and legal analysis of such legal acts on this issue is presented. It is emphasized that the application of restrictive measures in criminal proceeding plays an important role, as it contributes to the effective and complete establishment of all circumstances of the criminal offense, gathering evidence and, as a result, the court's fair and lawful decision. It is noted that coercive measures have been used in criminal proceeding for a long time. Such measures include any measures that restrict human rights even in the slightest way during the implementation of procedural actions in criminal proceeding. The first such coercive measure, which was applied to the participants of the process in view of the existing social order at that time, was the institution of surety. It is proved that coercive measures in criminal proceeding developed by 1927. Subsequent criminal procedure codes and amendments to them, as a rule, introduced some of the pre-existing precautionary measures and excluded some of them. It is noted that quite often scientists single out the stages of application of coercive measures in criminal proceeding. This doctrinal position deserves attention, because it allows you to systematize knowledge about the concept and types of coercive measures, allows you to identify the negative and positive aspects of the legislative regulation of this institution of criminal procedure. The author's periodization of the historical development of coercive measures in criminal proceeding is proposed, which is carried out depending on the formation of legislation to regulate this issue.
Primer Seminario Internacional de Nutrición en Papa: Innovación, Tecnología y Producción
Authors: Bastidas Guerrón Jeaneth Lucia
Published: September 2022

En desarrollo del convenio marco celebrado entre la Universidad Politécnica Estatal del Carchi (UPEC) , el Gobierno Descentralizado del Cantón Montúfar y Qualyterra, se llevó a cabo en la ciudad de San Gabriel los días 22 y 23 de junio del 2016 el “ 1er Seminario internacional de nutrición en papa”, Encuentro que congregó a estudiantes , docentes de la UPEC, representantes de almacenes agropecuarios y papicultores del Carchi, Imbabura, Pichincha, Cotopaxi, Tungurahua y Chimborazo. Dicho evento permitió la participación activa de todos los asistentes anteriormente mencionados, puesto que enriquecieron sus conocimientos desde todo punto de vista, toda vez que fue un espacio destinado a la confrontación de ideas y al debate generado desde el campo de la investigación. Los temas tratados por los ponentes de las diferentes instituciones participantes, satisficieron las expectativas de los asistentes, ya que intervinieron para dar a conocer todo lo referente al cultivo de papa, puesto que es uno de los principales rubros agrícolas.
Impact of International Virtual Exchange on Student Success
Authors: Lee Jonathan , Leibowitz Jami , Rezek Jon , Millea Meghan , Millea Meghan , Saffo George
Published: September 2022

This study expands the literature on high impact practices by assessing the effect of global experiences, including international virtual exchange (IVE) and study abroad, on student success, measured as GPA, first-year retention, and graduation rate. Our dataset tracks over 47,000 students over 10 years at a large U.S. university. Our fixed effects models show that IVE and studying abroad increase average GPA. Using logit models, we find that taking IVE courses or studying abroad positively impacts the probability students are retained and eventually graduate. Our findings also show that first-generation college students, financially disadvantaged students, female students, and Black and African American students who take IVE courses benefit more than their demographic counterparts who don't. Taken together, these results confirm that IVE is both a high impact practice and a pedagogy that offers significant benefits to under-resourced students and students who have historically been underrepresented in global learning activities.
Scenarios for the Integration of Virtual Exchange in Higher Education
Authors: Giralt Marta , Betts Alicia , Pittarello Sara , Stefanelli Cristina
Published: September 2022

This paper describes the results of the analysis carried out within the Erasmus+ FRAMES project (https://frames-project.eu/) which collected and analysed Virtual Exchange (VE) case studies building upon desk research and through an open survey, so as to identify and describe various scenarios of accredited VEs. By using a qualitative methodology based on pattern matching analysis, collected cases were aggregated into four scenarios to be potentially used by a variety of European Higher Education Institutions (HEIs): VE as a preparatory or follow-up activity to physical mobility (blended mobility); VE as an intertwined component of physical mobility (blended mobility); VE as a stand-alone learning activity; VE as a component of a course. The main conclusions and recommendations revolve around the need to expand the number of potential scenarios across all disciplines and contexts and the urge to train academic as well as administrative staff to facilitate the integration of VE in HEIs.
Marginalization and Underrepresentation in Virtual Exchange: Reasons and Remedies
Authors: Alami Nael , Albuquerque Josmario , Ashton Loye , Elwood James , Ewoodzie Kwesi , Hauck Mirjam , Karam Joanne , Klimanova Liudmila , Nasr Ramona , Satar Müge
Published: September 2022

The recent expansion of virtual exchange (VE) in lieu of the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing advance of technology has resulted in considerably larger numbers of VE participants for those in certain areas and contexts, yet not all would-be participants have been so fortunate. In some regions and in various contexts, challenges in VE implementation have resulted in disadvantaged populations in terms of underrepresentation and marginalization in global VE networks. To illuminate such challenges, a mixed-method approach was utilized in the current study, beginning with a global survey to elucidate reasons for underrepresentation in terms of political, governmental, institutional, administrative, technological, pedagogical, cultural and personal challenges. Thereafter, semi-structured interviews with instructors, administrators, and educational decision makers were conducted to gain further insights. Although VE is now well established as an impactful mode of studying abroad, various region-specific challenges remain. We conclude with recommendations for underrepresented regions and populations.
How do phenolic compounds act in the prevention and treatment of cancer?
Authors: Sant'ana Danielle Carvalho , Pereira Jéssica Petrine Castro , Cesar Pedro Henrique Souza , Trento Marcus Vinicius Cardoso , Braga Mariana Aparecida , Borges Bruno Del Bianco , Marcussi Silvana
Published: September 2022

Cancer is the transformation of healthy cells into tumor cells in a multistage process that can affect any organ of the body. This disease is the second leading cause of death globally. There are now more than 10 million cancer cases per year worldwide, and the most common occurs in the lung, breast, and colon. Several studies demonstrate that lifestyle and eating habits are directly related to tumor cells’ appearance, such as high body mass index, low fruit and vegetable intake, lack of physical activity, and tobacco and alcohol use. It is widely believed that diet and nutrients can act as cancer risk-modifiers throughout the process of carcinogenesis, including initiation, promotion, progression, and/or conversion. Different plants have been the source of therapeutic agents. Plant-derived compounds have become indispensable for modern pharmacotherapy, and phenolic compounds are one of the most investigated due to their antitumor activity. Their cellular targets and mechanisms are compiled in the present work. Phenolic compounds are secondary metabolites present in large quantities in medicinal herbs and dietary plants (e.g., fruits, vegetables, and spices). They possess a diverse range of beneficial biological activities, which contribute to their potent effects on inhibiting carcinogenesis. Some benefits include cell proliferation and angiogenesis inhibition and anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimetastatic activities. Thus, the present review supports the recommendations for consuming foods and drinks rich in phenolic compounds to prevent and possibly treat cancer.
Identification of Chemical Compounds in Ziziphus mauritiana Fruit Juice by GC-MS and LC-MS/MS Analysis
Authors: Soraya Syafira , Sukara Endang , Sinaga Ernawati
Published: September 2022

Ziziphus mauritiana is an edible fruiting plant commonly found in Asia. In Indonesia, this plant grows wild and thrives on the islands of Bali, Lombok, and Sumbawa. Although it is edible and has good potential as food and medicinal ingredient, in Indonesia, the fruits of Z. mauritiana are underutilized and have almost no economic value. Information about the bioactivity and chemical content of the fruit is limited. To evaluate its possibility of being developed as functional food, a GC-MS and LC-MS/MS analysis was carried out to identify the phytochemical content of the fruit juice. From the GC-MS chromatogram, four compounds were identified with a quality match of 85% and above. The compounds were 5-( hydroxymethyl)-2–furancarboxaldehyde (43.45%), 5, 5'-(oxybis(methylene)) bis-2- furancarbox-aldehyde (25.99%), 2,3–dihydro-3,5–dihydroxy–6–methyl-4H–pyran–4-one (6.05%), and hexadecanoic acid (2.16%).   The result of the LC-MS/MS analysis showed 42 peaks of different chemical compounds and included several groups of compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, terpenoids, and organic acids. From these results, it can be concluded that Ziziphus mauritiana fruit juice contains various chemical compounds that are likely to have medicinal activity and therefore has good potential to be used and developed as a functional food.
The Current Situation and Opportunities for the Development of Green Finance in Hong Kong: Taking Green Bonds as an Example
Authors: Luo Yuhan
Published: September 2022

On 1 July 2022, the sixth Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region took office, and the construction of a more prosperous, stable, and sustainable Hong Kong has become the consensus of many parties, indicating that a new era of Hong Kong's financial and economic development has been established Arrival. According to Hong Kong's commitments under the Paris Agreement, the development of the financial industry has already entered a new era - green finance. Green finance is an important step taken in line with the needs of the ecological environment; the purpose is to guide the flow of funds to save environmental resources and protect the ecological environment industry, guide enterprises to pay attention to green environmental protection in production and operation, and guide consumers to form a green consumption concept. This article takes green bonds as an example through the analysis of the development status and advantages of green finance in Hong Kong and then looks forward to the development prospects and opportunities of green finance in Hong Kong.
The Framing of Food Safety Crisis in Chinese Media Discourse: A Case Study of “Unif 100 Instant Noodles”
Authors: Lin Haoning , Fang Tao
Published: September 2022

There have been several cases concerning the food safety crisis in China. In 2022, the Unif 100 Instant Noodles crisis broke out, triggering a heated debate on the Internet. Under the two frameworks, mainstream newspapers and public social media exhibit different characteristics. During the event’s evolution in the three periods, the emphases of the two parties were also different. By trimming and analyzing the reports of China’s mainstream newspapers and the posts of China’s mainstream social platforms, starting from framing analysis and time node analysis, this paper studies the structure and power of contemporary Chinese food safety under different channels.
INTERNATIONAL JURISDICTION ON THE VIOLATIONS OF PERSONALITY RIGHTS ON THE INTERNET IN ACCORDINCE WITH REGULATION BRUSSELS Ia IN THE LIGHT OF THE DECISIONS OF BOLAGSUPPLYSNINGEN OÜ AND eDATE AND MARTINEZ
Authors: ALTINTAŞ Elif Hande
Published: September 2022

The internet is a system that allows data to spread everywhere and be accessible from anywhere. In this sense, it is getting harder and harder to protect the values that constitute the right of personality in the internet. As the rate of spread of data on the internet increases, the types and number of violations of personal rights on the internet also increase. This raises the question of which court has the international jurisdiction in case of the violation of personal right on the internet. The Court of Justice of the European Union (ECJ) has recently made two decisions on this controversial issue. This article presents and analyses the judgment of the Grand Chamber of the EU Court of Justice of 25 October 2011 in the cases of eDate and Martinez and 17 September 2017 in the cases of Bolagsupplysningen OÜ which reflecting the views of the Court of Justice of the European Union regarding the application of EU jurisdictional rules (Brussels Ia Regulation) to disputes arising out of alleged violations of personality rights on the internet.
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A REGIONAL BUSINESS ENTITY OF SALT (BUMD) AS AN EFFORT TO IMPROVE THE WELFARE OF SALT FARMERS IN INDRAMAYU REGENCY
Authors: Kusumah Riva Rachmi
Published: September 2022

Salt farmers in Indramayu Regency are an integral part of society, and therefore become subjects where social justice must be realized. Actually, salt farmers are still far from getting a decent life, so it can be said that salt farmers do not get justice both legally and economically. In social justice there is an understanding that the injustice that has existed so far must be addressed to the lowest point, Wealth, power and status of individuals, communities, and social goods (societal goods) and the State and Government are responsible for ensuring the basic quality of life for all citizens. that will be used in achieving this goal is to use a normative legal research method (doctrinal research) which mainly analyzes primary legal materials and secondary legal materials complemented by focus group discussions (FGD) and interviews due to their nature which focuses more on the conceptualization of ideas in the form of models, so that the results expected to be applied by policy makers. The long-term goal and specific target to be achieved from this research is to conduct a study on the suitability of the current laws and regulations for the Protection and Empowerment of salt farmers with the needs of the people in Indramayu Regency. Second, an effort to solve the problem of local salt farmers, local salt producers, through legal participation in encouraging social change in the direction required by the law.
ENVIRONMENTAL SECURITY MANAGEMENT OF THE MEGAPOLIS
Authors:   National Transport University, Kyiv, Ukraine, O Bakulich , M Grebelnik ,   National Transport University, Kyiv, Ukraine, E Samoylenko ,   National Transport University, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: September 2022

The article is devoted to the study of the level of air pollution in the street canyons of Kyiv and to determine the conditions under which the concentration of pollutants will exceed the maximum allowable values. Today, cities face a range of environmental problems, including air pollution. When determining the level of concentration using field research and mathematical modeling, which allows you to build fields of pollution and reflect their spatio-temporal dynamics. The object of research is the pollution level of city street canyons and their assessment. The purpose of the work is to model the level of pollution of the street and road network of Kyiv and to assess its ecological condition. Research methods – statistical methods, mathematical modeling. The main approaches to modeling the dispersion of pollutants in the atmosphere from road transport are analyzed. Modeling the level of air pollution in cities is advisable to carry out in homogeneous structures of the urban area – street canyons. The article defines the daily dynamics of the level of atmospheric air pollution in the street canyons of the Pechersky district of Kiev and establishes the critical values of the traffic flow intensity at which the concentration of pollutants exceeds the maximum permissible values. An interval assessment of the level of pollution of city streets is carried out, taking into account the variability of meteorological values. Thus, the obtained results will allow to quickly forecast the level of air pollution in the city and timely implement the necessary environmental measures. KEY WORDS: ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY, STREET ROAD NETWORK, TRANSPORT FLOWS, STREET CANYON, POLLUTION LEVEL, MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE CONCENTRATION.
Latinos, Group Identity, and Equal Opportunity on the 2020 California Ballot
Authors: Lopez Jennifer , Kim Seo-Young Silvia , Alvarez R. Michael
Published: September 2022

Objective: Racial minority groups are often assumed to support equal opportunity policies, with most research focused on biracial contexts between Whites and Blacks. With a unique opportunity to study richer contexts from California’s 2020 elections, we test whether Latino voters supported ballot measures associated with equal opportunity. Methods: Using data on vote choice for Propositions 15 (raising commercial property taxes) and 16 (repealing prohibition of affirmative action) from a post-election survey of California registrants, we use logistic regression to test whether Latino support for equal opportunity policies is higher than that of Whites. Results: For both propositions, while Latino support was higher than White support, it was not statistically different when controlled for partisanship. Conclusion: There is little evidence to suggest that California Latinos support equal opportu- nity policies more strongly than White voters. This lukewarm support may explain the fates of both propositions in the election.
Generalized Methods to prove the Factorial and Multinomial Theorems for Machine Leaning and Cybersecurity
Authors: Annamalai Chinnaraji
Published: September 2022

Combinatorial techniques with binomial coefficients, factorials and multinomial computation are used as computing algorithm or cryptographic algorithm for the programs development to apply in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. Methodological advances in combinatorics and mathematics play a vital role in machine learning and cryptology for data analysis and artificial intelligence-based cybersecurity for protection of the computing systems, devices, networks, programs and data from cyber-attacks. In this article, combinatorial geometric series is discussed more for the application of machine learning and cybersecurity.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Assessment on COVID-19 infection: A Systematic Review Protocol
Authors: Dalawi Izzaty , Isa Mohamad Rodi , Chen Xin Wee , Azhar Zahir Izuan , Aimran Ahmad Nazim
Published: September 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It has been declared a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on 30 January 2020. We aim to systematically review the tool used for the assessment of the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) on Covid-19 infection. We will conduct a systematic review of knowledge, attitude, and practice assessment on COVID-19 infection. The search will cover the period December 2019 to January 2021. Study selection will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Study quality will be assessed using the STROBE checklist for a cross-sectional study. Data will be analysed using descriptive statistics. The numerical outcome will be analysed using mean and standard deviation. The categorical outcome will be analysed using absolute numbers and percentages. The range number of items, reliability, and validity of each domain will be assessed descriptively. This systematic review of KAP measurement tools will provide a detailed summary of the existing tools used to assess the KAP levels towards COVID-19 and its’ reliability and validity in different settings and populations. Also, the review will provide evidence on the importance of the reliability and validity of the assessment tools in ensuring quality data from future research.
Case Study Review: An Effective Teaching Strategy to Remediate Nursing Students to Improve Test Scores
Authors: Braddock Valerie
Published: September 2022

Remediation of nursing studies has been used to help improve progression and retention in nursing school. However, the format to remediate nursing students effectively is not well documented. Several studies have confirmed that case studies have helped to improve critical thinking skills in nursing students. Furthermore, studies have also concluded that remediation is effective to help improve test scores of nursing students. The purpose of this project was to determine if at-risk nursing students (grades less than 74%) placed on a performance improvement plan (PIP) that included case study analysis with weekly study sessions reviews would improve these students' test scores. In the junior level class, thirteen of the 29 students were not successfully succeeding in this class. These students were placed on the performance improvement plan. The students all completed the requirements of the PIP. The results of this project confirm that remediation with a case study results is an effective methodology to help improve test scores and success within a class. In this project, 50% of the at-risk students successfully completed the course as a result of participation in the PIP.
Influence of Chronic Pain on Cardiovascular and Locomotor Components in Hispanic-Latinos Living with HIV
Authors: Rosario Martín G. , Orozco Elizabeth
Published: September 2022

Background: Chronic pain is commonly reported in people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Chronic pain has been linked to decreased quality of life, mobility impairments, and increased risk of cardiovascular complications in the general population. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between chronic pain and cardiovascular and locomotor function in people living with HIV (PLWH).

Subjects: A total of 291 participants were enrolled in this study, 251 without chronic pain (non-CP), and 40 participants with chronic pain (CP). Both groups were comparable in terms of age and years of diagnosis.

Methods: Data was collected retrospectively from a community-based exercise program in San Juan, Puerto Rico from 2000-2020. The cardiovascular and motor components of this study were collected using the Ross submaximal cardiovascular test. The presence of chronic pain and Cd4 count was collected by interview and results from the participants’ most recent blood work.

Results: For the cardiovascular component, the CP group demonstrated significantly reduced heart rate (p<.05), systolic blood pressure (p<.05), and time completed on the Ross test (p<.001). The motor component portrayed by gait velocity and treadmill inclination was significantly reduced in the CP group (p<.05).

Conclusion: This study found that the presence of chronic pain in PLWH negatively affected locomotor and cardiovascular function. More research is needed to investigate the differences in lower extremity muscular activation and spatiotemporal parameters that could be associated with a reduction in gait speed and inclination in PLWH and chronic pain.
pH-responsive theranostic nanoplatform of ferrite and ceria co-engineered nanoparticles for anti-inflammatory
Authors: Dou Yuanyao , Zhang Yimin , Lin Caiyu , Han Rui , Wang Yubo , Wu Di , Zheng Jie , Lu Conghua , Tang Liling , He Yong
Published: September 2022

Multiple component integration to achieve both therapy and diagnosis in a single theranostic nanosystem has aroused great research interest in the medical investigator. This study aimed to construct a novel theranostic nanoplatform ferrite and ceria co-engineered mesoporous silica nanoparticles (Fe/Ce-MSN) antioxidant agent though a facile metal Fe/Ce-codoping approach in the MSN framework. The resulted Fe3+-incorporated ceria-based MSN nanoparticles possessing a higher Ce3+-to-Ce4+ ratio than those revealed by ceria-only nanoparticles. The as-prepared Fe/Ce-MSN nanoparticles exhibited an excellent efficiency in scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), which is attributed to improving the superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetics activity by increasing Ce3+ content and maintaining a higher activity of catalase (CAT) mimetics via including ferrite ion in nanoparticles. The fast Fe/Ce-MSN biodegradation, which is sensitive to the mild acidic microenvironment of inflammation, can accelerate Fe/Ce ion release, and the freed Fe ions enhanced T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in the inflammation site. PEGylated Fe/Ce-MSN nanoparticles in vitro cell models significantly attenuated ROS-induced inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in macrophages by scavenging overproduced intracellular ROS. More importantly, Fe/Ce-MSN-PEG NPs exhibited significant anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) levels in vitro. Additionally, it can promote the macrophages polarization of pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype towards an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. Thus, the novel pH-responsive theranostic nanoplatform shows great promise for inflammation and oxidative stress-associated disease treatment.
Control of mitochondrial dynamics and apoptotic pathways by peroxisomes
Authors: Jiang Chenxing , Okazaki Tomohiko
Published: September 2022

Peroxisomes are organelles containing different enzymes that catalyze various metabolic pathways such as β-oxidation of very long-chain fatty acids and synthesis of plasmalogens. Peroxisome biogenesis is controlled by a family of proteins called peroxins, which are required for peroxisomal membrane formation, matrix protein transport, and division. Mutations of peroxins cause metabolic disorders called peroxisomal biogenesis disorders, among which Zellweger syndrome (ZS) is the most severe. Although patients with ZS exhibit severe pathology in multiple organs such as the liver, kidney, brain, muscle, and bone, the pathogenesis remains largely unknown. Recent findings indicate that peroxisomes regulate intrinsic apoptotic pathways and upstream fission-fusion processes, disruption of which causes multiple organ dysfunctions reminiscent of ZS. In this review, we summarize recent findings about peroxisome-mediated regulation of mitochondrial morphology and its possible relationship with the pathogenesis of ZS.
Green synthesis, crystal structure, and antifungal activities of (E)-4-arylidene-5-oxotetrahydrofuran
Authors: Dong Yun , Kong Ling-Qi , Chen Qin-Hua , Li Bin , Zeng Xiao-Hua , Ke Li-Na , Wang Hong-Mei
Published: September 2022

A series of γ-lactone derivatives (E)-4-arylidene-5-oxotetrahydrofuran derivatives were synthesized via a tandem Passerini 3CC/SN cyclization microwave-assisted one-pot method efficiently starting from Baylis Hillman acids, aryl glyoxals and isocyanides, and using ionic liquid as reaction medium. The products were characterized by hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR), carbon nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (13C-NMR). Single crystal X-ray analysis of the compound RPDFB clearly confirmed its assigned chemical structures. Meanwhile, the effects of four compounds (RPDFB, RPDFC, RPDFI, RPDFJ) on the growth inhibition activity of Gibberella zeae were detected, and found that the compound RPDFB has significant growth inhibition activity to Gibberella zeae.
Management of recurrent vulvovaginal candidosis: Narrative review of the literature and European expert panel opinion
Authors: Donders Gilbert , Sziller István Oszkár , Paavonen Jorma , Hay Phillip , de Seta Francesco , Bohbot Jean Marc , Kotarski Jan , Vives Jordi Antoni , Szabo Bela , Cepuliené Ramona , Mendling Werner
Published: September 2022

Recurrent vulvovaginal candidosis (RVVC) is a chronic, difficult to treat vaginal infection, caused by Candida species, which affects women of all ages and ethnic and social background. A long-term prophylactic maintenance regimen with antifungals is often necessary. In most clinical practice guidelines, oral fluconazole is recommended as the first-line treatment. Although clinical resistance to antifungal agents remains rare, overexposure to azoles may increase the development of fluconazole-resistant C. albicans strains. In addition, non-albicans Candida species are frequently dose-dependent susceptible or resistant to fluconazole and other azoles, and their prevalence is rising. Available therapeutic options to treat such fluconazole-resistant C. albicans and low susceptibility non-albicans strains are limited. Ten experts from different European countries discussed problematic issues of current RVVC diagnosis and treatment in two audiotaped online sessions and two electronic follow-up rounds. A total of 340 statements were transcribed, summarized, and compared with published evidence. The profile of patients with RVVC, their care pathways, current therapeutic needs, and potential value of novel drugs were addressed. Correct diagnosis, right treatment choice, and patient education to obtain adherence to therapy regimens are crucial for successful RVVC treatment. As therapeutic options are limited, innovative strategies are required. Well- tolerated and effective new drugs with an optimized mechanism of action are desirable and are discussed. Research into the impact of RVVC and treatments on health-related quality of life and sex life is also needed.
How Mycobacterium tuberculosis drug resistance has shaped anti-tubercular drug discovery
Authors: Bhagwat Amala , Deshpande Aditi , Parish Tanya
Published: September 2022

Drug resistance is an increasing problem for the treatment of tuberculosis. The prevalence of clinical isolates with pre-existing resistance needs to be considered in any drug discovery program. Non-specific mechanisms of resistance such as increased efflux or decreased permeability need to be considered both in developing individual drug candidates and when designing novel regimens. We review a number of different approaches to develop new analogs and drug combinations or improve efficacy of existing drugs that may overcome or delay the appearance of clinical resistance. We also discuss the need to fully characterize mechanisms of resistance and cross- resistance to existing drugs to ensure that novel drugs will be clinically effective.
How (and why) to think that the brain is literally a computer
Authors: Maley Corey J.
Published: September 2022

The relationship between brains and computers is often taken to be merely metaphorical. However, genuine computational systems can be implemented in virtually any media; thus, one can take seriously the view that brains literally compute. But without empirical criteria for what makes a physical system genuinely a computational one, computation remains a matter of perspective, especially for natural systems (e.g., brains) that were not explicitly designed and engineered to be computers. Considerations from real examples of physical computers—both analog and digital, contemporary and historical—make clear what those empirical criteria must be. Finally, applying those criteria to the brain shows how we can view the brain as a computer (probably an analog one at that), which, in turn, illuminates how that claim is both informative and falsifiable.
Age at Menarche and Menopause, Reproductive Lifespan, and Risk of Cardiovascular Events Among Chinese Postmenopausal Women: Results From a Large National Representative Cohort Study
Authors: Chen Lu , Hu Zhen , Wang Xin , Song Yuxin , Chen Zuo , Zhang Linfeng , Zheng Congyi , Vallis Jillian , Zhou Haoqi , Cao Xue , Tian Yixin , Cai Jiayin , Gu Runqing , Huang Yilin , Wang Zengwu
Published: September 2022

Background

At present, the association between age at menarche and menopause, reproductive lifespan, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among Chinese postmenopausal women is not clear, and some related researches are contradictory.

Methods

A total of 6,198 Chinese postmenopausal women with a mean age of 63.6 years were enrolled at baseline in 2012–2015 and followed up for 5 years. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect relevant information by well-trained interviewers. Physical examination of the participants was performed by trained medical staff. CVD events were observed during follow-up. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios between reproductive characteristics and CVD events.

Results

Age at menarche was positively associated with CVD events (HR, 1.106; 95%CI, 1.047–1.167). There was a negative association between age at menopause and CVD risk in postmenopausal women with comorbidity (HR, 0.952; 95%CI, 0.909–0.996). Reproductive lifespan was negatively associated with CVD events (HR, 0.938; 95%CI, 0.880–0.999). The CVD risk increased by 10.6% for every 1-year increase in age at menarche. The CVD risk reduced by 6.2% for every 1-year increase in age at menopause in women with comorbidity. The CVD risk reduced by 3.8% for every 1-year increase in reproductive lifespan.

Conclusions

Based on the large prospective study with a nationally representative sample, Chinese postmenopausal women with late age at menarche and shorter reproductive lifespan have higher risk of CVD events.
Effects of Tai Chi on health status in adults with chronic heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hui Jiaqi , Wang Ya , Zhao Junnan , Cong Weihong , Xu Fengqin
Published: September 2022

Background

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is among the top causes of cardiovascular morbidity, and most patients with CHF have poor health status. Tai Chi, a mind-body exercise that originated in China, is beneficial for health status. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Tai Chi on health status in adults with CHF.

Methods

The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, Chinese Biomedical Database, and Chinese Scientific Journal Database were searched from the inception to 22 October 2021. This meta-analysis was performed using the fixed- or random-effects model. Continuous outcomes were carried out using mean difference (MD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Dichotomous outcomes were determined using risk ratio (RR) with 95%CI. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE)pro Guideline Development Tool (GDT) online software was used to present outcome-specific information regarding overall certainty of evidence from studies.

Results

In total, 15 studies including 1,236 participants were finally included. Compared with usual care alone, Tai Chi combined with usual care achieved efficacy in improving Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MD = −8.51; 95% CI: −10.32 to −6.70; p < 0.00001), 6-min walk test (MD = 43.47; 95% CI: 33.38 to 54.10; p < 0.00001), left ventricular ejection fraction (MD = 6.07; 95% CI: 3.44 to 8.70; p < 0.00001), B-type natriuretic peptide/N-terminal fragment of pro-BNP (SMD = −1.12; 95% CI: −1.70 to −0.54; p = 0.0002), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (MD = −2.89; 95% CI: −4.87 to −0.91; p = 0.004), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (MD = −2.25; 95% CI: −3.88 to −0.61; p = 0.007), timed up and go test (MD = −1.34; 95% CI: −2.50 to −0.19; p = 0.02), and reduced the risk of heart failure hospitalization (RR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.25 to 0.88; p = 0.02). However, there was no difference in the outcome of peak oxygen uptake (MD = 1.38; 95% CI: −1.51 to 4.28; p = 0.35). All-cause mortality or cardiovascular death could not be evaluated due to insufficient data. The certainty of evidence ranged from very low to moderate due to the risk of bias, inconsistency, imprecision, and publication bias.

Conclusion

Tai Chi might be safe and showed beneficial effects on health status in patients with CHF. However, more high-quality and long-term studies are still needed to further evaluate the effects of Tai Chi.
Risk factors and coronary artery outcomes of coronary artery aneurysms differing in size and emergence time in children with Kawasaki disease
Authors: Liu Jie , Yue Qiaoyu , Qin Suyuan , Su Danyan , Ye Bingbing , Pang Yusheng
Published: September 2022

Coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) is a serious cardiac complication arising from Kawasaki disease (KD) and is becoming the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children. The aim of this study was to determine the potential risk factors associated with coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs), which differ in size and emergence time, and track its regression within 3 years of onset. The laboratory data, clinical features, and coronary artery outcomes of patients, who were diagnosed with KD and received treatment from January 2003 to January 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 484 pediatric patients with KD were examined during the study period. Among them, 130 (26.9%) presented with CAA, including mid- to large-sized CAA in 38 patients (7.9%) and de novo CAA after intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment in 22 patients (4.5%). Albumin-to-globin (A/G) ratio was significantly negatively associated with the absolute internal diameter of coronary artery at 1 month of onset and may be used as a predictor of mid- to large-sized CAA development in patients with KD. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.637 (95% confidence interval: 0.551–0.724), and a cutoff of 1.32 yielded a sensitivity and specificity of 79 and 49%, respectively, for predicting mid- to large-sized CAA development. De novo CAA after IVIG may lead to an increased risk of developing progressive CAA [13 (59.1%) of 22 vs. 31 (28.7%) of 108; P = 0.006] and had significantly greater changes in both the magnitude of CAA dimension variation and maximum z-score of the coronary arteries at 2 and 4 weeks and then 3 months after onset (P < 0.001). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis revealed that the estimated median time of aneurysm persistence was significantly higher in the progressive CAA group than in the non-progressive CAA group (25 vs. 4 months, P < 0.001), as well as among the three groups of patients (giant CAA > medium-sized CAA > small-sized CAA, P < 0.001). Children with KD who had low A/G ratio were more likely to develop mid- to large-sized CAA. Nevertheless, de novo CAA after IVIG treatment may increase the risk of more severe arterial damage and development of progressive coronary artery damage; and both mid- to large-sized and de novo CAA could dramatically prolong coronary artery normalization time. Thus, aggressive risk modifications should be employed, and close monitoring with frequent echocardiography is needed for this vulnerable patient population.
Observation-based assessment of secondary water effects on seasonal vegetation decay across Africa
Authors: Küçük Çağlar , Koirala Sujan , Carvalhais Nuno , Miralles Diego G. , Reichstein Markus , Jung Martin
Published: September 2022

Local studies and modeling experiments suggest that shallow groundwater and lateral redistribution of soil moisture, together with soil properties, can be highly important secondary water sources for vegetation in water-limited ecosystems. However, there is a lack of observation-based studies of these terrain-associated secondary water effects on vegetation over large spatial domains. Here, we quantify the role of terrain properties on the spatial variations of dry season vegetation decay rate across Africa obtained from geostationary satellite acquisitions to assess the large-scale relevance of secondary water effects. We use machine learning based attribution to identify where and under which conditions terrain properties related to topography, water table depth, and soil hydraulic properties influence the rate of vegetation decay. Over the study domain, the machine learning model attributes about one-third of the spatial variations of vegetation decay rates to terrain properties, which is roughly equally split between direct terrain effects and interaction effects with climate and vegetation variables. The importance of secondary water effects increases with increasing topographic variability, shallower groundwater levels, and the propensity to capillary rise given by soil properties. In regions with favorable terrain properties, more than 60% of the variations in the decay rate of vegetation are attributed to terrain properties, highlighting the importance of secondary water effects on vegetation in Africa. Our findings provide an empirical assessment of the importance of local-scale secondary water effects on vegetation over Africa and help to improve hydrological and vegetation models for the challenge of bridging processes across spatial scales.
The ethics of AI-assisted warfighter enhancement research and experimentation: Historical perspectives and ethical challenges
Authors: Moreno Jonathan , Gross Michael L. , Becker Jack , Hereth Blake , Shortland Neil D. , Evans Nicholas G.
Published: September 2022

The military applications of AI raise myriad ethical challenges. Critical among them is how AI integrates with human decision making to enhance cognitive performance on the battlefield. AI applications range from augmented reality devices to assist learning and improve training to implantable Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) to create bionic “super soldiers.” As these technologies mature, AI-wired warfighters face potential affronts to cognitive liberty, psychological and physiological health risks and obstacles to integrating into military and civil society during their service and upon discharge. Before coming online and operational, however, AI-assisted technologies and neural interfaces require extensive research and human experimentation. Each endeavor raises additional ethical concerns that have been historically ignored thereby leaving military and medical scientists without a cogent ethics protocol for sustainable research. In this way, this paper is a “prequel” to the current debate over enhancement which largely considers neuro-technologies once they are already out the door and operational. To lay the ethics foundation for AI-assisted warfighter enhancement research, we present an historical overview of its technological development followed by a presentation of salient ethics research issues (ICRC, 2006). We begin with a historical survey of AI neuro-enhancement research highlighting the ethics lacunae of its development. We demonstrate the unique ethical problems posed by the convergence of several technologies in the military research setting. Then we address these deficiencies by emphasizing how AI-assisted warfighter enhancement research must pay particular attention to military necessity, and the medical and military cost-benefit tradeoffs of emerging technologies, all attending to the unique status of warfighters as experimental subjects. Finally, our focus is the enhancement of friendly or compatriot warfighters and not, as others have focused, enhancements intended to pacify enemy warfighters.
Analysis of the inner rainbands of tropical cyclones over the South China Sea during the landfall process
Authors: Xiang Chunyi , Xu Yinglong , Lin Jian , Liu Shuang
Published: September 2022

Tropical cyclones (TCs) can undergo offshore rapid intensification (RI) shortly before making landfall over the South China Sea (SCS). In this study, the inner rainbands distribution of both RI and non-RI landfall TCs (LTCs) in the SCS during 2015–2020 is examined based on a multi-source merged precipitation dataset. It is found that those RI LTCs exhibit a relatively higher averaged rain rate in the inner core region than that of non-RI LTCs. Both offshore RI cases and non-RI LTCs appear to have an increasing tendency of averaged rain rate after landfall, with the rain rate peak of the RI cases a few hours earlier than that of non-RI cases. By defining an axisymmetric index, the inner rainband evolution of both offshore RI cases and non-RI ones are further discussed. For both categories, most of the axisymmetric rainfall is concentric around the center and over 70% axisymmetric rainfall dominates the inner core region within three times of radius of maximum wind speed (RMW). It is shown that there is an obvious inwards shrinkage of axisymmetric rainfall for both offshore RI and non-RI cases. Analysis of typical RI and non-RI LTCs (1713 Hato and 1714 Pakhar) also shows an increasing rain rate of the inner rainbands soon after landfall, with larger amplitude for RI example than non-RI case. The inner rainbands of 1713 Hato show that a clockwise propagation with maximum enhancement happened at the down-shear left-hand side a few hours after landfall.
The topological structure of urban roads and its relation with human activities at the street-based community level
Authors: Zhang Yan , Chen Yebin , Zhu Wei , Wang Wenwen , Zhang Qian
Published: September 2022

The topological structure of the underlying streets can help us better understand urban space and human activities therein. As human urban movements are inherently heterogenous in space and statistics, whether or not the network of streets holds a similar degree of heterogeneity worth being investigated. Relying on the graph theory and complex-network thinking, we adopted the street segment analysis-based methods and computed segment-based topological metrics in the downtown of two major cities in China: Beijing and Shanghai. More specifically, we used Flickr photo location data as a proxy of human urban activities and counted the movement flow at levels of both street-based communities and street segments. We measured the heterogeneity of each segment-based metric via the extent of being long-tailed in the rank-size distribution (long-tailedness). We found that segment-based betweenness was most long-tailed and was the best metric for capturing human activities within each community and that neither segment-based degree nor can closeness show a similar extent of long-tailedness and can have a good correlation with the segment-based flow. These findings point to the insight that the positive relationship between street structure and human activities is significantly shaped by their shared heterogeneous nature.
A method for calculating gas hydrate saturation by dual parameters of logging
Authors: Li Haiyan , Liu Jundong , Qu Cuixia , Song Hongye , Zhuang Xueliang
Published: September 2022

Natural gas hydrates, which only occur in geological environments with special conditions, are characterized by physical properties unique from those of oil and gas, rendering current methods of measuring saturation, such as the conventional Archie formula or the sonic velocity method, inaccurate. Therefore, to obtain a reliable saturation value of natural gas hydrates, we propose a two-parameter calculation model of resistivity and acoustic interval transit time based on logging data. The saturation results calculated using the two-parameter calculation model were far more accurate than those of the core experiment results, with the proposed model having an average relative error of 7%, whereas that of the conventional Archie formula was 24%. These results indicate that the logging two-parameter model effectively improves the calculation accuracy of gas hydrate saturation. The saturation calculation model is based on objective theory and has wide adaptability, which provides a reliable foundation for future hydrate resource evaluation, exploration, and development in the study area.