bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of Carbon, Nitrogen and Phosphorus Stocks and Stoichiometry in Broadleaf Mixed Forest Soil and Litterfall: A case study in Oltu district, Erzurum
Authors: ÇOMAKLI Emre , BİLGİLİ Adnan , ÖZTAŞ Taşkın , ÇOMAKLI Tuğba
Published: February 2022

It is necessary to provide plant nutrients in soil at optimal levels for the sustainability of forest ecosystems. The soil stoichiometry of total carbon (C), total nitrogen (N) and total phosphorus (P) allow monitoring and assessment of ecosystem structures and variations in nutrient cycle. Studies on determination of C-N-P stoichiometry in forest ecosystems, however, are somewhat inadequate. This study aims to determine change of C-N-P stoichiometry depending on litterfall condition and soil depth in broadleaf mixed forest (Europen Hophornbeam - Syspirensis Oak) soil and the C-N-P stocks in soil. In this context, we were determined both C-N-P stoichiometry and C-N-P stock in soil and litterfall by conducting field studied at 10 different points in the Broad Leaf Mixed Forest of Erzurum-Oltu district. The results indicated that as the depth of the soil increased, the C-N ratio decreased, whereas the N-P and the C-P ratios increased. Positive correlations were observed between C-N in all soil depths, but negative correlations between C-P and N-P. The correlation coefficients between C and N (r0-10= 0.58, r10-20= 0.52 and r20-30= 0.44) and between C and P (r0-10= 0.64, r10-20= 0.54 and r20-30= 0.42) and between N and P (r0-10= 0.52, r10-20= 0.35 and r20-30= 0.36) decreased as soil depth increased. The mean scores of the C-N-P stocks were determined as 5.9, 1.3, and 0.2 ton ha-1 in litterfall and 157.68, 24.60, and 2.68 tons ha-1 in soil, respectively. It is important to rehabilitate degraded forests and minimize the negative effects of erosion in order to increase the amount of carbon captured in forest soils. In addition, the variable C: N: P stoichiometry in forest ecosystems; It can be considered as a leading indicator of soil degradation and drought and climate changes.
Investigation of Inhibition Effect of Some Chemotherapeutic Drugs on Human Serum Paraoxonase-1 (PON1)
Authors: SÖYÜT Hakan , ULUTAŞ Yakup , KÖKSAL Ekrem
Published: February 2022

We examined the effects of two different drugs (cladribine and mitoxantrone), which are frequently used in chemotherapeutic treatment, on human serum paraoxanase1 (PON1) enzyme activity in vitro. Chemotherapeutic drugs decreased in vitro PON1 activity. Cladribine and mitoxantrone inhibition mechanism were not competitive inhibitors. IC50 values for cladribine and mitoxantrone were calculated as 0.077 mM and 0.099 mM, respectively, and Ki constants were calculated as 0.057 ± 0.016 mM and 0.067 ± 0.027 mM, respectively. IC50 and Ki values showed that cladribine has a stronger inhibition. The results we found showed that these drugs, which are frequently used in chemotherapeutic treatment, inhibit enzyme activity with the same inhibition mechanisms at low doses.
Fuzzy logic-based integrated performance evaluation of a water distribution network
Authors: Beker Bahar Adem , Kansal Mitthan Lal
Published: February 2022

A water distribution network (WDN) is an essential component of an urban water supply scheme to deliver safe and adequate water to consumers under various operational conditions. This study focuses on the performance evaluation of an urban WDN using fuzzy logic-based aggregation of reliability, resilience, and vulnerability indices. To assess the individual performance indicators, this study advocates the pressure-dependent analysis (PDA) for hydraulic simulation. Furthermore, it advocates a fuzzy rule-based aggregated performance index (API) that will deliver the outcome in linguistic form and help the decision-maker to prioritize the maintenance of the WDN. The proposed method is illustrated with the help of a real-time WDN for part of Dire Dawa city in Ethiopia. It has been found that the API values for this network are 0.721 and 0.624, respectively, under normal and abnormal conditions, which are just satisfactory. It has been noticed that nodes J4, J44, J47, and J49 are critical from the overall low API. Efforts should be made to improve the hydraulic and residual chlorine conditions at these nodes to increase the API. It is felt that such a methodology will help the decision-makers to improve the performance of an existing urban WDN.
Impacts of climate change on drinking water quality in Norway
Authors: Skaland R. G. , Herrador B. G. , Hisdal H. , Hygen H. O. , Hyllestad S. , Lund V. , White R. , Wong W. K. , Nygård K.
Published: February 2022

Climate change will lead to higher temperatures, increased precipitation and runoff, as well as more intense and frequent extreme weather events in Norway. More extreme rainfall and increased runoff are historically associated with higher concentrations of indicator bacteria, colour and turbidity in raw water of Norwegian waterworks. Regional information about the risk for drinking water deterioration by the end of the century is essential for evaluating potential treatment capacity upgrades at the waterworks. We combined locally downscaled future climate scenarios with historical associations between weather/runoff and water quality from a wide spread of waterworks in Norway. With continued climate change, we estimate higher concentrations of water quality indicators of raw water by the end of the century. The water quality is estimated to deteriorate mainly due to the projected increase in rainfall, and mainly in the Western and Northern parts of Norway. While large waterworks seem to be able to adapt to future conditions, the degradation of raw water quality may cause future challenges for the treatment processes at smaller waterworks. Combining these results with further studies of treatment effects and microbial risk assessments is needed to ensure sufficient treatment capacities of the raw water in the future.
Microbial pollution in inland recreational freshwaters of Quetta, Pakistan: an initial report
Authors: Luqman Muhammad , Awan Muhammad Umer Farooq , Muhammad Sohaib , Daud Shakeela , Yousafzai Asma , Arooj Fariha
Published: February 2022

Parasitic contamination of surface waters, especially recreational waters, is a serious problem for under-developed nations like Pakistan, where numerous outbreaks of parasitic diseases are reported each year. In the current study, parasitic presence in two surface waters (Hanna Lake and Wali-Tangi Dam) of Quetta was monitored quarterly for 1 year. The methodology involved the pre-concentration of the water samples and the subsequent preparation for the microscopic search of parasites. Physico-chemical and bacteriological variables were also studied. Wet staining, modified Trichrome staining, and modified acid-fast staining methods were used to identify various parasitic forms (cysts, oocysts, eggs, trophozoites). Collectively 11 parasitic elements (10 in Lake and 8 in Dam) belonging to 10 species were recorded, many of which are potential human pathogens. The species identified include Trichomonas sp., Isospora sp., Balantidium coli, Cryptosporidium sp., Entamoeba spp., amoebas, Microsporidium sp., Endolimax nana, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Giardia spp. Parasitic contamination remained persistent in both locations throughout the year independent of physico-chemical parameters (temperature, EC, pH, turbidity, and DO) and bacterial concentration of water. Reliance on bacterial presence for monitoring of recreational waters can be a risk for tourists. Entamoeba spp. and A. lumbricoides may be used for surface water monitoring in these waters.
Heterogeneous activation of H2O2/Na2S2O8 with iron ore from water distribution networks for pollutant removal
Authors: Zhong Dan , He Fu , Ma Wencheng , Wu Yichuan , Dong Jiaju
Published: February 2022

In this study, we investigated using the main composition of pipe deposits from water distribution networks as catalyst to activate dual-oxidant H2O2/Na2S2O8 system to produce radicals for perchloroethylene and chloramphenicol removal. According to the results, the degradation efficiency of perchloroethylene by H2O2/Na2S2O8 system was 92.05% within 8 h. Due to the slow conversion between ≡Fe3+ and ≡Fe2+, the hydroxylamine was introduced to reduce reaction time. As for the results, the degradation efficiency of chloramphenicol in the H2O2/Na2S2O8 system with hydroxylamine assistance was 73.31% within 100 min. Meanwhile, several key affecting factors and the kinetic models were investigated. The primary radicals were identified by electron paramagnetic resonance and radical scavenging tests. Eleven degradation products were confirmed by high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The result of this study provided the theoretical basis for resource utilization of pipe deposits in water treatment in case of emerging contamination events.
Kinetic models evaluation for chemical organic matter removal prediction in a full-scale primary facultative pond treating municipal wastewater
Authors: Alavi Javad , Ansari Sepideh
Published: February 2022

This study focuses on determining the bio-kinetic coefficients of chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal in full-scale primary facultative ponds (PFPs) system on the basis of 3-year continuous operation. The mean removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solid (TSS) and volatile suspended solid (VSS) were 80, 59 and 49%, respectively. The first-order model paired with continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR) and plug flow (PF) regimes, PF k–C*, Stover-Kincannon and Grau second-order models were applied to link COD concentrations at the inlet and outlet of the system and to compare the predictive power of models for the estimation of effluent COD concentrations. The Stover-Kincannon model showed the best adaptability (r2 = 0.9294) with the maximum substrate utilization rate (Umax) of 79.14 g/L· d and saturation constant (KB) of 80.65 g/L· d, whereas the Grau second-order model was the best model to predict outlet COD concentrations (r2 = 0.6925). The computed constants, m and n, of the Grau second-order model were 0.6725 and 15.867 d−1, respectively. While the Stover-Kincannon kinetic rates obtained in this study can be used to design the PFP systems in similar operational conditions, the appropriate prediction of pond behavior can be achieved using the Grau model.
Influence of plants on the salinity of constructed wetlands effluents
Authors: Teixeira Denis Leocádio
Published: February 2022

Reuse of constructed wetlands effluents for fertigation is a promising practice in regions that suffer from water scarcity. Thus this study aimed to evaluate the influence of Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides) and Tifton 85 (Cynodon sp.) grasses cultivation on salinity of the saturated solution of the Horizontal Subsurface Flow Constructed Wetlands (HSSF-CW) porous medium. The grasses were cultivated in HSSF-CW mesocosm and submitted to different levels of salinity for six months. The crop's evapotranspiration, biomass productivity, the electrical conductivity variation (ΔEC) in the solution under treatment and the water use efficiency (WUE) of these grasses were evaluated. The cultivation of Vetiver and Tifton 85 in HSSF-CW provided an increase in the electrical conductivity of the solution mainly for the lowest levels of affluent salinity. The ΔEC in HSSF-CW grown with Vetiver and Tifton 85 grasses were 90.20 and 27.13 mS cm−1, respectively. Meteorological variables maximize the effect of the vegetative development in ΔEC of the solution. The WUE values of Vetiver and Tifton 85 grasses were 1.77 and 4.18 g kg−1, respectively. Thus plants with high water use efficiency such as Tifton 85 is indicated for HSSF-CW in which the effluents are used in the fertigation of agricultural crops.
Changing the personnel security policy at the enterprise in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Sukach Kristina Denisovna , Uskov Vladislav Vladimirovich
Published: February 2022

Personnel policy is not a part or something more beyond the system of economic security of the state, public administration and national security. The concept of "personnel policy" implies that it is connected with the general management, the strategy of development of the entire system of human resources of the state, as well as with the culture of organization of this system as a socio-managerial institution and process in its essence for solving both current and strategic tasks. In a period of uncertainty and high anxiety, it is important not only what a company does, but also how it does it. The spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus infection came as a surprise to the whole world, which caused considerable uncertainty about the future and a number of problems that require careful solutions.
ND-16: A Novel Compound for Inhibiting the Growth of Cutaneous T Cell
Lymphoma by Targeting JAK2
Authors: Zhu Man , Liu Yanhong , Lei Panpan , Shi Xianpeng , Tang Wenjuan , Huang Xiaoyue , Pan Xiaoyan , Wang Cheng , Ma Weina
Published: February 2022

Objective:

Cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a kind of extranodal non-Hodgkin Tcell
lymphoma without healable treatment in the clinic. JAK2 amplification in CTCL patients
makes it a potential target for CTCL treatment. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the anticancer
effect of ND-16, a novel nilotinib derivate, on CTCL cells and the underlying mechanism
targeting JAK2.

Methods and Results:

We found that ND-16 was capable of regulating JAK2 and had a selective
inhibitory effect on CTCL H9 cells. The surface plasmon resonance and molecular docking study
indicated ND-16 bound to JAK2 with a high binding affinity. Further investigation revealed that
ND-16 inhibited the downstream cascades of JAK2, including STATs, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, and
MAPK pathways, followed by regulation of Bcl-2 family members and cell cycle proteins CDK/-
Cyclins. Flow cytometry analysis confirmed these results that ND-16-treated H9 cells showed cell
apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at S-phase.

Conclusion:

ND-16 may be of value in a potential therapy for the management of CTCL.
Monotherapy for the Treatment of Lymphedema in Children: A Review
Authors: de Godoy Jose Maria Pereira , de Godoy Ana Carolina Pereira , Guerreiro Godoy Maria de Fatima
Published: February 2022

The Godoy Method of cervical lymphatic therapy is the first treatment option as monother-apy for children which facilitates achieving normalization or near normalization of the affected limb as well as the maintenance of the results, which could assist millions of children throughout the world.
Performance of Screen in a Sudden Expanding Stilling Basin under the Effect of the Submerged Hydraulic Jump
Authors: Elaswad Suzan , Saleh Osama Khairy , Elnikhili Eman
Published: February 2022

Background:

Hydraulic jump is considered the most appropriate option for designers to dissipate energy through stilling basins.

Methods:

Tests on a screen that produced a submerged hydraulic jump were conducted to dissipate the energy of water passing beneath a vertical gate. Various positions of a screen in a sudden expanding stilling basin were investigated. In comparison to the no-screen case, the effect of a screen downstream of the gate on the water surface profile was also investigated.

Results:

The best screen position was 0.25 of the abutment lengths with a 0.285 relative screen area, which resulted in the most energy loss with the lowest tail water depth and submerged hydraulic jump length. Theoretical equations based on the energy and momentum principles were derived.

Conclusion:

An acceptable agreement was obtained between the derived theoretical relative depth of the hydraulic jump and the measured values.
COVID-19 Pandemisinin Doktor, Hemşire ve Ebelerin Tükenmişlik Durumlarına Etkisinin Belirlenmesi
Authors: ACAVUT Gamze , KORKMAZ Serap
Published: February 2022

Giriş: Sağlık çalışanları, hasta bakım sürecinin yürütücüsü olmaları nedeniyle COVID-19 pandemisinden en çok etkilenen gruptur. Bu süreçte, enfeksiyona maruz kalma riskindeki ve iş yükündeki artış, meslekle ilgili tükenmişliğe neden olmaktadır. Bu çalışmanın amacı, COVID-19 pandemisinin doktor, hemşire ve ebelerin tükenmişliği üzerindeki etkisini belirlemektir. Yöntem: Tanımlayıcı ve kesitsel tipteki bu araştırma Kasım-Aralık 2020 tarihleri arasında toplam 228 sağlık çalışanı (38 doktor, 161 hemşire, 29 ebe) ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırma verileri, Sosyo-demografik Özellikler Veri Toplama Formu ve Maslach Tükenmişlik Ölçeği’nin (MTÖ) yer aldığı anket formu ile online olarak toplanmıştır. Verilerin istatistiksel analizleri IBM-SPSS Statistics 26 paket programında yapılmıştır. Bulgular: Araştırmaya katılanların yaş ortalaması 34,36±7,13 ve %64,5'i evli, %53,5'i çocuk sahibidir. Mesleki deneyim süresi ortalama 11,62±8,16 yıl ve aylık ortalama çalışma saati pandemi öncesi 250,41±69,9, pandemi sonrası 199,34±34,44 saattir. MTÖ toplam puan ortalaması 40,00±10,96, duygusal tükenme alt boyut puan ortalaması 21,55±6,94, duyarsızlaşma alt boyut puan ortalaması 6,89±3,34 ve kişisel başarı alt boyut puan ortalaması 11,55±3,77’dir. MTÖ toplam puanı ile cinsiyet, mesleği sevme, çalıştığı sabit birimden memnun olma değişkenleri arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı farklılık saptanmıştır (p<0.05). Ayrıca, duygusal tükenme alt boyutu ile cinsiyet, mesleği isteyerek seçme, mesleğini sevme değişkenleri arasında, duyarsızlaşma alt boyutu ile meslek yılı ve çalışılan birimden memnuniyet değişkenleri arasında, kişisel başarı alt boyutu ile mesleğini sevme değişkeni arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı farklılık saptanmıştır (p<0.05). Sonuç: Araştırma sonucunda, doktor, hemşire ve ebelerin COVID-19 ile ilişkili olarak tükenmişlik yaşadıkları belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca COVID-19 birimlerinde çalışma sürelerinin, tükenmişlik düzeyini arttırdığı bulunmuştur.
Health Care Professionals’ Clinical Skills to Address Vaping and e-Cigarette Use by Patients: Needs and Interest Questionnaire Study
Authors: Metcalf Mary , Rossie Karen , Stokes Katie , Tanner Bradley
Published: February 2022

Background

Widespread vaping and e-cigarette use is a relatively new phenomenon. Youth vaping peaked in 2019, with over 25% of high school students currently vaping. e-Cigarettes are used where smoking is not permitted or as an alternative smoking cessation treatment instead of Food and Drug Administration–approved options. Vaping and e-cigarette use has the potential to harm health, including causing adverse respiratory effects and nicotine addiction. Health care professionals need skills training to help their patients with this relatively new and evolving health problem.

Objective

The aim of this study is to understand health care professionals’ training needs in this subject area to determine the focus for web-based continuing education training.

Methods

We reviewed the literature on clinical aspects of vaping and e-cigarette use. Using the results and our experience in substance use continuing education, we created a list of key clinical skills and surveyed health care professionals about their training needs. We also asked about their interest in a list of related topics. We recruited individuals who completed our web-based courses on substance use, members of health care professional–related groups, and experts who had published an article on the subject. Half of the 31 health care professionals who completed the survey were physicians and the remainder were primarily nurses, social workers, and counselors. Participants self-identified as nonexperts (n=25) and experts (n=6) on vaping.

Results

Participants who were nonexperts on average agreed or strongly agreed that they needed training in each of 8 clinical skills (n=25; range 3.7-4.4 agreement out of 5). The top two skills were recommending treatments for patients (4.4 out of 5, SD 0.49) and evaluating and treating the health effects of vaping and e-cigarette use (4.4 out of 5, SD 0.50). Experts agreed on the importance of training for health care professionals in all skills but rated the need for training higher than nonexperts for each topic. Over half of the participating health care professionals (44%-80%) were interested in nearly all (9/10, 90%) vaping-related topics on a checklist. The topics participants were most interested in were the pros and cons of vaping versus smoking and the health effects of second- and third-hand vaping. Primary care physicians showed more interest in vaping-related topics than nonprimary care physicians (t13=2.17; P=.02).

Conclusions

This study confirmed gaps in health care professionals’ vaping-related clinical skills identified in the literature by identifying a perceived need for training in related skills and health care professionals’ interest in key topics related to vaping prevention and cessation. This study provides specific guidance on which clinical skills training is most needed and which topics are most interesting to health care professionals.
Effectiveness of Individual Feedback and Coaching on Shared Decision-making Consultations in Oncology Care: Protocol for a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: van Veenendaal Haske , Peters Loes J , Ubbink Dirk T , Stubenrouch Fabienne E , Stiggelbout Anne M , Brand Paul LP , Vreugdenhil Gerard , Hilders Carina GJM
Published: February 2022

Background

Shared decision-making (SDM) is particularly important in oncology as many treatments involve serious side effects, and treatment decisions involve a trade-off between benefits and risks. However, the implementation of SDM in oncology care is challenging, and clinicians state that it is difficult to apply SDM in their actual workplace. Training clinicians is known to be an effective means of improving SDM but is considered time consuming.

Objective

This study aims to address the effectiveness of an individual SDM training program using the concept of deliberate practice.

Methods

This multicenter, single-blinded randomized clinical trial will be performed at 12 Dutch hospitals. Clinicians involved in decisions with oncology patients will be invited to participate in the study and allocated to the control or intervention group. All clinicians will record 3 decision-making processes with 3 different oncology patients. Clinicians in the intervention group will receive the following SDM intervention: completing e-learning, reflecting on feedback reports, performing a self-assessment and defining 1 to 3 personal learning questions, and participating in face-to-face coaching. Clinicians in the control group will not receive the SDM intervention until the end of the study. The primary outcome will be the extent to which clinicians involve their patients in the decision-making process, as scored using the Observing Patient Involvement–5 instrument. As secondary outcomes, patients will rate their perceived involvement in decision-making, and the duration of the consultations will be registered. All participating clinicians and their patients will receive information about the study and complete an informed consent form beforehand.

Results

This trial was retrospectively registered on August 03, 2021. Approval for the study was obtained from the ethical review board (medical research ethics committee Delft and Leiden, the Netherlands [N20.170]). Recruitment and data collection procedures are ongoing and are expected to be completed by July 2022; we plan to complete data analyses by December 2022. As of February 2022, a total of 12 hospitals have been recruited to participate in the study, and 30 clinicians have started the SDM training program.

Conclusions

This theory-based and blended approach will increase our knowledge of effective and feasible training methods for clinicians in the field of SDM. The intervention will be tailored to the context of individual clinicians and will target the knowledge, attitude, and skills of clinicians. The patients will also be involved in the design and implementation of the study.

Trial Registration

Netherlands Trial Registry NL9647; https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/9647

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/35543
Medical image labeling for CNN training dataset (Preprint)
Authors: Reifs David , Reig-Bolaño Ramon , Casals-Zorita Marta , Grau-Carrion Sergi
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Chronic ulcers are usually the result of prolonged pressure on the skin and underlying tissues. The assessment and treatment of wounds require an accurate analysis of their physical characteristics. In most cases, the methods of analysis used nowadays are rudimentary, which leads to errors and the use of invasive and uncomfortable techniques for patients. There are many studies that include a Convolutional Neural Network for classify the different tissues in a wound. In order to obtain good results the network has to be trained with a correctly labeled data set by a professional expert in wound assessment. Typically, it is a hard work to labelling pixel by pixel using a professional photo editor software. It needs a long time and effort by health professional.

OBJECTIVE

The main goal is implementing a new fast and accurate method of labelling wound samples for training a neural network to classify different tissues.

METHODS

Developing a support tool and evaluate the accuracy and reliability. Compare the support tool classification with a digital gold standard.

RESULTS

To evaluate this new method, it has been taken as reference the gold standard for labeling image segmentation data. In that case, labeling the data with an image edition software. The obtained average ratio of each tissue type are 0.3759 for no skin, 0. 5935 for healty skin, 0. 0178 for granular and 0.0110 and 0.0001 for base and necrotic.

CONCLUSIONS

This method increases tagging speed an average compared to an advanced image editing user. This gain is bigger with untrained users. The samples obtained with the new system are indistinguishable from the samples made with the gold standard.
A mobile phone application for the prevention of type 2 diabetes in Malaysian women with gestational diabetes mellitus: a protocol for a feasibility randomized controlled trial (Preprint)
Authors: Benton Madeleine , Iman Iklil , Goldsmith Kimberley , Forbes Angus , Ching Siew Mooi , Papachristou Iliatha , Guess Nicola , Murphy Helen R , Mohd Yusof Barakatun-Nisak , Baharom Anisah , Mahamad Sobri Nur Hafizah , Basri Nurul Iftida , Salim Mazatulfazura Sf , Ismail Irmi Zarina , Hassan Faezah , Ismail Khalida , Chew Boon How
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Over 50% of women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) will develop type 2 diabetes (T2D) in later life. Asian women experience disproportionate risk of both GDM and T2D compared to women from other ethnic backgrounds. Lifestyle interventions and behavior change can delay or even prevent the onset of T2D. We have developed a digitalized diabetes prevention intervention for the prevention of T2D in Malaysian women with GDM.

OBJECTIVE

The protocol describes a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to test the feasibility of undertaking a definitive trial of a diabetes prevention intervention including a smartphone application and group support. Secondary aims are to summarize anthropometric, biomedical, psychological, and lifestyle outcomes, overall and by allocation group and to undertake a process evaluation.

METHODS

This is a two-arm, parallel feasibility RCT. Sixty Malaysian women with GDM will be randomized in the antenatal period to receive the intervention or standard care until 12 months postpartum. The intervention is a diabetes prevention intervention delivered via a smartphone application developed based on the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills model of behavior change and group support utilizing motivational interviewing. The intervention provides women with tailored information and support to encourage weight loss through adapted dietary intake and physical activity. Women in the control arm will receive standard care.

RESULTS

The Malaysian Ministry of Health’s Medical Research and Ethics Committee have approved the trial (NMRR-21-1667-60212). Recruitment and enrolment begun in February 2022.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this will be the first study in Malaysia that aims to determine the feasibility of a digital intervention in T2D prevention among women with GDM. Findings from this feasibility study will inform the design of a full scale RCT in the future.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05204706
Digital Connectedness in the Jackson Heart Study (Preprint)
Authors: Anugu Pramod , Ansari, Md Abu Yusuf , Min Yuan-I , Benjamin Emelia J , Murabito Joanne M , Winters Karen , Turner Erica , Correa Adolfo
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Although new approaches for data collection such as mobile technology and tele-research have demonstrated new opportunities for the conduct of more timely and less costly surveys in community-based studies, literature on the feasibility of conducing mHealth research among African Americans has been limited.

OBJECTIVE

-

METHODS

A digital connectedness survey was conducted in the Jackson Heart Study (JHS), a Mississippi-based African American cohort study, as part of the annual follow-up calls with participants from July 2017 to February 2019.

RESULTS

Of the 4024 participants contacted, 2564 (63.7%) completed the survey. Among survey respondents, 2262 (88.2%) reported use of internet/cellphone and 1593 (62.1%) had a smartphone. Compared to non-users, internet/cellphone users were younger (68.2 vs. 80.1 years), more likely to be affluent (40.1% vs. 15.4%), and had greater than high school education (72.5% vs. 28.1%). Internet/cellphone users were less likely to have cardiovascular disease history than non-users (6.6% vs. 15.8%). The prevalence of current smoking and average body mass index were similar between internet/cellphone users and non-users. Among internet/cellphone users, 1316 (58.3%) reported use of email, 504 (22.3%) reported use of apps to track/manage health, and 1269 (56.1%) expressed interest in using JHS-developed apps.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that it is feasible to use mHealth technologies to collect survey data among African Americans already enrolled in a longitudinal study. Our findings also highlight the need for more efforts to reduce the age and education divide in access and use of internet and smartphones for tracking health and research in African American communities.
Effects of clinical Pilates on the fitness in people with children with disabilities: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Senturk Yazgi , Kirmizigil Berkiye , Tuzun Emine H
Published: February 2022

Aim:This study aimed to examine the effects of Clinical Pilates Exercises (CPE) on Health-Related Physical Fitness in Primary Caregivers.Patients & methods:Fifty-five participants were randomly divided into the CPE group and the Control group. Individuals in the CPE group performed CPE two-times a week for 8 weeks.Results:The intergroup comparisons showed that there were significant differences in favor of the CPE group in the sit-up test, body extension endurance, body flexion endurance, side bridge (right), squat test and flexibility tests (p < 0.05). The intragroup comparisons revealed significant differences in the CPE group in the sit-up test, body flexion endurance, side bridge (both sides), squat test and flexibility tests (p < 0.05).Conclusion:CPEs are effective on improvement of health-related fitness parameters in the primary caregivers of children with disabilities.

Clinical trial registration number:NCT03729466.
A Literature Review on Techniques for Detection of Lung Diseases
Authors: S Supreeth , Khan Moiz Ahmed , K L Sri Krishnan , Umadi Prof. Chetan , Sasi Prof. Dr. Smitha
Published: February 2022

Abstract: Computer aided diagnosis (CAD) is one of the potential technologies in today’s medical world that assist doctors to interpret and evaluate medical images in a short time. CAD offers support to medical professionals to make decisions on possible diseases. Various systems and approaches are implemented to serve this technology, and many hospitals have deployed the system for diagnosis of diseases. The detection of the proportion of disease would aid in determining if more in-depth tests are required for confirmation of the condition, hence avoiding risky biopsies. This survey focuses on such methodologies implemented by authors of several works to detect lung infections by analyzing tissue patterns and inflammations in lungs and classifying the same. Along with this, work related to the patient database system is also reviewed and a comparison is made between the works. Keywords: Computer aided diagnosis, tissue pattern, biopsy
Revenue forecasting for European capital market-oriented firms: A comparative prediction study between financial analysts and machine learning models
Authors: Kureljusic Marko , Reisch Lucas
Published: February 2022

This study uses publicly available information for European firms and recent machine learning algorithms to predict future revenues in an IFRS context, examining the benefits of predictive analytics for both preparers and users of these financial projections. For this purpose, the study evaluates the prediction quality of the forecasting models applied and compares them with each other and with the prediction quality of sell-side financial analysts’ forecasts. Our empirical results, based on 3,000 firm-year observations from 2010 to 2019, demonstrate that machine learning provides comparably accurate or even more accurate revenue forecasts than financial analysts. Therefore, the study highlights the considerable potential of machine learning and predictive analytics for improving the forecasting process in general and, in particular, to increase the accuracy, transparency, and objectivity of the forecasts. Since the latter also reduce information asymmetry between firms and investors, machine learning and predictive analytics contribute to capital market efficiency.
Comparison of the Chloroplast Genomes and Phylogenomic Analysis of Elaeocarpaceae
Authors: wang yihui , xie yifei , jin jiayi , li jinyue , qiu xiangdong , tong yang , li zhongyang , Zhang Zhixiang , lai wenlin
Published: February 2022

Species of Elaeocarpaceae vary, but complete chloroplast genome data and
systematic comparisons across the family are rarely reported. To
understand the variation in chloroplast sequence size and structure in
Elaeocarpaceae, the chloroplast genomes of 9 species were sequenced
using the Illumina HiSeq 2000 platform and further assembled and
annotated with Elaeocarpus japonicus and Sloanea sinensis (family
Elaeocarpaceae) as references. A phylogenomic tree was constructed based
on the complete chloroplast genomes of the 11 species representing 5
genera of Elaeocarpaceae. Chloroplast genome characteristics were
examined by using Circoletto and IRscope software. The results revealed
the following: (a) The 11 sequenced chloroplast genomes ranged in size
from 157,546 bp to 159,400 bp. (b) The chloroplast genomes of
Elaeocarpus, Sloanea, Crinodendron and Vallea lacked the rpl32 gene in
the small single-copy (SSC) region. The large single-copy (LSC) region
of the chloroplast genomes lacked the ndhK gene in Elaeocarpus, Vallea
stipularis, and Aristotelia fruticosa. The LSC region of the chloroplast
genomes lacked the infA gene in Elaeocarpus and Crinodendron patagua.
(c) Through inverted repeat (IR) expansion and contraction analysis, a
significant difference was found between the LSC/IRB and IRA/LSC
boundaries among these species. Rps3 was detected in the neighboring
regions of the LSC and IRb regions in Elaeocarpus. (d) Phylogenomic
analysis revealed that the genus Elaeocarpus is closely related to
Crinodendron patagua on an independent branch and Aristotelia fruticosa
is closely related to Vallea stipularis, forming a clade with the genus
Sloanea. Structural comparisons showed that Elaeocarpaceae diverged at
60 Mya, the genus Elaeocarpus diverged 53 Mya and that the genus Sloanea
diverged 0.44 Mya. These results provide new insight into the evolution
of the Elaeocarpaceae.
COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness against hospitalization due to SARS-CoV-2: A test negative design study based on SARI sentinel surveillance in Spain
Authors: Ateca Clara Mazagatos , Delgado-Sanz Concepción , Monge Susana , Pozo Francisco , Oliva Jesús , Sandonis Virginia , Gandarillas Ana , Quiñones-Rubio Carmen , Ruiz-Sopeña Cristina , Gallardo-García Virtudes , Basile Luca , Barranco-Boada María Isabel , Hidalgo-Pardo Olga , Vazquez-Cancela Olalla , García-Vázquez Miriam , Fernández-Sierra Amelia , Milagro-Beamonte Ana , Ordobás María , Martínez-Ochoa Eva , Fernández-Arribas Socorro , Lorusso Nicola , Martinez Ana , García-Fulgueiras Ana , Sastre-Palou Bartolomé , Losada-Castillo Isabel , Martínez-Cuenca Silvia , Águila Mar Rodríguez-del , Latorre-Millán Miriam , Larrauri Amparo
Published: February 2022

Background: With the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, influenza surveillance
systems in Spain were transformed into a new syndromic sentinel
surveillance system. The Acute Respiratory Infection Surveillance System
(SiVIRA in Spanish) is based on a sentinel network for Acute Respiratory
Infection (ARI) surveillance in Primary care, and a network of sentinel
hospitals for Severe ARI (SARI) surveillance in hospitals. Methods:
Using a test-negative design and data from SARI admissions notified to
SiVIRA between January 1 and October 3, 2021, we estimated COVID-19 VE
against hospitalization, by age group, vaccine type, time since
vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 variant. Results: VE was 89% (95% CI:
83-93) against COVID-19 hospitalization overall in persons aged 20 years
and older. VE was higher for mRNA vaccines, and lower for those aged 80
years and older, with a decrease in protection beyond 3 months of
completing vaccination, and a further decrease after 5 months. We found
no differences between periods with circulation of Alpha or Delta
SARS-CoV-2 variants, although variant-specific VE was slightly higher
against Alpha. Conclusions: The SiVIRA surveillance system, with a
network of sentinel hospitals in Spain was able to describe clinical and
epidemiological characteristics of SARI hospitalizations, monitor the
circulation of SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses, and provide
data to measure the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination in the
population under surveillance. Our results add to evidence of high VE of
mRNA vaccines against severe COVID-19 and waning protection with time
since vaccination.
Guerrilla marketing: a creative and small budget approach to entrepreneurial marketing
Authors:   Vytautas Magnus University, Šontaitė-Petkevičienė Migle
Published: February 2022

This paper focuses on guerrilla marketing as an approach for creative and small budget entrepreneurial marketing communication. The aim of this paper is to answer the question how guerrilla marketing can be effectively used for entrepreneurial businesses’ marketing communication. In pursuance to reach the aim, this paper employs scientific literature analysis and synthesis in the field of guerrilla marketing as well as expert interviews. Results of this research prove that guerrilla marketing is most commonly used by entrepreneurial businesses as a creative, memorable, unusual and unconventional solution of marketing communication. A very important advantage of guerrilla marketing for entrepreneurial businesses is smaller marketing budget.
Some aspects on mapping technologies used for capturin and modelling of small architectural objects
Authors:   Klaipeda State University of Applied Sciences, Kuklys Indrius , Jankauskienė Dainora ,   Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Kuklienė Lina ,   Klaipeda State University of Applied Sciences, Ruzgienė Birutė
Published: February 2022

The mapping of protected architectural heritage objects acquiring valuable geoinformation data is relevant today and in the future. The research is based on detection the preferable mapping technique for inspection and capturing the position of small architectural objects in public space, presenting the real geographic/ cartographic information for consumers in appropriate digital environment. The analysis and discussion involve the definition of appropriate technology, implementing goals of the culture strategy in Lithuania, preserving and updating information about cultural monuments, creating the open access to everyone. Applying different techniques, two projects were realized: 1) the mapping and 3D modelling of sculptures in public space – small objects of city park; 2) the mapping of architectural heritage object – field museum, located in open territory with natural topography. Up-to-date mapping/ surveying methodologies as Remote Sensing (RS), Aerial Photogrammetry, Terrestrial Lidar Scanning (TLS), specialized geoinformation systems, UAV-Photogrammetry and classical surveying have been used for providing the spatial products of area topography and 3D models of any architectural objects, opening up cultural values of protected unique objects for the public and allows them to be easily accessed remotely. The analysis of results deals with applicability of TLS technique, that provides effectiveness of 3D modelling and UAV-Photogrammetry with high resolution of aerial imaging and modelling solution. Some disadvantages have been highlighted on the use of orthophoto map for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) needs.
Analysis on the optimality of Lithuanian landscape structure
Authors:   Vytautas Magnus University, Ivavičiūtė Giedrė
Published: February 2022

Abstract The aim of this study was to perform an analysis of the optimality of the landscape structure of the Republic of Lithuania. Various scientific methods were used in the study, namely: comparative, grouping, analytical, statistical data, graphical representation analysis. After calculating the formulas, the ratio of relatively natural and cultivated land in Lithuania and counties was determined, the relative deviation of the landscape structure from the optimal value of the ratio was estimated and the optimality class was determined. The article presents an analysis of the changes in the natural, anthropogenized and anthropogenic landscape of the Republic of Lithuania during the time period between the years 2002 and 2020. It was found that in the analyzed period the area of natural landscape increased by 4.63%, that of anthropogenic – increased by 7.08%, that of anthropogenized - decreased by 36.34%. Assessing the structure of the country’s landscape, it can be seen that in 2020 the largest part of the country’s landscape was occupied by anthropogenized landscape (55.79%), the smallest – by anthropogenic landscape (5.65%), and the natural landscape accounted for 38.56% of Lithuania’s territory. Calculations were also performed, which established that the ratio of relatively natural land and cultivated land in Lithuania Rns = 1.43. After estimating the relative deviation of the Republic of Lithuania from the optimal ratio value (Dr), it was obtained that Dr = -1.14, which means that the country’s optimality class is B1.
Association of Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D With Cardiovascular Outcomes and All-Cause Mortality in Individuals With Prediabetes and Diabetes: Results From the UK Biobank Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zhang Peizhen , Guo Dan , Xu Bingyan , Huang Chensihan , Yang Shunyu , Wang Weiwei , Liu Wenhui , Deng Yajuan , Li Kangli , Liu Deying , Lin Jiayang , Wei Xueyun , Huang Yan , Zhang Huijie
Published: February 2022

OBJECTIVE

To examine the associations of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) concentrations with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality in individuals with prediabetes and diabetes from the large population-based UK Biobank cohort study.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 67,789 individuals diagnosed with prediabetes and 24,311 with diabetes who had no CVD or cancer at baseline were included in the current study. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were measured at baseline. Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for cardiovascular outcomes and mortality after 10–14 years.

RESULTS

After multivariable adjustment, higher serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly and nonlinearly associated with lower risk of cardiovascular outcomes and all-cause mortality among participants with prediabetes and diabetes (all P nonlinearity < 0.05). Compared with those in the lowest category of 25(OH)D levels (<25 nmol/L), participants with prediabetes in the highest category of 25(OH)D levels (≥75 nmol/L) had a significant association with lower risk of cardiovascular events (HR 0.78; 95% CI 0.71–0.86), coronary heart disease (CHD) (HR 0.79; 95% CI 0.71–0.89), heart failure (HR 0.66; 95% CI 0.54–0.81), stroke (HR 0.75; 95% CI 0.61–0.93), CVD mortality (HR 0.43; 95% CI 0.32–0.59), and all-cause mortality (HR 0.66; 95% CI 0.58–0.75). Likewise, these associations with cardiovascular events, CHD, heart failure, CVD mortality, and all-cause mortality were observed among participants with diabetes, except for stroke.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight the importance of monitoring and correcting vitamin D deficiency in the prevention of CVD and mortality among adults with prediabetes and diabetes.
The Effect of Radiotherapy on the Marginal Adaptation of Class II Direct Resin Composite Restorations: A Micro-computed Tomography Analysis
Authors: Oglakci B , Burduroğlu D , Eriş AH , Mayadağlı A , Arhun N
Published: February 2022

This laboratory study was designed to evaluate the marginal adaptation of Class II mesio-occlusodistal (MOD) restorations at the cervical region with micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Two groups of restorations were compared: 1) those that had been exposed to radiotherapy before restoration was performed using a universal adhesive in etch-and-rinse and self-etch modes; and 2) those that had previously been restored using a universal adhesive in etch-and-rinse and self-etch modes and had subsequently undergone radiotherapy.

Sixty intact human molars were randomly divided into groups according to irradiation status: no radiotherapy (control group); radiotherapy followed by restoration (radiotherapy-first group); and restoration followed by radiotherapy (restoration-first group). These three groups were then subdivided into two groups each on the basis of adhesive application type (etch-and-rinse and self-etch modes), for a total of six groups (n=10/group). Standardized Class II MOD cavities were prepared. A universal adhesive (Clearfil Universal Bond Quick, Kuraray, Okayama, Japan) was applied. The teeth were restored with resin composite (Estelite Posterior Quick, Tokuyama, Tokyo, Japan). The radiotherapy protocol was conducted with 60 gray (Gy) at 2 Gy/day, five days a week for six weeks. Adhesive defects were analyzed in distal and mesial views and evaluated with micro-CT (SkyScan 1174v2, Kontich, Antwerp, Belgium) on the basis of the volume of black spaces between the cavity walls and the restorative materials (mm3). The data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis, Mann Whitney U and Wilcoxon tests (p<0.05).

The radiotherapy protocol did not affect the marginal adaptation of the universal adhesive at the cervical regions. Regarding the application modes, for the radiotherapy-first group, the self-etch mode caused significantly higher adhesive defects than the etch-and-rinse mode at the dentin margin. For the no-radiotherapy group, the adhesive defects at the dentin margin were significantly higher than at the enamel margin with the application of the etch-and-rinse mode.
PENGUJIAN PENGHAMBATAN ENZIM TIROSINASE PADA FORMULASI MASKER PENCERAH WAJAH DARI KOMBINASI KEFIR SUSU SAPI DAN RUMPUT LAUT (Eucheuma cottonii)
Authors: Fatmawati Fenti , Jafar Garnadi , Riantini Ria
Published: February 2022

Kefir telah dikenal memiliki banyak sekali khasiat diantaranya untuk kulit. Rumput laut juga dikenal memiliki kandungan mineral yang berkhasiat untuk kecantikan kulit. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah mendapatkan formulasi masker pencerah wajah dari kombinasi kefir dan rumput laut dan mengetahui nilai penghambatan enzim tirosinasenya. Dari hasil evaluasi sediaan (Uji Homogenitas, Uji pH, Uji viskositas, Uji Iritasi, Uji tipe krim) pada formulasi masker didapatkan bahwa formula 3 (F3) adalah formula yang paling baik. Dilakukan uji penghambatan tirosinase dan didapatkan nilai IC50 sebesar 0,26% yang nilainya lebih rendah dari pada kontrol dimana nilai IC50 dari kontrol yaitu 1,24%. Dapat disimpulkan bahwa hasil uji penghambatan tirosinase sampel memiliki aktivitas sebagai inhibitor tirosinase yang baik.