bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acetylsalicylic acid in the primary prevention of vascular complications in patients without clinically apparent atherosclerosis: how to balance risk and benefit?
Authors: Komarov A. L.
Published: January 2023

Antiplatelet agents are an integral part of the treatment of patients with various presentations of atherothrombosis. Among all drugs in this group, acetylsalicylic acid has the broadest evidence base. This review is devoted to the prescription of acetylsalicylic acid for the primary prevention of vascular complications in patients without clinically apparent atherosclerosis. Current approaches to the risk stratification of ischemic events and determination of indications for such treatment are discussed. Primary prevention trials have been focused on the risk assessment scales, the prognostic value of which raises many questions. In this context, besides the traditional (classical) factors underlying these scales, it is reasonable to take into account the so-called “risk modifiers” that can affect the likelihood of CVC. The coronary artery calcium score is one of the strongest risk modifiers. The characteristics of key primary prevention trials, which included patients of different ages with various risk factors, are provided. In accordance with the current guidelines of European and Russian expert communities, the acetylsalicylic acid may be prescribed to individuals with a high risk of vascular complications, among which the best evidence base is available for patients with diabetes mellitus. The positive effects of antiplatelet treatment have been demonstrated to be maintained in the settings of modern therapy with a proven positive effect on the prognosis. A particular focus has been placed on minimizing bleeding. The correct assessment and correction of modifiable hemorrhagic risk factors, the use of drugs to protect the stomach, and the appointment of acetylsalicylic acid in the minimum effective dosage of 75 mg per day are called upon to increase the safety of treatment. A preference in favour of uncoated forms that are absorbed in the stomach for obese and diabetic patients may be discussed.
The participation of Russian companies in the implementation of the ESG agenda: Social and corporate aspects in the context of non-financial reporting
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Soboleva Genrietta , Zuga Ekaterina ,   St. Petersburg State University
Published: January 2023

Participants in economic processes should be involved in work to achieve Sustainable Development Goals. Companies should align their business strategies with global priorities. Business assesses market participants’ progress toward achieving the SDGs through long-term strategies based on ESG principles and requires disclosure of this information. In the past, the ESG approach to investing was based on ethical considerations. Today, ESG materiality, impact on future corporate capitalization, and ability to deliver better risk-adjusted performance predominate. Insufficient participation in such processes can create risks for companies in accessing investment funds. Non-financial reporting plays an important role in informing investors about companies’ success in implementing ESG principles. Our study is devoted to one of the issues on the ESG agenda, namely the achievement of goal number 5. Factors that evaluate a company’s performance in relation to the studied goal are included in the social and corporate block of ESG ratings. The paper formulated a hypothesis about the insufficient activity of Russian companies in implementing the ESG strategy for Goal 5. The disclosure of information in non-financial reporting was analysed, for which a statistical analysis based on panel data was performed and key indicators were identified. The results obtained were compared with the rating agencies’ requirements for information disclosure and with statistical data. For the key indicators, additional analysis was performed based on panel data from independent sources. The results of the study show that only market leaders have an effective sustainable development strategy and provide high-quality information in non-financial reporting.
Modern monetary theory: A historical retrospective
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Dubyanskiy Alexandr
Published: January 2023

This article examines applied aspects of Modern Monetary Theory (MMT). Currently, this theory has gained popularity in wide academic circles and is the subject of wide discourse among both theoretical economists and practical economists. Scholars evaluate this theory ambiguously, and many researchers believe its main provisions are divorced from economic realities, contradictory and, therefore, not acceptable as instruments of macroeconomic policy. The author believes that the use of retrospective analysis could be productive for the verification of certain provisions of the MMT. The use of the historical experience of monetary circulation, in which similar principles were used, certainly has significant research potential. The article discusses the fundamental provisions of the MMT related to the peculiarities of the functioning of fiat money systems in a historical context. Knapp, creating his state theory of money, also relied on the Russian experience of paper-money circulation. In the presented work, using examples taken from Russian economic history, it is shown how monetary policy instruments similar to those proposed by MMT were used in the real economy. In particular, the history of the first Russian paper money-banknotes is considered. The Russian experience of paper-money circulation can be considered quite successful, because thanks to them, the financial situation of the country was quite stable, the national economy was actively developing. An important circumstance was that the models of monetary administration in Russia were applied creatively, and not dogmatically scrupulously. This is the way to approach the use of MMT in the modern Russian economy, which is under unprecedented sanctions.
The Cadres of Besieged Leningrad on the Nomenclature Lists of the Central Committee of the ACP(b)
Authors:   St Petersburg Institute of History of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Boldovskiy K. A. ,   State Memorial Museum of Defense and Blockade Leningrad
Published: January 2023

The research is based on briefing papers and other reporting documents prepared during 1943– 1944 by the Cadres department of the Leningrad City Committee of the ACP(b) for the Cadres Department of the Central Committee of the Party. It contains information on the senior leaders of besieged Leningrad, who were on the nomenclature lists of the Central Committee of the All-Union Communist Party of Bolsheviks. These lists included heads of organizations and enterprises that were considered the most important for the country. Briefing papers and reports contain information about the personal composition of managers, their education, age, previous jobs. Based on the analysis of these documents, the article concludes that during the Great Patriotic War, the cadres of Leningrad leaders consisted entirely of local officials. During the period of 1941–1944 less than half of the posts included in the nomenclature of the Central Committee for Leningrad were occupied by workers who were sent from other regions. Most of the leaders of the party and Soviet apparatus held their positions from the pre-war period throughout the entire period of the Siege. Cadre appointments were approved by heads of the Leningrad city committee, while the second secretary of the city committee A. A. Kuznetsov played the main part in this process. This policy led to the formation of a stable group of “Siege officials”, which remained in leadership positions in Leningrad until the start of purges in 1949–1950. Most of the Siege leaders belonged to the same age group (30–40 years old), about half of them had a higher, most often engineering, education. The article also discusses some typical cases of dismissal of executives from their positions. The author shows that during the Siege, such punishments were used by the local party leaders, and not by the initiative of the central authorities.
Compulsory financial ombudsman under the regulator’s umbrella: Testing a new model of dispute settlement
Authors:   HSE University, Molodyko Kirill
Published: January 2023

In post-Soviet countries, the courts are not always effective in resolving consumer disputes. I compare the models of organizing the work of financial ombudsmen in Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as plans for its implementation in Kyrgyzstan and Belarus. Models of compulsory mediation in a number of European jurisdictions are also analyzed. In some countries there is a tendency towards an increase in the influence of the regulator on the work of financial ombudsmen. The reform of the Russian financial ombudsman is the first attempt at introducing a new compulsory ombudsman model for financial markets. It will be a mandatory stage initiation of a lawsuit in a civil court. The new Russian model is unique, differing both from the models established in the countries of the European Union (centralized, decentralized, professional association), as well as models implemented in other post-Soviet countries. The Russian financial ombudsman model is essentially a combination of Italian compulsory mediation on the basis of coercion before the dispute is considered by the court, and the English financial ombudsman on the basis of a vertical system headed by a sole chairman who is de facto appointed by the financial services regulator, while membership in this system of financial institutions that provide regulated services is generally mandatory. Whether the compulsory financial ombudsman under the Central Bank ‘umbrella’ will manifest itself positively or negatively will determine the possibility of extending this scheme to other categories of consumer disputes in the financial markets and such as housing construction and repair, utilities, and telecommunications with many small and medium consumer claims. Furthermore, since a number of post-Soviet countries continue to rely on the Russian experience, in such countries there may be an expansion of mandatory ombudsmen under the umbrella of regulators as well.
Assessment of groundwater vulnerability using the GIS approach-based GOD method in Surat district of Gujarat state, India
Authors: Patel Priyank , Mehta Darshan , Sharma Neeraj
Published: January 2023

There are different sources of groundwater pollution among them industrial water disposal, seawater ingress, usage of pesticides and fertilizers in agricultural fields, and municipal and residential wastewater disposal. The aim of the study is to assess groundwater vulnerability in terms of quality using the GOD method using the Geographical Investigation System approach for Surat and its surroundings. Groundwater confinement, overlying strata and depth to water table are the three parameters that are used in the assessment of groundwater vulnerability. In this study, all three parameters are given by the conventional weights which are suggested by Foster 1987. Based on the study Mahuva, Mandvi, Umarpada and some parts of the Bardoli talukas lie in very high-vulnerability zones whereas another part of the study area lies in a high-vulnerability zone. Almost 35.98% of the area of the district lies in the higher-vulnerability zone. Depth to the water table and the overlying strata are very important parameters that effectively cause groundwater vulnerability. This study may help in groundwater quality management, and watershed management as well as it is very much useful for the policymakers and local authorities as well as the government.
Evangélicos e a reforma política
Authors: Bruno Gonçalves Rafael
Published: January 2023

O objetivo deste artigo é promover uma análise dos discursos provenientes de deputados federais evangélicos durante as sessões do Grande Expediente na 52ª Legislatura da Câmara dos Deputados (2003-2006) sobre a proposta de reforma política apresentada, o Projeto de Lei nº 2679 de 2003 elaborado pela Comissão Especial de Reforma Política. A teoria do discurso desenvolvida por Ernesto Laclau e Chantal Mouffe servirá como principal aporte teórico-metodológico deste artigo visto pela possibilidade que esta vertente teórica abre para a compreensão do discurso enquanto prática política na proposta de análise aqui apresentada. Nesta perspectiva, o artigo visa contribuir através de seus resultados para dar mais visibilidade ao assunto, ou seja, o estudo da denominada “bancada evangélica” no Congresso Nacional, buscando, desta forma, explorar o tema com o auxílio de novas técnicas de pesquisa provenientes da análise discursiva.
Nanomaterials Mediated Multimodal Combined Treatment for Cancer
Authors: Wang Caiyun , Zhang Qiuna , Chen Mengyao , Hu Aocheng , Wei Bing , Yang Zheng
Published: January 2023

Cancer is still one of the most serious diseases that threaten human life. In the past decades,
nanomaterials have been found to possess excellent advantages, including controlled drug release, easy
modification surface, good biocompatibility, typical optical property, useful chemical ability, and so
on, due to which they have become the rising star in the application for multimodal combined cancer
treatment (MCT). The emerging avenues of photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, magnetocaloric
therapy, chemodynamic therapy, immunotherapy, and gene therapy are integrated systematically
and intelligently with the traditional methods, realizing the therapeutic effect in cancer treatment.
However, there are still several challenges in the development of nanomaterials for MCT, such as the
construction of complex systems, deep penetration into solid tumors, effective immune activation at
tumor sites, and so on. This review describes the application of multifunctional nanomaterials in the
field of MCT for tumor, proposing some suggestions and ideas for future development.
Metformin, Chlorpropamide, and Glibenclamide: Interactions with Metal
Ions and Cyclodextrins
Authors: González-Barbosa Jeovani , Hipólito-Nájera Adrián Ricardo , Gómez-Balderas Rodolfo , Rodríguez-Laguna Norma , Moya-Hernández Rosario
Published: January 2023

In the field of Chemistry, it is essential to study molecules with biological activity on chronic
degenerative diseases to design drugs that help to improve the health of people with diseases such as
diabetes, arterial hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, among others; and that in turn may have
fewer side effects. Diabetes mellitus is a serious metabolic disorder that affects millions of people
worldwide; due to the illness severe affectations, there is a great interest in improving pharmacological
treatments (hypoglycemic drugs) used in this disease. Nowadays, it has been reported that metallodrugs
and drug-cyclodextrin inclusion compounds have higher therapeutic activity than free drugs,
with fewer side effects. In the present work, we compile, analyze, synthesize and discuss published
information on the hypoglycemic drugs Metformin (C4H11N5), Chlorpropamide (C10H13ClN2O3S) and
Glibenclamide (C23H28ClN3O5S) complexed with metal ions or included in cyclodextrins in aqueous
solution. Nowadays, this type of complex should be widely studied for the treatment of type 2 diabetes
mellitus. Physicochemical and thermodynamic properties, synthesis, mechanism of action, as well as
analytical studies on the interaction of hypoglycemic agents with different complexing agents, are discussed.
Synthesis of Oxa-bridged Medium-Sized Carbocyclic Rings
Authors: Wang Min-Shou , Pu Min , Li Xu
Published: January 2023

Natural products with oxa-bridged medium-sized carbocyclic ring structure units play an
important role in nature. Therefore, developing novel and efficient methods is essential for synthesizing
complex natural products containing oxygen-bridged rings. In this article, progress toward the synthesis
of oxygen-bridged seven and eight-membered rings is reviewed in terms of the strategies employed.
Validity of Heart Rate Variability Measurement by Polar® V800 Heart Rate Monitor in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Torres-Herrera Carlos , Silva-Tetlak Mario , Zarate-Vidal Leonardo , Burrows-Rojo Darwig , Vega-Zambrano María Isabel , Gutierrez-Arias Ruvistay
Published: January 2023

Background:

Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis is a relevant indicator of autonomic nervous system function over the cardiovascular system. The usual way to measure this variability is from the electrocardiogram (ECG).

Objective:

To assess the validity of HRV measurements obtained from a heart rate monitor (HRM) Polar® V800 in critically ill adult subjects.

Materials and Methods:

A prospective, repeated measures, observational study was conducted in two in the Chilean intensive care units. Twenty-one different HRV variables were simultaneously assessed using a Polar® V800 HRM and an ECG Mortara® H3 Holter device. The data was collect-ed from the clinical record and physical examinations. The evaluations were conducted for 10 minutes at a time and simultaneously, during which the subjects had to remain supine and at rest. The sampling frequency was 1000 Hz, providing a temporal resolution of 1 millisecond for each RR period.

Results:

Thirty adult subjects were included with an average age of 33.63 ± 8.91 years. When com-paring both HRV assessment methods, only 3 variables showed statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.05). As well, the correlations showed 4 strong and 17 near-perfect associations, which were positive and statistically significant (p ≤ 0.001). In addition, intraclass correlation coefficients (be-tween 0.744 and 1) and bias determined using the Bland-Altman method found both methods to be concordant.

Conclusions:

The Polar® V800 monitor is a valid tool for assessing HRV in critically ill adult sub-jects.
Synthesis and Antiproliferative Activity Evaluation of B-norcholesterol-6-
amide Compounds
Authors: Huang Yanmin , Peng Zining , Liu Chang , Pang Chunling , Chen Sijing , Gan Chunfang , Liu Zhiping , Cui Jianguo
Published: January 2023

Background:

The structure modification of steroids is commonly used to change the biological
activity of steroids in medicinal chemistry. In recent years, it has been found that some derivatives
derived from the structural modification of cholesterol display good inhibitory activity against
tumor cell proliferation in vitro.

Methods:

Using cholesterol as the starting material, different types of B-norcholesterol-6-amide
derivatives were synthesized by the reaction of 6-carboxyl-B-norcholesterol with different alkyl
amines or 6-amino-B-norcholesterol with different acyl chlorides. The inhibitory activity of compounds
on the proliferation of tumor cell lines was investigated by the MTT method.

Results:

The results showed that the B-norcholesterol-6-amide compounds displayed distinct cytotoxicity
against Sk-Ov-3 cells but caused no obvious damage against HEK-293T cells. Additionally,
the steroidal amide derivatives formed from 6-amino-B-norcholesterol showed stronger cytotoxicity
than those produced from 6-carboxyl-B-norcholesterol. Specially, compounds with chloroalkyl structure
displayed significant inhibitory activity against all tumor cells tested. Among them, compounds
19-21 showed cytotoxicity like 2-methoxyestradiol as a positive control, and the IC50 value of compound
20 on HeLa cells was 3.9 μM.

Conclusion:

After introducing chloroalkyl acyl groups into 6-position of 6-amino-B-norcholesterol,
the cytotoxicity of resulting B-norcholesterol-6-amide compounds can be greatly enhanced.
Antihypertensive Effect of Euphorbia cheiradenia in Rats
Authors: Amthaghri Smail , Amssayef Ayoub , Slaoui Miloudia , Eddouks Mohamed
Published: January 2023

Aims:

The study aimed to investigate the effect of Euphorbia cheiradenia on blood
pressure.

Background:

Euphorbia cheiradenia is a medicinal plant with several medicinal properties.

Objective:

This study aimed to study the vasorelaxant and antihypertensive capacity of the aqueous
extract of Euphorbia cheiradenia (E. cheiradenia), and to evaluate its effect on angiotensinconverting
enzyme 2 (ACE2).

Methods:

The antihypertensive ability of aerial parts of the aqueous extract of E. cheiradenia
(AEEC) was investigated in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats, and its vasorelaxant effect was
performed on the isolated thoracic rat aorta. In addition, the possible inhibitory effect of AEEC on
ACE2 was also studied.

Results:

AEEC lowered blood pressure parameters in hypertensive rats. The study of the vasorelaxant
activity revealed that AEEC partially relaxed the aortic rings through activation of the
KATP channel and inhibition of the β-adrenergic pathway. Whereas pretreatment of aortic rings
with nifedipine, indomethacin, L-NAME, and methylene blue did not attenuate AEEC-induced
vasorelaxation. However, AEEC did not affect ACE2 in isolated rat aortas.

Conclusion:

The study showed that aqueous E. cheiradenia extract exhibits significant antihypertensive
activity in hypertensive rats.
Engineering of Lurasidone Hydrochloride Loaded Niosomes for
Enhancing the Antipsychotic Potential for Nasal Administration
Authors: Sharma Sumit , Sharma Jai Bharti , Kumar Manish , Verma Ravinder , Kaushik Deepak , Bhatt Shailendra
Published: January 2023

Background:

Drugs having high first-pass metabolism or that are susceptible to enzymatic degradation can be administered through the nasal route to avoid their degradation. Lurasidone exhibits less toxicity and side effects as compared to its sister drugs like risperidone, ziprasidone, clozapine, etc.

Objectives:

The present study aimed to develop Lurasidone loaded niosomes for nasal delivery.

Methods:

Lurasidone niosomes were developed by adapting the ether injection method and optimized using a central composite design. In vitro and in vivo studies were conducted using optimized formulation.

Results:

The findings showed that the optimized formulation exhibited a particle size of 159.02 ± 0.58 nm and an entrapment efficiency of 91.6 ± 1.6%. The findings from the nasal histopathological analysis revealed that the optimized formulation was non-irritant and non-toxic for nasal mucosa. The findings from in vitro studies revealed 94.61 ± 0.27% of drug release from optimized formulation F7 throughout 24 hrs. The findings of in vivo (Albino Wistar rats) studies demonstrated that various pharmacokinetic parameters (Cmax, Tmax, AUC(0-24), T1/2, Vd and Cl) and pharmcodynamic parameters (conditioned avoidance response, biochemical estimation using oxidative markers such as superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde and glutathione) were significantly improved compared to marketed tablets (Lurasid® 40 mg) and pure drug suspension. Optimized formulation F-7 exhibited 4.9 times more bioavailability than that of pure drug suspension following intranasal administration.

Conclusion:

These findings indicate that nasal niosomal formulation of Lurasidone HCl is a promising nanoplatform for enhancing the overall performance of Lurasidone. These results could open new avenues into the future of nanomedicine.
Psycho-neuroendocrine-immune Aspects of COVID-19 and its
Relationship with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Shafia Sakineh , Talei Sahand , Molaei Soheila , Asghariazr Vahid , Dadkhah Masoomeh
Published: January 2023

A large body of literature indicates that the novel coronavirus disease (COVI D-19)
was, and still is, a stressful and traumatic experience for different groups of people. Exposure
to unexpected deaths or fear of death increases the risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD) anxiety disorder. Understanding the relationship between PTSD and SARS-CoV-
2 infection can help reduce the risk of developing psychiatric diseases, especially anxiety disorders.
Here, we used the central mega databases of PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Springer,
and Science Direct. We explored the articles based on keywords and related articles. Social
isolation stress during quarantine and hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal
(HPA) axis via increased cortisol synthesis and release seems to be key findings in current literature.
Evidence shows that induced neuroendocrine changes in patients with COVID-19 can
cause psychiatric diseases related to fear and anxiety. Studies suspect that angiotensinconverting
enzyme 2 (ACE2) expressed in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland can be targeted
by the infection and thereby could be a player in inducing psychiatric disorders. Here, we
discuss the relationship between Covid-19 and post-traumatic stress disorder from psychoneuroendocrine-
immune aspects and highlight the pro-inflammatory cytokines as mediators in
the CNS-related processes, hoping to provide insights into the pathophysiology of PTSD.
Swarming and Queen Honey Bee
Authors: Marwaha Lovleen
Published: January 2023

The reproductive swarms usually include queens, young worker bees and
drones, leaving the native hive to explore the pre-selected site and construct a hive
there. Various factors which accelerate swarming events include congestion in the
colony, reduced queen pheromones, limited available food resource, different
ecological conditions, genetic possession of the colony, etc. Swarming is a significant
event for a honey bee colony but drastically affects beekeeping. Therefore apiarists
generally take specific measures to control packing events, including proper
management of the colony, clipping of queen honey bee's wings, destruction of a queen
cell, maintenance of adequate strength of the colony, re-queening of the colony and use
of swarm resistance honey bees.
Law and Emerging Genome Editing Technologies
Authors: Stasi Alessandro , Chiang David Tan Weng
Published: January 2023

It is strange that only extraordinary men make the discoveries, which later
appear so easy and simple.
This chapter outlines the historical development of genetic manipulation, assesses the
aspects that define genome editing technologies as breakthrough technologies and
examines the recent trends in patent litigation. It investigates the ownership and
licensing issues surrounding the revolutionary and highly lucrative CRISPR patents by
focusing on the recent development in patent battles.
An Introduction to Legal, Regulatory and Intellectual Property Rights Issues in Biotechnology
Authors: Stasi Alessandro , Chiang David Tan Weng
Published: January 2023

Biotechnology, a branch of science and a fast-growing source of developing technologies, has shown immense potential for its utility across all the dimensions of our lives. Its applications range from drugs and therapeutics, industrial, household applications, biofuels, and information technology to almost all resource-based sectors, such as manufacturing, aquaculture, agriculture, and forestry. Biotechnology offers outstanding potential to meet the growing demand for food and energy production in a sustainable way. Recognizing its economic and strategic value, countries have implemented several measures to generate a homegrown biotechnology sector and help science-based companies develop.

This book covers some of the most important legal issues arising in relation to biotechnology. Topics covered in chapters include 1) the historical development of a legal framework sufficient to protect public safety, 2) the current biotechnology regulatory system and the rules directing the primary agencies that regulate the products of biotechnology (namely the FDA, USDA and EPA), 3) the regulation of human genome editing and its impact on health research, 4) law and emerging genome editing technologies from recombinant DNA technology to CRISPR/Cas9 editing, 5) the development of legal principles to protect property rights in the human body and allow the efficient use of human tissue, organs, DNA, and cell-lines in medical research, and 6) legal issues arising from the use of genetic engineered plants and animals. The authors have ensured that the contents are easy to understand, making this an accessible reference for a broad range of readers.

This book, therefore, serves as a quick summary of the prominent legal and regulatory issues in the biotech industry for professionals, as well as scholars in legal study programs.
Conflictos y demandas indígenas por el territorio frente al avance de la frontera hidrocarburífera en la provincia de Neuquén, Argentina
Authors: Acacio Juan Antonio
Published: January 2023

Este trabajo indaga sobre los conflictos territoriales que experimenta el pueblo mapuche en la provincia argentina de Neuquén respecto al avance de la frontera extractiva hidrocarburífera. Desde una perspectiva de análisis sociológica cualitativa, se analizó la conflictividad originada por la explotación de hidrocarburos convencionales en la provincia, centrándose en las disputas generadas por el nuevo avance del capital extractivo para la explotación de hidrocarburos no convencionales mediante la técnica del fracking. El análisis retoma la construcción de la territorialidad de las comunidades mapuche, sus estrategias de acción colectiva y el lugar que tienen los procesos judiciales para dirimir los conflictos.
Diversidad de dinoflagelados atecados del orden Gymnodiniales (Dinophyceae), con énfasis en aquellos formadores de florecimientos algales nocivos en las costas del Pacífico Mexicano
Authors: Escarcega Bata Alexis de Jesús , Núñez Resendiz María Luisa , Ruiz-de la Torre Mary Carmen , Dreckmann Kurt M. , Zamudio-Resendiz María Eugenia , Sentíes Abel
Published: January 2023

Antecedentes y Objetivos: El orden Gymnodiniales está compuesto por 11 familias, 63 géneros y 641 especies taxonómicamente válidas. Estos dinoflagelados se caracterizan por presentar una pared celular muy frágil. Además, algunas especies pueden llegar a producir potentes toxinas e incluso tienen la capacidad para formar grandes florecimientos. Los estudios enfocados en conocer la diversidad de este grupo, en el caso de las costas del Pacífico Mexicano, siguen siendo limitados, a pesar de la importancia económica, social y ecológica de estos microorganismos. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudio fue realizar un listado florístico a partir de una revisión bibliográfica, que integre únicamente a los registros respaldados por micrografías, para conocer la diversidad de dinoflagelados atecados del orden Gymnodiniales presentes en el Pacífico Mexicano, con énfasis en aquellos formadores de florecimientos algales nocivos.Métodos: La búsqueda de información se realizó en publicaciones (artículos y capítulos de libros), desde el primer registro (1943) hasta la actualidad (noviembre 2022). Cada registro fue confirmado únicamente mediante la existencia de micrografías ópticas y de electrónicas de barrido.Resultados clave: El Pacífico Mexicano está conformado por 11 estados costeros, donde actualmente se tiene reportada la presencia de 10 familias, 31 géneros y 103 especies (16% del total de las registradas a nivel mundial) para el orden Gymnodiniales. De las 11 familias que conforman a este orden, la familia Gymnodiniaceae agrupó 29% del total de especies registradas para el Pacífico Mexicano, donde los géneros Gymnodinium y Gyrodinium presentaron el mayor número de especies.Conclusiones: La evidencia presentada en este estudio demostró que existe una baja diversidad para este orden en el Pacífico Mexicano, por lo que es necesario implementar un mayor esfuerzo de muestreo, además de incursionar en diferentes herramientas moleculares que permitan obtener una mejor aproximación a la diversidad alfa en las costas mexicanas.
Agreement Between Experts and an Untrained Crowd for Identifying Dermoscopic Features Using a Gamified App: Reader Feasibility Study
Authors: Kentley Jonathan , Weber Jochen , Liopyris Konstantinos , Braun Ralph P , Marghoob Ashfaq A , Quigley Elizabeth A , Nelson Kelly , Prentice Kira , Duhaime Erik , Halpern Allan C , Rotemberg Veronica
Published: January 2023

Background

Dermoscopy is commonly used for the evaluation of pigmented lesions, but agreement between experts for identification of dermoscopic structures is known to be relatively poor. Expert labeling of medical data is a bottleneck in the development of machine learning (ML) tools, and crowdsourcing has been demonstrated as a cost- and time-efficient method for the annotation of medical images.

Objective

The aim of this study is to demonstrate that crowdsourcing can be used to label basic dermoscopic structures from images of pigmented lesions with similar reliability to a group of experts.

Methods

First, we obtained labels of 248 images of melanocytic lesions with 31 dermoscopic “subfeatures” labeled by 20 dermoscopy experts. These were then collapsed into 6 dermoscopic “superfeatures” based on structural similarity, due to low interrater reliability (IRR): dots, globules, lines, network structures, regression structures, and vessels. These images were then used as the gold standard for the crowd study. The commercial platform DiagnosUs was used to obtain annotations from a nonexpert crowd for the presence or absence of the 6 superfeatures in each of the 248 images. We replicated this methodology with a group of 7 dermatologists to allow direct comparison with the nonexpert crowd. The Cohen κ value was used to measure agreement across raters.

Results

In total, we obtained 139,731 ratings of the 6 dermoscopic superfeatures from the crowd. There was relatively lower agreement for the identification of dots and globules (the median κ values were 0.526 and 0.395, respectively), whereas network structures and vessels showed the highest agreement (the median κ values were 0.581 and 0.798, respectively). This pattern was also seen among the expert raters, who had median κ values of 0.483 and 0.517 for dots and globules, respectively, and 0.758 and 0.790 for network structures and vessels. The median κ values between nonexperts and thresholded average–expert readers were 0.709 for dots, 0.719 for globules, 0.714 for lines, 0.838 for network structures, 0.818 for regression structures, and 0.728 for vessels.

Conclusions

This study confirmed that IRR for different dermoscopic features varied among a group of experts; a similar pattern was observed in a nonexpert crowd. There was good or excellent agreement for each of the 6 superfeatures between the crowd and the experts, highlighting the similar reliability of the crowd for labeling dermoscopic images. This confirms the feasibility and dependability of using crowdsourcing as a scalable solution to annotate large sets of dermoscopic images, with several potential clinical and educational applications, including the development of novel, explainable ML tools.
Physical and Mental Effects of Foot Baths Among Women in Labor: Protocol for a Pre-Post Test Experimental Design
Authors: Hikita Naoko , Iso Ritsuko , Mizuhata Kiyoko , Isoyama Akemi , Kobayashi Ayumi , Muroi Rika
Published: January 2023

Background

Foot baths are used in complementary and alternative therapy to improve the duration and quality of sleep and reduce tension, anxiety, fatigue, and confusion. They are also known to improve the frequency of labor contractions and to increase their duration in women; thus, they are commonly used by midwives in clinical settings in Japan. However, the physical and mental effects of foot baths during labor are unknown.

Objective

This study aims to assess the physical and mental effects of foot baths based on biomarker levels and self-administered questionnaires.

Methods

A single-arm pre-post test trial design is being used in this study, and the study is being conducted at a general hospital in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. The target study population is women in the first stage of labor, the phase when the uterus starts to contract and when the cervix dilates to 10 cm, or those undergoing labor induction. Participants who meet the eligibility criteria are recruited, and written informed consent is obtained from them. They are asked to answer the questionnaire and to collect 1.5 mL of saliva in 2 microtubes each, before and after the intervention. The intervention is foot baths for 15-20 minutes using a foot bath device. Data on delivery, such as gestational age, gravidity, parity, diagnosis following the last vaginal examination, and presence or absence of membrane rupture, are retrieved from the medical records. The primary outcomes are salivary cortisol levels before and after the foot baths. The secondary outcomes are levels of relaxation and comfort, labor pain, body warmth, vital signs, and interval of labor pain before and after the foot baths, which are assessed using a numerical rating scale. A paired t test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test will be performed to compare the data for salivary cortisol levels and numerical rating scale scores.

Results

Data collection started on April 1, 2022. As of October 2022, we had enrolled 10 participants. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan, it is difficult for medical personnel to freely interact with women in labor until the results of the COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction test are available in the research facility, complicating the recruitment process.

Conclusions

This is the first prospective study to assess the effects of foot baths using a biomarker during the first stage of labor. The findings on the effects of foot baths on women in labor will provide novel insights that may improve the outcomes of delivery. A randomized controlled trial to investigate the effects of foot baths to obtain robust evidence should be conducted in the future.

Trial Registration

University Hospital Medical Information Network-Clinical Trial Registry UMIN000046539; https://tinyurl.com/2wwj7dns

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/39985
Developing a Framework for Conceptualizing Affordances of Technology in Education
Authors: Xue Sijia , Han Zhao
Published: January 2023

The term affordance has been defined and interpreted diversely in different domains over decades. However, little attention has been paid to the definition of affordances in the domain of education. With the increasing application of various technologies in education, the conceptualization of educational affordances of technology is essential to fully explore the educational potential of technology and better understand how learning could be supported with the affordances of technology. This paper compares the existing literature concerning affordance theories and defines affordances in the domain of education. A framework for conceptualizing educational affordances of technology has been articulated based on the literature to interpret the notion from three aspects: technology, user, and environment. The framework would not only help practitioners to understand the certain capability of technology to provide an effective mediating tool for educational activities but also assist researchers to study the educational affordances of technology from new dimensions.
Review on Seismic Performance of RC Structure by Considering Different Orientation and Classes of Building
Authors: Dhawane Ms. Pallavi , Raut Prof. Pooja
Published: January 2023

Abstract: In the framework of this project, an attempt was made to find out the influence of the shape, size and direction of the rectangular columns of the construction plan on the general stiffness and seismic response of the building suffering from the earthquake. A multistory RC building is modeled using ETABS software with different column shapes (square and rectangular), column sizes (different cross-sectional area at building height), and column orientations to determine the effect of each on the stiffness and seismic response of the building. The analytical results of each model were compared in terms of base movement, overburden displacement, layer deflection and time period.
Density Based Traffic Light Control Using IR Sensors and Arduino
Authors: Rai Km Manisha , Vijayalakshmi Dr. S.
Published: January 2023

Abstract: In now day’s traffic congestion consider as a serious issue in all over the world and for the public it become a daily life challenge because they have to face a problem of traffic congestion in their daily life at the time of travelling. In ordinary arrangement traffic problem is solved by traffic police or by the use of automatic traffic light but this arrangements are static and having a fixed time allocation at every side of junction and because of this arrangement they are not capable to perform according to need. And at traffic junction now days we need a dynamic arrangement of traffic lights at the place of static so it can be quickly resolve the problem of traffic if any emergency vehicle is waiting in the queue or as per the need. In this paper we introduced the concept of density based traffic light arrangement which change the colour of traffic light according to density of traffic which is present at a particular side of traffic junction. To know the density of traffic we have to use sensors and IOT technology. In this paper the proposed model is design using IR Sensors and Arduino. IR sensors are used as sensors to detect the density of traffic and Arduino is used as microcontroller. At traffic junction IR sensors are fitted at every side of the junction and sense the number of passing vehicle to each side of junction and interfaced to the arduino. After receiving the input from sensors we know the density of traffic at each side of junction change the traffic light as per the need. So, in this paper we are going to discuss about the density based arrangement of traffic light and the limitation related to it and throw some light related to future work.
The Effects of Moral Judgment, Empathy, and Self-Regulation on Prosocial Behavior of Young Children
Authors:   Korean Association For Learner-Centered Curriculum And Instruction, Cho Eun-Jin
Published: January 2023

Objectives As a voluntary behavior that benefits others, the prosocial behavior of young children is important in that it becomes an indicator of future social ability and adaptation(Ladd & Profilet, 1996). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of young children’s moral judgment, empathy, and self-regulation on their prosocial behavior.
Methods This subjects were 114 3- to 5-year-old children at a preschool in Seoul. Moral judgment, empathy, and self-regulation were assessed by individual interview-type performance-based measures, and prosocial behavior was assessed by teacher ratings on a questionnaire. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to find out the general trend of research variables, and regression analysis was conducted to find out the effects of independent variables on prosocial behavior.
Results Regarding the general trend of prosocial behavior and its predictors, prosocial behavior and moral judgment showed a high average score of more than 80% of the perfect score respectively. Empathy and self-regulation showed an average score of 76% and 61% of the perfect score, respectively. There were age differences in prosocial behavior and self-regulation. The regression model, which phased in age, empathy, self-regulation, and moral judgment, was found to have a significant effect on prosocial behavior. Looking at the effect of each independent variable, empathy had a significant effect on prosocial behavior. Self-regulation and moral judgment were not effective in prosocial behavior.
Conclusions It has been verified that preschoolers’ maturing empathy abilities make it more likely that they will prosocially respond to the needs or suffering of others, so empathy becomes an essential element of social cognitive and emotional education aimed at altruistic human relationships. It was discussed and suggested for future research and educational approaches, including empathy oriented prosocial education programs.
The Appropriateness of the 2015 Revised Middle School Physical Education Curriculum and Content Suitability Analysis of Taekwondo Units in Textbooks
Authors:   Korean Association For Learner-Centered Curriculum And Instruction, Lee Dong Ho , Yang Jeong-mo
Published: January 2023

Objectives The purposes of this study was to analyze the appropriateness of the 2015 revised physical education curriculum composition system of Taekwondo and the content suitability of the textbook Taekwondo unit to provide basic data that can correctly implement Taekwondo, our physical culture, in the revised physical education curriculum and textbooks.
Methods For this purpose, the comparative methodology of the four-step research process of Bereday (1964)'s description, interpretation, juxtaposition, and comparison of the 2015 revised physical education curriculum document and 11 kinds of physical education textbooks was compared and analyzed.
Results First, Taekwondo as a challenge area was presented as a speculative challenge, but it did not correspond to the value and meaning of the speculative challenge, and the meaning of the content characteristics of the speculative challenge was unclear and ambiguous. Taekwondo had a difference from the contents of the challenging area in terms of core concepts and generalized knowledge, but in terms of the content elements, it was different only in the classification form, and the details of the area type, field type, and net type competition activities are the same. Second, the Taekwondo content system implemented in physical education textbooks had the same direction, but there were many differences and limitations in the composition of contents. In terms of propositional knowledge, the contents were unclear or described as abstract in understanding Taekwondo. In terms of exercise function, it was found that it was somewhat difficult to understand the contents of the curriculum and the Taekwondo competition function presented in understanding. In terms of subject competency, training and practice were presented in a simplified way with equal meaning, and the meaning of overcoming is presented in a simple and abstract sense, even though it should be understood as a comprehensive superordinate concept including the meaning of practice. In terms of learning contents, learning contents showed many errors in concept explanation, title, and technical composition of Taekwondo. In terms of personality and safety education, it was analyzed that there was a limit to understanding, practicing and internalizing the value of virtue in terms of document level and formal level.
Conclusions There were many problems in the appropriateness of the contents system of the physical education curriculum of Taekwondo and the contents composition of 11 kinds of textbooks, and there were many differences in the level between the textbooks.