bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medical and biological bases of safety
Authors: Lobanov Aleksey
Published: August 2021

The textbook considers the subject and tasks of the discipline, highlights the medical and biological foundations of ensuring human security in the conditions of natural, man-made and biological-social emergencies, as well as when using modern weapons of destruction by a probable enemy.
Briefly, but quite informative, the structure of the human body and the basics of its functioning are described. The specificity and mechanism of the toxic effect of harmful substances on a person, the energy effect and the combined effect of the main damaging factors of the sources of emergency situations of peacetime and wartime are shown. The article highlights the medical and biological aspects of ensuring the safe life of people in adverse environmental conditions, including in regions with hot and cold climates (the Arctic). The methods of forecasting and assessing the medical situation in emergency zones and lesions are presented.
The means and methods of medical and biological protection and first aid to the affected are shown. The main tasks and organizational structure of formations and institutions of the medical rescue service of the GO, the All-Russian Service of Disaster Medicine and medical formations of the EMERCOM of Russia are considered. Organizational issues of medical and biological protection in emergency situations are highlighted. The features of the organization of medical support for those affected by terrorist attacks are considered.
It is intended for students and cadets of educational institutions of higher education studying under the bachelor's degree program in the following areas of training: "Technosphere security", "Infocommunication technologies and communication systems", "Information systems and technologies", "State and municipal management", "Economics", "Mechatronics and robotics", "Operation of transport and technological machines and complexes", "Informatics and computer engineering", "Air Navigation", "System analysis and management". It can also be useful for researchers and a wide range of specialists engaged in practical work on planning and organizing medical and biological protection of the population.
Logistics in the system of total knowledge
Authors: Afanasenko Ivan , Borisova Vera
Published: August 2021

In the monograph, logistics is presented in an unusual form - as an element of a system of general, aggregate knowledge. This allowed the authors to reach new levels of knowledge and solve a number of complex problems.
The scientific theory of logistics is presented as a system of laws, categories and principles ordered according to internal causal necessity and explaining the nature of economic flows. The scientific substantiation of the complete logistics system as a set of complexes of activities and resistances is given. Using the example of the functioning of logistics flows, the effect of the law of selection and the law of measure is shown in the form of a struggle of forms, in which more perfect forms survive, and less perfect forms are destroyed.
A strict scientific approach, the richness of the text with information are combined with an accessible way of presentation, which allows the book to be addressed to a wide range of readers.
Aviation and missile clusters and the environment
Authors: Kochetova Zhanna , Maslova Natal'ya , Bazarskiy Oleg
Published: August 2021

The monograph introduces a new concept - the aviation and missile cluster as a new class of objects of geo-ecological monitoring, united by the solution of identical strategic tasks of the state, the interconnection of its structural elements, the identity of priority contaminants and products of their transformation.
The scientific and methodological apparatus of complex geoecological monitoring of territories under the influence of objects of aviation and space activities is presented, including predictive models of the spread and transformation of priority contaminants in environmental objects, taking into account their physical and chemical properties, geographical and climatic features of the studied territory; algorithms and methods for assessing the environmental situation in the area of the aviation and rocket cluster to support management decisions on conducting rehabilitation and preventive medical and environmental measures.
The proposed scientific and methodological apparatus improves the quality of the assessment of the geoecological situation while reducing the cost of monitoring the territory of the aviation and missile cluster.
The scientific results obtained by the authors based on the results of eleven-year geoecological monitoring of a typical aviation and rocket cluster located within the city of Voronezh and including an airfield of state aviation and a test complex of launch vehicles are presented.
For a wide range of readers interested in environmental problems of scientific and technological progress.
Criteria for testing hypotheses about randomness and the absence of a trend. Application Guide
Authors: Lemeshko Boris , Veretel'nikova Irina
Published: August 2021

The monograph discusses the application of statistical criteria aimed at testing hypotheses about the absence of a trend in the analyzed samples. The rejection of such a hypothesis gives grounds to consider the analyzed data as samples of independent equally distributed random variables. We consider a set of special criteria aimed at testing such hypotheses, as well as a set of criteria for the uniformity of laws, the uniformity of averages and the uniformity of variances, which can also be used for these purposes. The disadvantages and advantages of various criteria are emphasized, the application of criteria in conditions of violation of standard assumptions is considered. Estimates of the power of the criteria are given, which allows you to navigate when choosing the most preferred criteria. Following the recommendations will ensure the correctness and increase the validity of statistical conclusions when analyzing data.
It is intended for specialists who are interested in the application of statistical methods for the analysis of various aspects and trends of the surrounding reality and who are in contact with the processing of experimental results, the need for data analysis in their activities. It will be useful for engineers, researchers, specialists of various profiles (doctors, biologists, sociologists, economists, etc.) who face the need for statistical analysis of experimental results in their activities. It will also be useful for university teachers, graduate students and students.
The State and law as phenomena of a person's religious consciousness
Authors: Panischev Aleksey
Published: August 2021

The monograph examines the nature and essence of the state, which is seen as a derivative of the religious consciousness of a person. Of course, the origin of the state is explained by many factors and circumstances, but in this case, attention is focused on the religious. At the same time, it is emphasized that the crisis of spiritual culture leads to an anthropological catastrophe and the degeneration of the state.
For a wide range of readers interested in the philosophy of law. It can be useful for students, postgraduates and teachers of humanitarian universities.
Socio-psychological phenomena in the modern educational space
Authors: Sachkova Marianna , Krushel'nickaya Ol'ga , Kozhuhar' Galina , Orlov Vladimir , Rashodchikova Marina , Haymovskaya Nataliya , Meshkova Natal'ya
Published: August 2021

The monograph presents the results of research on socio-psychological phenomena in the educational space of a modern school and university. Numerous works, including those carried out directly by the authors, have demonstrated the high importance of taking into account socio-psychological phenomena in optimizing the motivation of teaching children and youth, in creating a favorable psychological climate within student groups and educational organizations, in preventing and resolving conflicts in the educational environment, as well as in implementing psychological and pedagogical activities aimed not only at improving the academic achievements of students, but also at their comprehensive mental and personal development.
It is addressed to undergraduate and graduate students, graduate students studying in the areas of "Psychology" and "Psychological and pedagogical education" , as well as researchers, teachers and researchers dealing with the problems of socio-psychological features of education and training in modern educational organizations.
Experts and expert reviews on the pages of literary works
Authors: Chubina Elena
Published: August 2021

The textbook presents a system of case tasks, the purpose of which is to form a circle of necessary knowledge among students about the nature of expert activity, about the history of the use of special knowledge in legal proceedings, about the variety of existing types of forensic examinations, about the possibilities of using the results of forensic expert activity in law enforcement practice. The tasks are compiled in accordance with the requirements of the Federal State Educational Standard for Higher Education (3++) in the specialty 40.05.03 "Forensic Examination". The presented cases can be used in practical classes in the disciplines "Theory of forensic examination" and "Participation of a specialist in procedural actions". The textbook will also be useful as part of the course "Expertise in judicial proceedings", which is included in the training plan 40.03.01 "Jurisprudence" (bachelor's level), specialty 40.05.01 "Legal support of national security" (specialty level), specialty 40.05.04 "Judicial and prosecutorial activities" (specialty level).
For students, postgraduates and teachers of law schools.
Modern technologies of teaching a foreign language in the higher education system.
Authors: Dmitrenko Tat'yana
Published: August 2021

The textbook is devoted to the consideration of modern technologies of teaching foreign languages in the conditions of updating language education in higher education. The article presents modern innovative technologies of teaching foreign languages that contribute to the intensification of the educational process and the activation of educational activities in foreign language classes.
It is recommended for students studying for a master's degree — future specialists in the field of intercultural communications.
Ecological geology
Authors: Serebryakov Andrey
Published: August 2021

The textbook describes complex natural, geological, geographical, hydrogeological and lithological studies based on modern geological and ecological theories and forming the basis of environmental science.
The theoretical views on the ecology of the geological environment are expanded. The tasks of ecological geology and geography, as well as ecological hydrogeology and ecological lithology are substantiated. Attention is paid to the history of geoecological research in the development of new territories. The influence of the tectonic formation of geological structures on the ecological situation of the Earth's lithosphere is studied. The ecological zoning of the lithosphere and hydrosphere is given. The ecological characteristics of sedimentary deposits, which are associated with minerals of important industrial and environmental importance, are given. The ecological properties of various types of mineral raw materials for their application in industry are considered.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
It is intended for bachelors studying the discipline "Ecological Geology" and Earth sciences, and will also be of interest to environmental specialists in the design and operation of industrial facilities, structures and deposits of natural raw materials.
Automation of technological processes and production. Introduction to the specialty
Authors: Vinogradov Vitaliy , Cherepahin Aleksandr
Published: August 2021

The textbook considers the stages of development of technology, mechanical engineering and production automation as the basis for designing technological machines and complexes. Examples of original design solutions for automation equipment and, in general, for modern technological complexes in mechanical engineering are given.
Meets the requirements of the latest generation of federal state educational standards.
It is intended for students of higher educational institutions studying in the bachelor's degree program 15.03.04 "Automation of technological processes and production".
Russian language
Authors: Suhotinskaya Aleksandra
Published: August 2021

In the textbook, the rules of Russian spelling and punctuation are grouped by topics: "Spelling of roots", "Spelling of suffixes and endings", "Use of hyphens", "Colons and dashes", etc.
Training exercises will help to consolidate the theoretical material. The summary tables and answers to the exercises given at the end of the book allow you to control yourself during independent classes.
The reference nature of the book contributes to the rapid and successful preparation for control works, tests and exams in the Russian language.
Meets the requirements of the federal state standards of secondary vocational education of the latest generation.
For students of secondary vocational education, as well as for high school students, applicants, students and everyone who wants to master the skills of literate writing.
Numerical methods
Authors: Shevchenko Alesya
Published: August 2021

The textbook describes the basics of numerical methods for solving problems of mathematical analysis, linear algebra and ordinary differential equations. Considerable attention is paid to the issues of algorithmization of methods. It can be used when performing laboratory, course, final qualification and research works. Each topic contains a theoretical justification and a large number of examples of solving practical problems using the Maple mathematical package.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
It is intended for students, postgraduates, university teachers, as well as for engineers and researchers who use numerical methods to solve applied problems.
Effect of session order in combined aerobic and resistance training on glycemic control in older adults with type 2 diabetes: a crossover study
Authors: Corrêa Renato Ferreira , Vieira João Guilherme , Dias Marcelo Ricardo
Published: August 2021

The session order of aerobic and resistance training seems to be important for glycemic behavior, as when performed in isolation they help to reduce glycosylated hemoglobin. The purpose of the present study was to compare the acute effect of aerobic and resistance training session orders on glycemia levels of older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A counterbalanced crossover design was used in this study. Eighteen older adults with type 2 diabetes, 13 men and 5 women, non-insulin and beta-blocker dependents, were recruited. All participants performed two training sessions in different orders: aerobic + resistance (AER) and resistance + aerobic (RES). There was a seven-day interval between sessions. In the AER session, a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in blood glucose was observed between training (Mid moment: p < 0.001) and after each session (Post moment: p = 0.003) compared to the baseline (Pre moment). In the RES session, no difference (p = 0.731) was found at the Mid moment in relation to the Pre moment, but a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in blood glucose was observed in the Post moment. A comparison of the different training sessions showed a significant difference (p = 0.012) at the Mid moment, whereas the blood glucose showed a sharper reduction the AER session. In conclusion, we observed that combined training, regardless of the order, was effective for acute glycemic behavior in older people with type 2 diabetes, and aerobic training was the main factor responsible for the reduction blood glucose.
Circumventing Circumvention: An Economic Analysis of the Role of Education and Enforcement
Authors: Dey Debabrata , Ghoshal Abhijeet , Lahiri Atanu
Published: August 2021

The role of education and enforcement in ensuring compliance with a law or policy has been debated for more than a century now. We reopen this debate in the context of security circumvention by employees, currently a leading cause of information security and privacy breaches. Drawing on prior literature, we develop a microeconomic framework that captures employees’ circumventing behavior in the face of security controls. This allows us to obtain interesting insights that have implications for how an organization should employ anticircumvention measures. First, unless circumvention is rampant, education and enforcement often work better in combination, and not in isolation. Second, there are incentives for an organization to tolerate circumvention to an extent, even when education and enforcement are cheap. Finally, education and enforcement may be strategic complements or substitutes in different parts of the parameter space. When they are complements, if a change in cost parameters compels the organization to increase one, it would also require an increase in the other in lockstep. In contrast, when they are substitutes, an increase in one is associated with a decrease in the other.

This paper was accepted by Chris Forman, information systems.
Exploring the benefits of structured medication reviews for frail older patients in advanced clinical practice
Authors: Duffy Sharron , Paterson Ruth
Published: August 2021

Frailty in old age has become synonymous with medication use. As people age, the risk of disease burden increases. Older age is often linked with complex healthcare needs, with a rise in the number of comorbidities. This often results in the need to use multiple medications. Frailty is a global concern and requires early interventions to help people maintain their health as they age. Advanced clinical practitioners have an important role in supporting frail people living in the community. This article will review the literature and explore strategies that advanced practitioners can implement to optimise wellbeing and reduce medicines-related harm for this vulnerable population.
Coronavirus: the 7th C affecting the 6Cs. A focus on compassion, care and touch
Authors: Johnstone Jacqueline , Duncan Debbie
Published: August 2021

The C0VID-19 pandemic has challenged everyone in society, from children who are no longer able to attend school and nursery to adults trying to juggle working at home and vulnerable members of society who have needed to self-isolate. NHS staff and key workers also need to juggle their family situations and many will have to adapt their practice and ways of working to address the demands placed on the NHS during this time. The current pandemic has altered the nature of services being provided to patients, and staff are now wearing personal protective equipment, with many being redeployed to ward areas. This article considers the 6Cs of nursing and the challenges faced by staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a primary focus on care and compassion. The vital role that touch has in the care of the patient and family is also considered.
Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights and assisted dying
Authors: Griffith Richard
Published: August 2021

Richard Griffith, Senior Lecturer in Health Law at Swansea University, continues his series on the articles of the European Convention on Human Rights and considers Article 8 in the context of assisted dying
The new Care Quality Commission inspection procedures
Authors: Glasper Alan
Published: August 2021

Emeritus Professor Alan Glasper, from the University of Southampton, discusses recent changes to the way in which the Care Quality Commission (CQC) conducts its health and social care inspections
The influence of anaemia on pressure ulcer healing in elderly patients
Authors: Tuz Mariusz Adam , Mitchell Aby
Published: August 2021

Anaemia is a common and multifactorial blood disorder in elderly individuals. This condition may be a significant barrier to pressure ulcers healing as it is associated with a decreased level of oxygen being supplied to body tissues. Some nutritional deficiencies such as iron, vitamin B12 and folate may also cause anaemia and have a negative impact on pressure ulcer healing. An increased iron demand in hard-to-heal pressure ulcers is a significant factor associated with the risk of anaemia of chronic disease in elderly patients. Anaemia screening and correction may need to be considered as well as iron supplementation if required in pressure ulcer prevention and management.
Broadband energy squeezing and tunneling based on unidirectional modes
Authors: Hong Lujun , Wang Yazhou , Shen Yun , Deng Xiaohua , Yuan Kai , Xiao Sanshui , Xu Jie
Published: August 2021

Energy squeezing is attractive for its potential applications in electromagnetic (EM) energy harvesting and optical communication. However, due to the Fabry-Perot resonance, only the EM waves with discrete frequencies can be squeezed and, as far as we know, in the previous energy-squeezing devices, stringent requirements of the materials or the geometrical shape are needed. We note that the structures filled with epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) mediums as reported in some works can squeeze and tunnel EM waves at frequencies (e.g. plasma frequency). However, the group velocity is usually near zero, which means little EM information travels through the structures. In this paper, low-loss energy squeezing and tunneling (EST) based on unidirectional modes were demonstrated in YIG-based one-way waveguides at microwave frequencies. According to our theoretical analysis and the simulations using the finite element method, broadband EST was achieved and the EM EST was observed even for extremely bended structures. Besides, similar EM EST was achieved in a realistic three-dimensional remanence-based one-way waveguide as well. The unidirectional mode-based EST paves the way for ultra-subwavelength EM focusing, enhanced nonlinear optics, and the design of numerous functional devices in integrated optical circuits such as phase modulator.
Plant-produced SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) variants showed differential binding efficiency with anti-spike specific monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Rattanapisit Kaewta , Bulaon Christine Joy I. , Khorattanakulchai Narach , Shanmugaraj Balamurugan , Wangkanont Kittikhun , Phoolcharoen Waranyoo
Published: August 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic which is characterized by respiratory illness and severe pneumonia, and currently accounts for > 2.5 million deaths worldwide. Recently, diverse mutations in the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 were reported in United Kingdom (Alpha) and South Africa (Beta) strains which raise concerns over the potential increase in binding affinity towards the host cell receptor and diminished host neutralization capabilities. In order to study the effect of mutation in the binding efficiency of SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) with anti-SARS-CoV/CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), we have produced SARS-CoV-2 RBD and two variants SARS-CoV-2 RBD (Alpha RBD and Beta RBD) in Nicotiana benthamiana by transient expression. Plant-produced SARS-CoV-2 RBD-Fc, Alpha RBD-Fc and Beta RBD-Fc exhibited specific binding to human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor determined by ELISA. Intriguingly, the binding of plant-produced SARS-CoV-2 RBD proteins to plant-produced mAbs CR3022, B38, and H4 was found to be different depending on the variant mutation. In contrary to the plant-produced SARS-CoV-2 RBD-Fc and Alpha RBD-Fc, Beta RBD-Fc variant showed weak binding affinity towards the mAbs. The result suggested that the Beta RBD variant might have acquired partial resistance to neutralizing antibodies compared to other variants. However, further studies with sera from convalescent or vaccinated individuals are required to confirm this finding.
Effect of umbilical cord blood stem cell transplantation on restenosis after endovascular interventional therapy for diabetic hindlimb vascular disease
Authors: Ding Hai-Xia , Xing Na , Ma Hong-Fang , Hou Lin , Zhou Chao-Xi , Du Ya-Ping , Wang Fu-Jun
Published: August 2021

This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of human umbilical cord blood stem cell (HUCBSC) transplantation on restenosis after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for diabetic hindlimb vascular disease in rabbits. After successfully preparing a rabbit model of diabetic hindlimb vascular disease, 16 rabbits were randomly assigned to two groups. Of these, 8 rabbits received PTA surgery alone (PTA group), and the other 8 rabbits received PTA and HUCBSC (PTA+HUCBSC group) treatments. Five more healthy rabbits were set as healthy control (HC group). Samples were collected after 4 weeks of treatment. The expressions of regulator of calcineurin 1 (RCAN1) and calcineurin A (CnA) in the diseased artery were detected by immunofluorescence staining. The distribution of HUCBSCs was observed by pathological examination in transplanted artery, distal artery, and liver. Cytology experiments were applied to assess the levels of JAK and STAT3, and the migration and proliferation of human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (HA-VSMC). In the rabbit model of diabetic vascular lesions in the hindlimbs, we found the stenosis of the femoral artery became more and more serious with time, and the expression level of PCNA positive cells was also gradually increased. The expression levels of RCAN1 and CnA in the PTA+HUCBSC group were significantly lower than those in PTA group. HUCBSC inhibited the migration and proliferation of HA-VSMC via JAK/STAT3 pathway. After HUCBSC local transplantation, HUCBSC had no distal tissue distribution. HUCBSC transplantation may prevent restenosis after PTA of diabetic hindlimb vascular disease through JAK/STAT3 pathway.
Experimental manipulation of muscularity preferences through visual diet and associative learning
Authors: Jacques Katy , Evans Elizabeth , Boothroyd Lynda
Published: August 2021

Body preferences are somewhat flexible and this variability may be the result of one’s visual diet (whereby mere exposure to certain bodies shifts preferences), associative learning mechanisms (whereby cues to health and status within the population are internalised and affect body preferences), or a mixture of both visual diet and associative learning effects. We tested how these factors may drive changes in preferences for muscularity in male bodies across a male and female sample. Three studies were conducted where participants viewed manipulation images of high and/or low muscle mass males which were either aspirational (high status clothing and posture) and/or neutral (no obvious cues to status). Preferences for muscularity were recorded before and after exposure to such manipulation images to assess whether body preferences had changed following manipulation. We found evidence for both the visual diet and associative learning hypotheses. Exposure to non-muscular male bodies decreased preferences for muscular bodies irrespective of image valence. Exposure to aspirational non-muscular male bodies alongside neutral muscular male bodies also led to a decrease in muscularity preferences. Further, when manipulation conditions are less obviously skewed towards a particular body type, preferences still shifted in the direction of the most prevalent body type, suggesting that demand characteristics are unlikely to have confounded results of previous adaptation experiments with more obvious manipulations.
Popular media as a double-edged sword: An entertainment narrative analysis of the controversial Netflix series 13 Reasons Why
Authors: Wang Hua , Parris Juliet J.
Published: August 2021

13 Reasons Why is a Netflix original series adapted from Jay Asher’s 2007 young adult novel with the same title. Season 1 premiered on March 31, 2017 and featured the sensitive issue of teen suicide along with bullying, substance use, depression, and sexual assault. Unlike the typical teen dramas on popular streaming platforms, this show was created not only for entertainment, but also to stimulate conversations about taboo topics that people often shy away from. However, it also caused significant controversy, especially criticism around the main character Hannah’s suicide scene. More than three years into the initial controversy and at least two dozen scholarly publications later, this study is the first to examine the entertainment narrative content of 13 Reasons Why Season 1 to better understand how these health and social issues were portrayed in the show, what specific examples we could identify as potential behavioral modeling, and to what degree it complied with the 2017 WHO guidelines for media professionals. We used the framing theory and social cognitive theory in communication research and media studies as our guiding conceptual frameworks and a narrative analysis approach to investigate a total of 660 cut scenes in all 13 episodes. Our findings provided empirical evidence, along with contextual information and detailed examples, to demonstrate that a popular entertainment program like the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why serves as a double-edged sword. The production team’s good will and due diligence are commendable. Yet, additional steps can be taken in the future to effectively promote professional resources and reduce viewers’ risks, especially the most vulnerable groups.
Psychological distress and health-related quality of life in patients after hospitalization during the COVID-19 pandemic: A single-center, observational study
Authors: Vlake Johan Hendrik , Wesselius Sanne , van Genderen Michel Egide , van Bommel Jasper , Boxma-de Klerk Bianca , Wils Evert-Jan
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Illnesses requiring hospitalization are known to negatively impact psychological well-being and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after discharge. The impact of hospitalization during the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic on psychological well-being and health-related quality of life is expected to be higher due to the exceptional circumstances within and outside the hospital during the pandemic surge. The objective of this study was to quantify psychological distress up to three months after discharge in patients hospitalized during the first coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic wave. We also aimed to determine HRQoL, to explore predictors for psychological distress and HRQoL, and to examine whether psychological distress was higher in COVID-19 confirmed patients, and in those treated in Intensive Care Units (ICUs).

Methods

In this single-center, observational cohort study, adult patients hospitalized with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 between March 16 and April 28, 2020, were enrolled. Patients were stratified in analyses based on SARS-CoV-2 PCR results and the necessity for ICU treatment. The primary outcome was psychological distress, expressed as symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, up to three months post-discharge. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was the secondary outcome. Exploratory outcomes comprised predictors for psychological distress and HRQoL.

Results

294 of 622 eligible patients participated in this study (median age 64 years, 36% female). 16% and 13% of these patients reported probable PTSD, 29% and 20% probable anxiety, and 32% and 24% probabledepression at one and three months after hospital discharge, respectively. ICU patients reported less frequently probable depression, but no differences were found in PTSD, anxiety, or overall HRQoL. COVID-19 patients had a worse physical quality of life one month after discharge, and ICU patients reported a better mental quality of life three months after discharge. PTSD severity was predicted by time after discharge and being Caucasian. Severity of anxiety was predicted by time after discharge and being Caucasian. Depression severity was predicted by time after discharge and educational level.

Conclusion

COVID-19 suspected patients hospitalized during the pandemic frequently suffer from psychological distress and poor health-related quality of life after hospital discharge. Non-COVID-19 and non-ICU patients appear to be at least as affected as COVID-19 and ICU patients, underscoring that (post-)hospital pandemic care should not predominantly focus on COVID-19 infected patients.
Ecological design of augmentation improves helicopter ship landing maneuvers: An approach in augmented virtuality
Authors: Morice Antoine H. P. , Rakotomamonjy Thomas , Serres Julien R. , Ruffier Franck
Published: August 2021

Helicopter landing on a ship is a visually regulated "rendezvous" task during which pilots must use fine control to land a powerful rotorcraft on the deck of a moving ship tossed by the sea while minimizing the energy at impact. Although augmented reality assistance can be hypothesized to improve pilots’ performance and the safety of landing maneuvers by guiding action toward optimal behavior in complex and stressful situations, the question of the optimal information to be displayed to feed the pilots’ natural information-movement coupling remains to be investigated. Novice participants were instructed to land a simplified helicopter on a ship in a virtual reality simulator while minimizing energy at impact and landing duration. The wave amplitude and related ship heave were manipulated. We compared the benefits of two types of visual augmentation whose design was based on either solving cockpit-induced visual occlusion problems or strengthening the online regulation of the deceleration by keeping the currentτ˙variable around an ideal value of -0.5 to conduct smooth and efficient landing. Our results showed that the second augmentation, ecologically grounded, offers benefits at several levels of analysis. It decreases the landing duration, improves the control of the helicopter displacement, and sharpens the sensitivity to changes inτ˙. This underlines the importance for designers of augmented reality systems to collaborate with psychologists to identify the relevant perceptual-motor strategy that must be encouraged before designing an augmentation that will enhance it.
Protocol for the systematic review of the epidemiology of superficial Streptococcal A infections (skin and throat) in Australia
Authors: Wiegele Sophie , McKinnon Elizabeth , Wyber Rosemary , Noonan Katharine
Published: August 2021

Objective

We have produced a protocol for the comprehensive systematic review of the current literature around superficial group A Streptococcal infections in Australia.

Methods

MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, Global Health, Cochrane, CINAHL databases and the gray literature will be methodically and thoroughly searched for studies relating to the epidemiology of superficial group A Streptococcal infections between the years 1970 and 2019. Data will be extracted to present in the follow up systematic review.

Conclusion

A rigorous and well-organised search of the current literature will be performed to determine the current and evolving epidemiology of superficial group A Streptococcal infections in Australia.
Speed invariant gait recognition—The enhanced mutual subspace method
Authors: Iwashita Yumi , Sakano Hitoshi , Kurazume Ryo , Stoica Adrian
Published: August 2021

This paper introduces anenhanced MSM(Mutual Subspace Method) methodology for gait recognition, to provide robustness to variations in walking speed. Theenhanced MSM (eMSM)methodology expands and adapts the MSM, commonly used for face recognition, which is a static/physiological biometric, to gait recognition, which is a dynamic/behavioral biometrics. To address the loss of accuracy during calculation of the covariance matrix in the PCA step of MSM, we use a 2D PCA-based mutual subspace. Furhtermore, to enhance the discrimination capability, we rotate images over a number of angles, which enables us to extract richer gait features to then be fused by a boosting method. The eMSM methodology is evaluated on existing data sets which provide variable walking speed, i.e. CASIA-C and OU-ISIR gait databases, and it is shown to outperform state-of-the art methods. While the enhancement to MSM discussed in this paper uses combinations of 2D-PCA, rotation, boosting, other combinations of operations may also be advantageous.
Combining IL-6 and SARS-CoV-2 RNAaemia-based risk stratification for fatal outcomes of COVID-19
Authors: Saji Ryo , Nishii Mototsugu , Sakai Kazuya , Miyakawa Kei , Yamaoka Yutaro , Ban Tatsuma , Abe Takeru , Ohyama Yutaro , Nakajima Kento , Hiromi Taro , Matsumura Reo , Suzuki Naoya , Taniguchi Hayato , Otsuka Tsuyoshi , Oi Yasufumi , Ogawa Fumihiro , Uchiyama Munehito , Takahashi Kohei , Iwashita Masayuki , Kimura Yayoi , Fujii Satoshi , Furuya Ryosuke , Tamura Tomohiko , Ryo Akihide , Takeuchi Ichiro
Published: August 2021

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic rapidly increases the use of mechanical ventilation (MV). Such cases further require extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and have a high mortality.

Objective

We aimed to identify prognostic biomarkers pathophysiologically reflecting future deterioration of COVID-19.

Methods

Clinical, laboratory, and outcome data were collected from 102 patients with moderate to severe COVID-19. Interleukin (IL)-6 level and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA copy number in plasma were assessed with ELISA kit and quantitative PCR.

Results

Twelve patients died or required ECMO owing to acute respiratory distress syndrome despite the use of MV. Among various variables, a ratio of oxygen saturation to fraction of inspired oxygen (SpO2/FiO2), IL-6, and SARS-CoV-2 RNA on admission before intubation were strongly predictive of fatal outcomes after the MV use. Moreover, among these variables, combining SpO2/FiO2, IL-6, and SARS-CoV-2 RNA showed the highest accuracy (area under the curve: 0.934). In patients with low SpO2/FiO2 (< 261), fatal event-rate after the MV use at the 30-day was significantly higher in patients with high IL-6 (> 49 pg/mL) and SARS-CoV-2 RNAaemia (> 1.5 copies/μL) compared to those with high IL-6 or RNAaemia or without high IL-6 and RNAaemia (88% vs. 22% or 8%, log-rank test P = 0.0097 or P < 0.0001, respectively).

Conclusions

Combining SpO2/FiO2 with high IL-6 and SARS-CoV-2 RNAaemia which reflect hyperinflammation and viral overload allows accurately and before intubation identifying COVID-19 patients at high risk for ECMO use or in-hospital death despite the use of MV.
A revolutionary monument: Reclaiming the Naṣb al-Ḥurrīyya in Baghdad
Authors: Bahrani Zainab
Published: August 2021

The monument that stands in Tahrir Square in Baghdad, known as Naṣb al-Ḥurrīyya (the Freedom Monument), is a site-specific work. Spatial in its conception from the very start, this monument came to exceed both primary historical event and iconographic representation to become the heart of the identity of the protest movement in the city of Baghdad, and to define its terrain. And it has now come to signify people’s rights across all of Iraq today. Commissioned soon after the 1958 revolution that overthrew the Hashemite Dynastic house, the Hurriyya monument has to do with the Event of revolution in the sense of event as defined in the philosophical writings of Alain Badiou, as a moment which emerges outside of, and changes the conditions and the frame of existence of its appearance. Thus, the Hurriyya monument commemorated historically the 14 July 1958 revolution in Iraq (the 14 Tammuz Revolution), yet it exceeded historical commemoration to signify the Evental character of a people’s revolution and its reclaiming of the city space.
Battle ground: Environmental determinism and the politics of painting the Iraqi landscape
Authors: Johnson Sarah
Published: August 2021

Beginning in the late 1940s, Iraqi artists began writing critiques of the Euro-American art movement impressionism, claiming that the way the movement framed the environment was not suited to the Iraqi landscape. Embedded in this argument was the notion that Iraqis could not paint European-style landscapes because of the fact that their environment was different from that of Europe. At the same time, paintings of the Iraqi landscape by European artists in the early twentieth century reinforced the idea that the Iraqi landscape was other than the European one because of its bright sun and empty desert, concepts familiar from nineteenth-century Orientalist discourse. This article will trace the way European painters’ representations of Iraq as other ultimately contributed to Iraqi painters seeking out a distinctive form of European landscape painting in the 1940s.
Floating on oil and antiquities: Iraq Petroleum, Al Amiloon Fil Naft and Iraqi cultural modernism
Authors: Floyd Tiffany
Published: August 2021

The Iraq Petroleum Company (IPC) played a paradoxically contentious and constructive role in the development and distribution of Iraqi modern art and visual culture during the twentieth century. During the 1950s and 1960s, the IPC sponsored a wide-ranging public relations platform that not only advanced the company’s agendas but also opened spaces for Iraqi artists, writers and thinkers to articulate their own cultural ideologies. In its publicity campaigns, the IPC often triangulated oil, antiquity and modernity into narratives of sociocultural progress to promote its brand. This article explores how the Baghdad-based editors of the IPC’s Al Amiloon Fil Naft reformulated this vision of Iraq’s ancient and modern history to fit within the locally constituted cultural trends, fashioning Al Amiloon Fil Naft into a cultural journal that circulated a nationalist vision of Iraqi modernism.
Experiments in Eden: Mid-century artist voyages into the Mesopotamian marshlands
Authors: Rauh Elizabeth
Published: August 2021

Following the 1958 Revolution, many Iraqi artists were sent abroad to study in foreign art academies and train in the latest methods – especially printmaking. The popularity and necessity of print in transnational decolonial movements lent printing practices a popular edge while enhancing the artwork’s seeming accessibility and reproducibility. As artists navigated the regional contours of transnational modernism while exploring graphic artmaking methods in the 1960s, several turned to the country’s southern wetland landscapes as new sites and creative worlds. This contribution examines a few of these mid-century experiments with the Mesopotamian marshlands in order to explore how these works bloomed in the liquid nature of printmaking while simultaneously proliferating images of the southern marshlands increasingly under threat in rapidly modernizing twentieth-century Iraq.
Painting architectural heritage in modern Baghdad: The art of Lorna Selim
Authors: Kafil-Hussain Mysa
Published: August 2021

This article explores the work of the artist Lorna Selim in the context of a period of modernization and urbanization in Baghdad, the city she moved to in 1950 with her husband, fellow artist Jewad Selim. Following the neglect and destruction of thousands of traditional houses in Baghdad, the landscape of the city was changing rapidly over time. Modernist architects and planners fuelled these changes, with little consideration for issues of conservation. I aim to show the impact of a variety of policies, historical events and new architectural trends on the Iraqi environment, and show how Lorna captured a snapshot of Iraqi cultural and architectural history which has since been lost.
Coexistent ruins: Exploring Iraq’s Mesopotamian past through contemporary art
Authors: Malallah Hanaa
Published: August 2021

The project will initiate and conduct interdisciplinary, expanded media, collaborative research at four ancient sites in Iraq, Mesopotamia: Ur, Babylon, Nippur and Nimrud as well as, through a series of workshops, talks, exhibitions and online coverage with the specific aim of exploring the critical question of how contemporary collaborative art projects conducted at these key archaeological sites can enable a re-engagement with this ancient heritage and history, facilitating a greater engagement with that past and thereby contribute to the local tourism and knowledge economies at these locations.

A female lead artist at each of the sites will facilitate a socially engaged programme that will utilize creative responses at these repeatedly colonized sites with participation from local residents, visitors to the sites and female art students; the programme aims to generate a renewed interest in the significance of this ancient heritage. The main aim is for this project to enable the small museums at these sites, which have been neglected for many years, to become more responsive to the needs of the local community. It intends to help with issues of post-conflict healing and reconciliation addressing issues of postcolonial conflict and survival.
The ‘Ark Re-Imagined’
Authors: Salim Rashad , Lewis Hannah
Published: August 2021

The ‘Ark Re-Imagined’ is an art project that envisions a Mesopotamian ark based on Iraq’s ancient boat types and vernacular architectural forms. Through exploring and documenting what remains of traditional boatbuilding techniques and related crafts in today’s Iraq, the project breaks new ground in the study of Mesopotamian maritime heritage. Engaging at the intersection between art, cultural heritage, ecology and development, the project’s ‘expeditionary art’ approach seeks tangible means to reconnect with the land and rivers through a palette of making techniques and aesthetic forms that have persisted in the region for many millennia. It holds global relevance through its imaginal engagement with the present situation of systemic crisis and potential transformation, drawing parallels between the current climate emergency and that of the Great Flood, and asking what kinds of knowledge, resources and practices an ark for our times needs to preserve.
Effect of insulin-like growth factor-1 complex of Simmental bull seminal plasma on post-thawed Kacang buck semen fertility
Authors: Susilowati Suherni , Mustofa Imam , Wurlina Wurlina , Triana Indah Norma , Utama Suzanita , Rimayanti Rimayanti
Published: August 2021

Background and Aim: Kacang buck sperm is cryosensitive due to the seminal plasma of semen itself. Meanwhile, bull seminal plasma contains the insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) complex, which is cryoprotective. The addition of the crude protein of Simmental bull seminal plasma increased the quality of post-thawed semen of Kacang buck. The study was conducted to determine the effects of Simmental bull seminal plasma with IGF-1 on the fertility of post-thawed Kacang buck semen. Materials and Methods: Buck semen was diluted in the following skim milk-egg yolk extender preparations: Without the addition of Simmental bull seminal plasma IGF-1 complex protein (T0); with the addition of 12-μg Simmental bull seminal plasma IGF-1 complex protein (T1); and with the addition of 24-μg Simmental bull seminal plasma IGF-1 complex protein (T2). The extended semen was packed in 0.25-mL straws and frozen. Post-thawed semen fertility was evaluated based on the following variables: Sperm motility, viability, intact plasma membrane (IPM), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, capacitation status, and acrosome reaction. The difference in each variable among the groups was evaluated using analysis of variance, followed by Tukey's honestly significant difference test, at a 95% level of significance. Meanwhile, principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify the principal component of semen fertility among the seven parameters. Results: The T1 group showed the highest sperm motility, viability, IPM, and percentage of incapacitated sperm and the lowest MDA levels, percentage of capacitated sperm, and acrosome reaction. PCA revealed that sperm motility had a moderate to very robust correlation with other variables and is the most crucial parameter, accounting for 80.79% of all variables. Conclusion: The IGF-1 complex in Simmental bull seminal plasma was useful for increasing the fertility of post-thawed Kacang buck semen, and sperm motility was the principal component of semen fertility.