bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Fatty Liver, Cirrhosis, and Liver Cancer Study (TENDENCY): Protocol for a Multicenter Case-Control Study
Authors: Hussain Yaqza , Bannaga Ayman , Fisher Neil , Krishnamoorthy Ashwin , Kimani Peter , Malik Ahmad , Truslove Maria , Joshi Shivam , Hitchins Megan , Abbasi Abdullah , Corbett Christopher , Brookes Matthew , Randeva Harpal , Than Nwe Ni , Arasaradnam Ramesh P
Published: February 2023

Background

Hepatocellular cancer (HCC) is associated with high mortality, and early diagnosis leads to better survival. Patients with cirrhosis, especially due to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and viral hepatitis, are at higher risk of developing HCC and form the main screening group. The current screening methods for HCC (6-monthly screening with serum alpha fetoprotein and ultrasound liver) have low sensitivity; hence, there is a need for better screening markers for HCC.

Objective

Our study, TENDENCY, aims to validate the novel screening markers (methylated septin 9, urinary volatile organic compounds, and urinary peptides) for HCC diagnosis and study these noninvasive biomarkers in liver disease.

Methods

This is a multicenter, nested case-control study, which involves comparing the plasma levels of methylated septin 9 between confirmed HCC cases and patients with cirrhosis (control group). It also includes the comparison of urine samples for the detection of HCC-specific volatile organic compounds and peptides. Based on the findings of a pilot study carried out at University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire, we estimated our sample size to be 308 (n=88, 29% patients with HCC; n=220, 71% patients with cirrhosis). Urine and plasma samples will be collected from all participants and will be frozen at –80 °C until the end of recruitment. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry will be used for urinary volatile organic compounds detection, and capillary electrophoresis–mass spectrometry will be used for urinary peptide identification. Real-time polymerase chain reaction will be used for the qualitative detection of plasma methylated septin 9. The study will be monitored by the Research and Development department at University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire.

Results

The recruitment stage was completed in March 2023. The TENDENCY study is currently in the analysis stage, which is expected to finish by November 2023.

Conclusions

There is lack of effective screening tests for hepatocellular cancer despite higher mortality rates. The application of more sensitive plasma and urinary biomarkers for hepatocellular cancer screening in clinical practice will allow us to detect the disease at earlier stages and hence, overall, improve HCC outcomes.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/44264
Appeal of editor-in-chief
Authors: Nikonov V.V.
Published: February 2023

No abstract
The Research on a Currency Board System: The Case of Hong Kong
Authors: Wu Jian
Published: February 2023

The Currency Board System is a relatively old topic. But due to the successive increases of interest rates by the US Federal Reserve in 2022, the topic has received attention again. This paper will analyse the Currency Board System through a typical example-Hong Kong. Firstly, the background of Currency Board System will be described. Then three conditions for the success of the Currency Board System will be analysed in the third part. After that, the suitable types of economy to apply the Currency Board System will be pointed out. Finally, it is recommend that different countries with different economic environment are better rationally implement the suitable exchange rate regime.
Research on the Influencing Factors of Chinese Private Enterprises to Enhance International Competitiveness in the Context of Double-cycle
Authors: Yuying Zhou , Rui Li
Published: February 2023

The world is currently in a state of shrinking global markets and an unstable international trade environment. To pursue economic development in a highly uncertain world environment, it is necessary to promote a new pattern of domestic and international development, which promotes each side of the markets and uses both international and domestic markets to achieve a more robust and sustainable cycle of development. As a typical representative of the vitality of socialist market economy, Chinese private enterprises need not only to develop domestically but also to enhance their international competitiveness. This paper researches and analyzes the current situation of international competitiveness of Chinese private enterprises, and constructs its international competitiveness evaluation indexes by combining the special characteristics of private enterprises themselves, and finally explores the factors influencing the international competitiveness of Chinese private enterprises and the realization mechanism.
Verbal Veracity Indicators and the Efficacy of Countermeasures in Three Non-WEIRD Populations
Authors: Vrij Aldert , Leal Sharon , Deeb Haneen , Fisher Ronald P.
Published: February 2023

Practitioners ask whether verbal veracity cues are (i) diagnostic across populations and (i) resistant to countermeasures. We examined this by merging the three datasets reported by Vrij, Leal et al. (2020, 2022).Participants from Lebanon (n = 187), Mexico (n = 205) and South-Korea (n = 239) discussed a city-trip they had made (truth tellers, n = 328) or made up a story (lie tellers, n = 303) about such a trip. Some participants (n = 325) were informed about the relation between deception and complications, common knowledge details and self-handicapping strategies (informed participants), whereas others were not (uninformed participants). The dependent variables were total details, complications, common knowledge details, self-handicapping strategies and plausibility.All five variables discriminated truth tellers from lie tellers, but particularly complications and plausibility. These cues were diagnostic veracity indicators across different populations and remained diagnostic when we compared informed lie tellers with uninformed truth tellers.
A Study of Spatial Writing in John Keats’s Lamia
Authors: WANG Yitong , CUI Dan
Published: February 2023

The 19th English romantic poet John Keats constructed a large number of spaces to assist the narrative process in his narrative poem Lamia. If we re-analyze this poem from a spatial perspective, we will find that the poet is using spatial changes to promote the development of the storyline, and reflect the protagonist’s mental journey from the subtle changes of the scene. This essay aims to explore the special significance of its spatial construction and its role in promoting the development of narrative, and analyze the power discourse contained in the poem.
An Efficient & Less Complex Solution to Mitigate Impulsive Noise in Multi-Channel Feed-Forward ANC System with Online Secondary Path Modeling (OSPM)
Authors: Khan Fahad Ihsan , Javed Muhammad Umer , Türeli Didem Kıvanç
Published: February 2023

This paper deals with impulsive noise (IN) in multichannel (MC) Active Noise Control (ANC) Systems with Online Secondary Path Modelling (OSPM) employing adaptive algorithms for the first time. It compares performance of various existing techniques belonging to varied computational complexity range and proposes four new methods, namely: FxRLS-VSSLMS, VSSLMS-VSSLMS, FxLMAT-VSSLMS and NSS MFxLMAT-VSSLMS to deal with modest to very high impulsive noise (IN). Simulation results show that these proposed methods demonstrated improved performance in terms of fast convergence speed, lowest steady state error, robustness and stability under impulsive environment in addition to modelling accuracy for stationary as well as non-stationary environment besides reducing computational complexity many folds.
Transformaciones titánicas en Cuentos del Olimpo: traumas y violencia en el cuerpo femenino
Authors: Salvador Serrano Mónica
Published: February 2023

El presente artículo analiza la narrativa del webcómic Cuentos del Olimpo, de Rachel Smythe, centrándose en las transformaciones corporales del personaje de Perséfone, la diosa de la primavera y reina del Inframundo. A lo largo de la historia, la protagonista, que conceptualmente posee muchas características estereotípicamente femeninas, pasa por varios tipos de metamorfosis, desde el crecimiento de cabello descontrolado y ojos rojos, hasta tamaños titánicos, hibernación corporal y mental. Todas estas transformaciones tienen un trasfondo de trauma y violencia, tales como la violación, la sobreprotección materna, la extorsión, la invalidación, el encapsulamiento de sentimientos, la perdida inesperada de seres queridos y el deseo de venganza. Sostengo que estas transfiguraciones se activan como un mecanismo de protección del cuerpo al sentirse en peligro o abrumado por emociones como ira, impotencia, miedo y dolor. Una característica de los momentos en que ocurren estas transformaciones es que la diosa las narra en primera persona, lo que se indica con la tipografía en un color distinto al del resto del capítulo donde se lleva a cabo la metamorfosis: el rosa, la paleta de colores del personaje. A partir de las metamorfosis del personaje se puede construir su historia; desde Kore, diosa de la primavera, hasta Perséfone, reina del Inframundo.
Salud gráfica feminista: una aproximación a las patografías gráficas en la historieta argentina reciente
Authors: Acevedo Mariela Alejandra
Published: February 2023

Este artículo presenta un panorama de las narraciones gráficas sobre enfermedades (patografías gráficas) que plasman procesos de salud-enfermedad-atención- cuidado (PSEAC) y que pueden considerarse ficciones basadas en hechos reales, aunque no necesariamente sean relatos autobiográficos. Apuntamos a algunos mecanismos discursivos que sirven para distinguir el autocómic factual del ficcional. Se relevan y analizan sintéticamente algunas novelas gráficas e historietas breves autoconclusivas editadas en papel o publicadas en plataformas digitales durante la última década en Argentina que tematizan alguna cuestión en torno a las condiciones de salud. Para ello rastreamos la articulación de la figura autoral con la de narrador y personaje, principalmente en las historietas que definimos como autocómic. Se trata de un trabajo exploratorio que tiene como objetivo construir un corpus de análisis inicial de medicina gráfica en el que nos interesa analizar cómo se articulan las experiencias del yo que narran los PSAEC desde un enfoque feminista. También se propone pensar estas narrativas que se ubican dentro de la corriente de medicina gráfica desde un enfoque que consideramos superador que es el de salud gráfica feminista, lo que resitúa los relatos en la perspectiva de las/os pacientes y usuarias/os del sistema de salud que ponen a circular estas historias.
Cognición y memoria en el repliegue del sí mismo
Authors: Osorio Sánchez Yeny Leydy
Published: February 2023

El objetivo de este artículo es presentar un análisissobre la memoria y su lugar en la configuración dela identidad personal. Se sostiene la idea según lacual la identidad personal implica la construcciónde una memoria reflexiva y que la cognición seconecta con la hermenéutica fenomenológica dePaul Ricoeur en el trabajo de la rememoración quehace del sí mismo un objeto del recuerdo.
Detecting Natural Disasters Using Deep Learning
Authors: Keshav B , Cherryl M , Kumar P Naveen , Murugan Dr. G
Published: February 2023

Abstract: Natural disasters cannot be stopped, but they can be spotted, allowing people valuable time to flee to safety, as is often noted. One strategy is to utilize computer vision to supplement current sensors, which improves the accuracy of natural catastrophe detectors and, more significantly, enables people to take preparations, stay safe, and prevent/reduce the number of fatalities and injuries caused by these disasters. As a result, responding to natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, and wildfires requires extensive work by emergency responders and analysts who are on the ground. A low-latency data source for understanding crisis conditions has arisen in social media. While the majority of social media research just uses text, photos provide additional insight into accident and disaster situations.
A Review on Microparticles Drug Delivery System
Authors: Kasture Shital A. , Bhosale Nilesh R. , Bhosale Ankita V. , . Gaurd Pooja S , Kondewad Pavan P.
Published: February 2023

Abstract: Multiparticulate drug delivery methods frequently include microparticles, microspheres, and microcapsules, which have both medical and technological advantages. Microparticles are employed as multiunit drug delivery systems with welldefined physiological and pharmacokinetic benefits to increase efficacy, tolerance, and patient compliance. Their sizes range from 1 to 1000 m. In the creation of microparticles for drug delivery research, a variety of polymers have been used to increase therapeutic effectiveness while lowering side effects. Microparticles today are made of polymers, ceramic, and glass. Microparticles are more stable in the biological milieu than liposomes are. Surface-linked targeting moiety can be built into microparticles. In order to administer drugs to specific areas, this technique is employed. For controlled and long-term release, microparticles are also utilised. To treat many sick states such ophthalmic disorders, cancer, cardiac diseases, and inflammation, macromolecules are encapsulated inside microparticles. This review covers the pros, cons, types of microparticles, preparation method, evaluation of microparticles, and applications.
Suraksha Kavach - Crime Prediction and Analysis
Authors: Gupta Esha , Samarpam Shashwat , Sharma Sanjukta , Singh Raj Pratap , S Prof Aruna
Published: February 2023

Abstract: Suraksha Kavach is a word used to describe protection to ward off the evil eye in our lives. Our primary motivation behind taking up this work was our common interest in the fields of Machine Learning and contribution towards the field of police, the welfare of the public, and their safety, thus the name “Suraksha Kavach”. In addition to this, observed that there was a lack of means for facilitating the safety of society. So we decided to take up this topic and try to solve this massive problem. Be using several machine learning algorithms to create an ensemble method to solve this problem. With the help of ensemble methods, the accuracy of the result that we will obtain will be very high. Our effort can bring about a revolution in technology regarding crime prediction and analysis and greatly help the crime branch and police personnel.
A Literature Review of Object Detection using YOLOv4 Detector
Authors: Saini S Bhupinder Singh , Tiwari Shamsher , Gupta Naman , Jaishree S
Published: February 2023

Abstract: Object detection is an advanced form of image classification where a neural network predicts objectsin an image and points them out in the form of bounding boxes. Compared to the approach taken by object detection algorithms before YOLO, which repurpose classifiers to perform detection, YOLO proposes the use of an end-to-end neural network that makes predictions of bounding boxes and class probabilities all at once. Object detection not solely includes classifying and recognizing objects in an image but also includes localizing those objects and attracts bounding boxes around them. Its applicationincludes field like face detection, detecting vehicles, autonomous vehicles and pedestrians on streets.
The effect of pottasium (K) on the development of scarlet mite (Brevipalpus phoenicis Geijske) population at tea crop (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze)
Authors: Sucherman Odih
Published: February 2023

A research experiment to know the effect of pottasium on the population development of scarlet mite and growth of young tea was carried out. The experiment was conducted at Green House of Plant Protection Department Research Institute Tea and Cinchona GamÂ­bung, Bandung, West Java, from December 2011 until July 2012. The soil type used is Andisol and altitude is 1.250 m above sea level. The treatments were potassium fertilizer appliÂ­cations of 0, 30, 40 (standars treatment), 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100 kg K20/ha/year; in which the 0 dosage was used as untreated control. The result of the experiment showed that: pottasium fertilizer at the dosage 70 kg K2O/ha/year to 100 kg K2O/ha/year reasonably effective in pressuring the development of the population development of scarlet mite and increasing the number of leaves as indication of rising class seedlings on young tea. Pottasium fertilizer at the medium dosage 70 kg K2O/haÂ­/year reasonably effective in pressuring the development of the population development of scarlet mite and increasing the number of leaves as indication of rising class seedlings, when compared to the standards (40 kg/ha/y) and control dose on young tea.
Effects of organic medium on growth and root formation of Cinchona ledgeriana Moens planting material at early stage of nursery
Authors: Dalimoenthe Salwa Lubnan
Published: February 2023

Cinchona plants commonly propagated through vegetative propagation using grafting between scion and rootstocks and planting on mixed of top soil and sub soil. To overcome these problems, an alternative planting medium of cinchona seedling has to be explored to reÂ­duce the use of soil. In this research, various organic materials have been tested to see their effect on growth and root formation of cinchona seedling at early stage of cinchona nursery. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete design (RCD) with 17 treatments, each treatment consists 20 plants/replication. Treatments tested were combination of organic matter (cocopith, rice husk, sawdust and peat soil) with top soil (15% and 25%). Cow dung or seaweed, as organic fertilizer was added to enrich planting medium. Results shows that coÂ­copith, rice husk, sawdust and peat soil enÂ­riched with cow dung or seaweed has no signiÂ­ficance difference with top soil medium (conÂ­ventional planting medium) on plants living percentage, plants height, leaves number and, stem diameter of cinchona seedlings at early stage of cinchona nursery comparing with the conventional way. On plants heights and leaves number, there are significant difference caused by the treatment during three months after plantings. The number of rooting plants in betÂ­ween 33% up to 100%. In general, plants reÂ­generation and compatibility between scion and rootstock of cinchona tested plants shows that the cell regeneration or cell growths are well and there is no sign on incompatibility between scion and rootstock.
The comparison of effectivity from consortium bio fertilizer and endophytic bio fertilizer on productivity and health of clone mature GMB 7 tea crop
Authors: Setiawati Mieke Rochimi , Wulansari Restu , Pranoto Eko
Published: February 2023

This study aimed at comparing the effecÂ­tiveness of consortium bio-fertilizer with endoÂ­phytic bio fertilizer to increasing producÂ­tivity and health of mature clone GMB 7 tea crop. This research was carried out at the Gambung Experimental Station Block A7 Research InstiÂ­tute for Tea and Cinchona, from July 2013 to September 2013. Randomized block design was used in this study with ten treatments and three replications i.e.: A1H0 = anorganic fertilizer (75%), A2H0 = anorganic fertilizer (50%), A1H1 = anorganic fertilizer (75%) + 2 liter consortium bio fertilizer, A1H2 = anorganic fertilizer (75 %) + 4 liter consorÂ­tium bio-fertiÂ­lizer, A2H1 = anorganic fertilizer (50 %) + 2 liter consortium bio fertilizer, A2H2 = anorgaÂ­nic fertilizer (50%) + 4 liter consorÂ­tium bio-fertilizer, A1H3 = anorganic fertilizer (75 %) + 2 liter endophytic bio fertilizer, A1H4 = anorÂ­ganic fertilizer (75%) + 4 liter endoÂ­phytic bio fertilizer, A2H3 = anorganic fertiliÂ­zer (50%) + 2 liter endophytic bio fertilizer and A2H4 = anorganic fertilizers (50%) +4 liter endophytic bio fertilizer. The results showed there were a significantly difference on amount of the pekoe shoot among treatments, although the others variable was not significantly diffeÂ­rent. However, the overall consortium bio-fertilizer resulted in the production of shoots 15,36% and endophytic biofertilizer application resulted in the production of shoots 21,93% higher than the control (without bio fertilizer). When compared to the first plucking, the numÂ­ber of shoot from July to September showed increasing trend, so did the number of banji shoots.
PENGARUH PERSEPSI RETURN DAN PERSEPSI RISIKO PADA KEPUTUSAN BERINVESTASI DI SAHAM SYARIAH (STUDI PADA GALERI INVESTASI SYARIAH FEBI UIN AR-RANIRY BANDA ACEH)
Authors: Sukma Nadhiratul , Sari Nilam , Dianah Azimah
Published: February 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh persepsi return dan persepsi risiko secara bersama-sama terhadap keputusan berinvestasi saham syariah di Galeri Investasi Syariah FEBI UIN Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif, dimana sampel yang diambil sebanyak 89 responden yaitu investor Galeri Investasi Syariah FEBI UIN Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh. Jenis data yang digunakan adalah data primer yaitu mengedarkan kuisioner melalui google form. Metode analisis penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa variabel persepsi return dan persepsi risiko secara simultan berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap keputusan investasi. Saecara parsial variabel persepsi return berpengaruh signifikan terhadap keputusan investasi, kemudian variabel persepsi risiko secara parsial tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap leputusan investasi.
Analisis Peran Perempuan Buruh Tani Kangkung dalam Meningkatkan Pendapatan Ekonomi Keluarga Perspektif Keadilan dalam Ekonomi Islam
Authors: Imronah 'Ainul , Nginayati Eti
Published: February 2023

Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi oleh luasnya lahan persawahan yang ada di Desa Kalipurwo Kecamatan Kuwarasan Kabupaten Kebumen dan dialih fungsikan menjadi lahan bercocok tanam sayuran varietas kangkung serta banyaknya perempuan yang ada di Desa Kalipurwo terlibat aktif dalam usaha mencari nafkah sebagai buruh tani kangkung untuk memenuhi kebutuhan keluarganya. Berdasarkan pernyataan yang demikian, penelitian ini berusaha untuk mengetahui latar belakang perempuan memilih menjadi buruh tani kangkung serta peranan perempuan buruh tani kangkung dalam peningkatan ekonomi dan tinjauan keadilan ekonomi islam bagi buruh tani kangkung di Desa Kalipurwo Kecamatan Kuwarasan Kabupaten Kebumen. Penelitian ini dilakukan secara deskriptif kualitatif yaitu dengan cara menggambarkan atau mendeskripsikan realitas sosial yang kompleks dan juga hal-hal baru yang ada di dalam masyarakat. Penelitian ini mengambil sample untuk diwawancara secara acak dimana setiap informan mewakili setiap subjek penelitian. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukan bahwa beberapa alasan perempuan memilih bekerja menjadi buruh tani kangkung yakni (a) keharusan, (b) memilih untuk bekerja sebagai refleksi dari kondisi sosial ekonomi pada tingkat menengah ke atas, (c) presepsi turun menurun, (d) tidak ada keterampilan khusus, (e) pendidikan. Sedangkan peran peningkatan pendapatan keluarganya di buktikan dengan mereka manfaatkan/gunakan untuk pemenuhan kebutuhan hidup rumah tangga, seperti menambah penghasilan suami dan pendapatan keluarga, untuk keperluan belanja keluarga sehari-hari, dan untuk keperluan biaya sekolah anak. Adapun tinjauan keadilan dalam ekonomi Islamnya yakni mencakup 3 (tiga) point tinjauan keadilan, yaitu: Perizinan, upah, dan pembelanjaan upah.
«No hay solamente comunidades científicas periféricas, también hay objetos de investigación periféricos»
Authors: Herrera García Fernando , Kreimer Pablo
Published: February 2023

Pablo Kreimer, referente del campo de los estudios sociales de la ciencia, tecnología y sociedad (CTS), relata su trayectoria académica desde las inquietudes que se le presentaron en distintos momentos de su vida respecto a la ciencia y la tecnología y su relación con el entorno desde las políticas científicas nacionales, las relaciones entre centros y periferias, hasta la relación entre problemas de conocimiento y problemas sociales. Al preguntarse ¿cómo surgen y cómo se desarrollan los campos científicos en contextos periféricos, y cuál es su relación con las sociedades en las que se insertan? propone observar a las disciplinas y a los procesos de institucionalización de estas, como objetos analíticos claves, a observar en contextos periféricos, tal como hizo con la biología molecular en Argentina. Reflexivo y crítico desde una mirada histórica, política y epistemológica, habla sobre el campo CTS, con foco en América Latina y resalta los que, en su mirada, son los límites y desafíos de este campo y la relación de los estudios CTS con las políticas públicas, las ciencias sociales y el sector privado. Propone la necesidad de renovar las agendas de investigación, no como un imperativo intra disciplinario, sino como un modo de abordar el clima de su época. Para Kreimer, cuya mirada desde la sociología política de la ciencia da cuenta de las relaciones de poder y de la importancia de los contextos, los objetos de investigación y los enfoques analíticos deben, al mismo tiempo, dar cuenta de los problemas sociales y de la acumulación de conocimiento producido.
In Service to Security: Constructing the Authority to Manage European Border Data Infrastructures
Authors:   , Murphy Eileen
Published: February 2023

Large-scale IT systems play a central role in the management of European borders. These systems not only support the management of mobility but also require management in and of themselves. Based on fieldwork carried out at the headquarters of the European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (eu-LISA) this thesis identifies a logic of service as central to the management of European border data infrastructures. Developed across three articles the thesis contributes to critical research on security. The first article contributes to research on the roles and relationships of new actors to the field of European (in)security. It theorises the role of eu-LISA as a guild of IT service management. This service role enables actors to take up a relationship to the field which is distinct from, yet in support of the work of professionals of (in)security, which I describe as delimiting security. The second article contributes to research on the (de)politicisation of security practices. I argue where issues of expertise are often characterised as depoliticising under a logic of security, under a logic of service they are routinely contested and debated, providing a space to engage with the politics of this work. The third article contributes to research on evolving competitions and stakes in the field of European (in)security. It identifies efforts to define the support needed to define threats and risks as an increasingly important stake in the field, which I describe as service capital. I define service capital in terms of the power that accrues from providing this support to others. Exploring service capital requires considering how actors make their work visible to one another, thus this article also contributes to research on the relationship between visibility, governance, and power. In summation, the thesis offers an in-depth empirical account of the working practices of a key agency in the management of European borders, contributes to key debates in the critical security literature, and most significantly identifies service as a central line along which matters of (in)security are increasingly being constructed, contested, debated and defined.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVEL AT THE TIME OF BLOOD CULTURE SAMPLING AND CULTURE POSITIVITY IN A MEDICAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT: A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY
Authors: yildirim suleyman , Yilmaz Huseyin O. , Durmaz Yusuf , Kirakli Cenk
Published: February 2023

Introduction Sepsis is one of the major causes of death in intensive
care unit (ICU). One of the most important treatment for sepsis is
antibiotic treatment. At the beginning antibiotics is chosen empirically
after that is changed according to culture results or response to
initial treatment. Nevertheless, only small number of culture positivity
can be detected. The factors associated culture positivity are of
interest in the critically ill patients. Therefore, we aim in our study
to explore the factors associated with blood culture positivity
especially blood glucose levels at the time blood culture sampling.
Methods We perform this prospective observational study at the Intensive
Care Unit of Dr. Suat Seren Chest Disease and Chest Surgery Training and
Research Hospital between August 1, 2016 and January 1, 2017, in İzmir,
Turkey. Two separate samples from opposite sides of each patient were
obtained, and blood glucose was measured simultaneously with bed-side
blood glucose measurement device by using the blood drawn for blood
culture for each vial. The average of the two measurements was
considered as the simultaneous blood glucose level of the patient.
Results 174 patients were enrolled into the study, blood culture
positivity was detected in 53 (30%) patients. In univariate analyzes,
blood glucose levels, presence of central venous catheter, antibiotic
treatment, vasoactive drug infusion and diabetes mellitus (DM) were
associated with culture positivity. In multivariate analyze only DM was
associated culture positivity (OR 5.63 [95% CI 1.99-15.91]
p=0,001). Conclusion DM increase possibility of blood culture
positivity. It stems from uncontrolled DM. Further studies are needed to
evaluate this condition stems from uncontrolled DM or both uncontrolled
and well-controlled DM.
Flow behaviors of multi-scale bubbles with porous ceramic membrane distributors: Visualization and Modeling
Authors: Xiang Zhenli , Yin Chunyu , Wan Dongchuang , Zhou Yebin , Ma Chaofan , Jiang Mengmeng , He Wei , Liu Yi , Li Xiao-nian , Lu Chunshan
Published: February 2023

The distribution of gas-liquid two-phase flow is one of significant
effects on heterogeneous catalytic reactions. Ceramic membrane gas
distributors (CMGD) were applied in improving gas-liquid distribution,
and flow behavior of gas as dispersed phase in liquid phase was
visualized via high-speed photograph. The average diameters of
multi-scale bubbles were measured and modeled ranging from 10-5 to 10-2
m. The coalescence and trajectory of bubbles during rising process were
observed, and two typical trajectories straight and spiral types were
tracked. In order to inhibit coalescence of bubbles during rising
process, internals manufactured by 3D printing were installed in the
channel of ceramic membrane. The average bubble size of CMGD decreases
12 % from 392 to 345 μm compared to that of the original CMGD. The CMGD
with internals enhances the heterogeneous catalytic reaction performance
via providing large quantity of stabile multi-scale bubbles which could
match the porous structure of catalyst.
Trajectory tracking based on neural network sliding mode controller
Authors: Yu JieYun
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we aim to improve the tracking performance of the
manipulator joint system under the presence of the uncertainties, such
as modelling error, friction, and external disturbance. Firstly, the
nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode control is developed to
guarantees a finite-time convergence and to solve the singular issue of
the terminal sliding mode control. Secondly, in view of the established
system model, an adaptive sliding mode controller (SMC) based on radial
basis function neural network (RBFNN) and sliding mode variable
structure control theory is designed for the tracking of the bi-joint
manipulator and six-degree of freedom parallel robot. Finally, the
results show that our method improves the robustness of the adaptive
RBFNN controller further, weakens the chattering phenomenon, reduces
error, and has an excellent control performance.
Analytical 2-D Model of Slotless Brushless Machines with Spoke-type Permanent Magnets
Authors: Pourahmadi-Nakhli Meisam , Daryanavard Hassan
Published: February 2023

A two-dimensional analytical model is proposed for slotless brushless
machines with arc-shaped spoke permanent magnets assisted by hub magnets
to calculate the magnetic field distribution due to magnets and armature
reaction, the electromagnetic torque, and back electromotive force. To
verify the model, the analytical results of the field distribution,
electromagnetic torque and back electromotive force have been compared
with those achieved from finite element method. Moreover, this model is
used as an equivalent analytical model for a cubic spoke motor, and it
is shown that the proposed equivalent sub domain model satisfactorily
estimates the electromagnetic quantities.
Isolated Rupture of Extraocular Muscles in A Severe Penetrating Trauma– “A Globe Shielded by Muscles”
Authors: Shetty Shashikant , Sankar Janani , Parekh Rutvi , Janardhanan Anupama
Published: February 2023

Traumatic rupture of an extraocular muscle is rare. We report an unusual
case of Superior oblique and medial rectus rupture after a penetrating
trauma by metallic hook. Surgical repair was combined with botulinum
toxin injection into the ipsilateral antagonist to prevent consequent
contracture thus also augmenting the orthoptic outcome.
Knee Solution-Driven, Decomposition-Dased Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization for Ontology Meta-Matching
Authors: Tan Wenbin , Lv Qing , Chengcai Jiang , Yikun Huang
Published: February 2023

As the latest information exchange model, ontology is favored by
information systems, but the heterogeneity of ontology has seriously
influenced the interaction and cooperation between these systems.
Ontology matching is considered an effective method to solve the
ontology heterogeneity problem whose kernel technology is a similarity
measure. However, a single measure cannot achieve satisfactory ontology
alignments. To this end, integrating different similarity measures is
feasible. First of all, due to the difference in user preferences for
alignment quality, the ontology matching problem is modeled as a
continuous multi-objective optimization model. Particle Swarm
Optimization (PSO) is suitable for solving continuous optimization
problems and previous studies have found that decomposition-based
methods are more suitable for solving ontology matching. Then,
considering the user’s preference, a knee solution-driven,
decomposition-based multi-objective particle swarm algorithm (K-MOPSO/D)
is designed to solve the ontology matching. Finally, the effectiveness
of our proposed method is verified by standard test cases from the
well-known OAEI (Ontology Alignment Evaluation Initiative), and its
performance is compared with the state-of-the-art matching methods.
Viral clearance in end-to-end continuous process for mAb purification: Total flow-through integrated polishing on two columns connected to virus filtration
Authors: Shirataki Hironobu , Matsumoto Yoshihiro , Konoike Fuminori , Yamamoto Shuichi
Published: February 2023

There are few reports of the adoption of continuous processes in
bioproduction, particularly the implementation of end-to-end continuous
processes, due to difficulties such as feed adjustment, production batch
demarcation, and incorporating virus filtration. Here, we propose an
end-to-end continuous process for a monoclonal antibody (mAb) with three
integrated process segments: upstream production processes with
pool-less direct connection, pooled low pH virus inactivation with
automated pH control and a total flow-through integrated polishing
process in which two columns were directly connected with a virus
filter. The pooled virus inactivation step demarcates the batch, and
high impurities reduction and mAb recovery were achieved for batches
conducted in succession. Viral clearance tests also confirmed robust
virus reduction for the flow-through two column chromatography and the
virus filtration steps. Additionally, viral clearance tests with two
different hollow fiber virus filters operated at flux ranging from 1.5
to 40 LMH confirmed robust virus reduction over these ranges. Complete
clearance with LRV ≥ 4 was achieved even with a process pause at the
lowest flux. The end-to-end continuous process proposed in this study is
highly applicable to production processes, and the investigated virus
filters have excellent applicability to continuous processes conducted
at constant flux.
Electrophysiological responses of audiovisual integration from infancy to adulthood
Authors: Vannasing Phetsamone , Dionne-Dostie Emmanuelle , Tremblay Jluie , Paquette Natacha , Collignon Olivier , Gallagher Anne
Published: February 2023

Our ability to merge information from different senses into a unified
percept is a crucial perceptual process for efficient interaction with
our multisensory environment. Yet, the developmental process underlying
how the brain implements multisensory integration remains poorly known.
This cross-sectional study aims to characterize the developmental
patterns of audiovisual events in 131 individuals aged 3 months to 30
years. Electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded during a passive task,
including audiovisual, auditory, and visual stimulations. Different
developmental patterns are seen for the audiovisual, auditory, and
visual responses, with the visual and audiovisual responses reaching
maturity between 11 and 14 years old and the auditory response reaching
maturity a few years later, between 15 and 17 years old. Topographic
distributions reveal distinct audiovisual developmental patterns across
age groups. Specifically, from 3 months to 7 years old, audiovisual
interaction emerges in the left temporo-parietal regions and reaches the
medial frontal area between 8 and 10 years old, followed by a mature
fronto-central pattern from 11 years old. Our results show that response
to the bimodal events is a long developmental process that emerges
during childhood and continues to develop during adolescence.
Movies about the First World War: Shaping the collective memory. Cases of Serbian/Yugoslav and Greek cinematography
Authors: Tomasevic Jasmina
Published: February 2023

The First World War brought radical changes to the political map of Europe and took more than 15 million lives on both warring sides. This conflict of unprecedented proportions has left deep traces on the lives of people who found themselves in a whirlwind of war. Therefore, it is no wonder that the theme of war was present in various types of human creativity - through literature (especially autobiographical genres), art, but also popular culture, where movies rightly took centre stage. Even during the period 1914-1918, the film became the main weapon of propaganda. Through this instrument, the message was able to reach quickly a large number of people, regardless of their social status and level of education. After 1918, the film served as a popular medium through which the memory of war events was preserved. The first movies exuded the anti-war spirit at the moment when post-war Europe was facing long-term economic consequences that had surfaced. Pacifist messages could be seen in different film productions, which to a large extent looked up to Hollywood, the most significant film industry in the world. The same was in the case of smaller allied countries such as Greece and Serbia, which both paved a different path of development due to the complexity of historical processes conducted in these Balkan countries. This paper aims to point out these different developments and shed light on lesser-known facts about Yugoslav and Greek WWI cinematography.
Experimental and CFD analysis of wire coil turbulators in biomass boilers
Authors: Novcic Djordje , Nikolic Milos , Todorovic Dusan , Karamarkovic Rade , Obradovic Marko
Published: February 2023

To achieve as complete fuel burnout with as little excess air as possible,
small wood log boilers (< 50 kW) use stage combustion. The first stage is
often a process similar to downdraft gasification that consequently
produces a flue gas laden with particulates. To prevent the build-up of
solids and promote heat transfer in pipes of the convective part of these
boilers, wire coils are used. The paper presents their in-situ examination
together with CFD analysis. The analysis is carried out in a 460 mm long
pipe, with a diameter of 82.5 mm, equipped with different wire coils for
flue gas temperatures in the range between 300?C and 150?C. The analyzed
coils are with and without a conical spring at their free end. The addition
of this conical top is economical and should influence the rotation of the
core flow. Proper pipe surface cleaning limited the analyzed wire coil
designs to the dimensionless pitch, p/d, in the range between 0.36-0.61,
dimensionless wire diameter e/d = 0.04-0.1, and pitch to wire diameter
ratios p/e = 3.75-14.3, and three different angles (60?, 90?, and 120?) of
the conical top. The goals are to find the optimal flue gas velocity for the
given operating conditions, pipe, and wire coil dimensions, and to
investigate the addition of the conical top on heat transfer enhancement.
Several evaluation criteria are used to achieve the goals.
Studying the Prevalence of Lead among Schoolchildren in Qatar and its Impacts on School Performance and Attitudes towards Violence in School
Authors: Alkhatib Ahed J
Published: February 2023

Exposure to lead (pb+2) has been associated with several diseases including mental diseases and violent behaviors. The main objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of lead (pb+2) and its impacts on school performance and attitudes towards violence in Qatar schools. A case control study design was conducted. A total sample of 170 students was randomly selected to participate in this study according to their academic achievement. A special questionnaire was designed for this study. Lead (pb+2) was determined in urine sample using spectrum atomic absorption. Results showed that the grades are significantly negatively correlated with the concentration of Pb, sleep hours and rate of preservative consumption. Similarly, the performance of the student’s id significantly associated with the violent and negative behaviours. The poor performance of the students is indicated by the low grades (score: 50-60) is significantly associated with the presence of higher concentrations of Pb in the urine in comparison to the good performing students. The outcomes of this study also highlight the feasibility of observable behaviours and quantifiable biochemical indicators to predict a student’s performance in academics. Furthermore, the association of the consumption of preservatives and daily sleep hours with the performance of the students are indicator to provide awareness to the students, school administrators and the public. The detectable presence of a toxicant like Pb, in this case, to impact academic performance and behaviour necessitates further validation as well as provision of guidelines for public health. Taken together, exposure to lead is a significant problem that should be addressed in social context.
General Overview of Yeast and Yeast Cell as a Novel Model for Investigations
Authors: Lahir YK
Published: February 2023

Biological scientists have been looking for a suitable experimental organism which can provide better understanding of biomolecular mechanisms involved in the physiological processes and observations can be readily interpolated. It can be easily procured, cost effective, and better maintained in laboratory conditions. Yeast is practically omnipresent in most of the biomes and exhibits higher genetic diversity in comparison to most of the angiosperms or chordates. These eukaryotes have very simple and short life cycle exhibiting budding, and sexual reproduction. Mostly, there are no ethical issues related to this organism being used as experimental model. Its small genome is the prime factor that makes easy manipulations in the field of molecular genetics, genomics, evolutionary genomics, senescence, cell cycle, biomedical genetics, and biotechnology. This experimental model opens new horizons in the direction of functional genomics that may be helpful in encoding metabolic mechanisms and ecological diversities.
Concentrations and Health Risks Related to PAHs in Indoor and Outdoor Air, A Systematic Review
Authors: A Momen , F Mohammadi , R* Rostami
Published: February 2023

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of organic compounds with two to seven benzene rings and are a group of environmental pollutants. They are produced generally by incomplete combustion of combustible materials such as fossil fuels. Some PAHs are carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic. The databases used in this study were Science Direct, Google Scholar and Springer. Among the 2650 articles found, 17 articles met our criteria. The results show that, the concentration of PAHs in rural areas, both indoor and outdoor (1689.32 and 718.58 µg/m3), is higher than in urban areas (720.86 and 529.79 µg/m3), respectively. Regarding the results, the type of applied fuel is influencing the concentration of PAHs. So that, PAHs released from combustion of coal was higher than remain (10750.1 µg/m3). The highest lifetime cancer risk (LTCRs) and hazard quotient (HQ) were for exposure to the concentrations of indoor PAHS in the rural areas (3.69×10-7 and 2.96×10-6), respectively.
“Tree Ritual”: The Magic of Nature-Phytomorphs in PNSC-PI
Authors: Justamand Michel
Published: February 2023

The present work aims to address the recurrences of phytomorphs in the Serra da Capivara National Park, located in southwest Piauí, in the Northeast region of Brazil. The main one of the work is related to the importance of the relationship between flora and human groups located in the place, being evidenced by the rock scenes found in the rocky walls. The objective of this work is to demonstrate the importance of the scenography of the ritual of the tree for the human societies that inhabited the place, the magic of nature may have been a religious power used by local leaders, as a way of maintaining control of their society and threatening your enemies. The methodology used in the development of this work was: 1st) bibliographic and documental research, based on publications that deal with the theme; 2nd) field research, based on investigations in archaeological sites in the Serra da Capivara National Park. Finally, the study of the magic of nature in the ritual scene of trees can contribute to the understanding of the religious aspects of human societies that inhabited the place in the past.
Spatial Asymmetries: Urban Peripheries in the Contemporary City. The Case of Milan
Authors: Stefanizzi Sonia
Published: February 2023

Asymmetries dominate the era in which we live and are shaping every aspect of human existence and our relationship with space. The asymmetry of spaces is the rule rather than the exception of metropolitan areas and constitutes their essential feature. In the contemporary city, spatial hierarchies are no longer produced by a centrifugal dilatation from the urban centre, but follow different and multiple directions.