bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementação de repositório para acesso e visibilidade da informação científica em uma instituição centenária: o caso do IFPE-Campus Recife
Authors: Nascimento Amanda Tavares Silva Lima , Evangelista Ana Lia de Souza , Sena Adna Márcia Oliveira de , Cardoso Andréa
Published: December 2021

Discorrem acerca do uso de repositórios como ferramentas que contribuem para promover a visibilidade da informação científica produzida ao longo dos mais de cem anos do Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de Pernambuco, Campus Recife. Objetiva-se verificar o aumento da percepção e acesso da produção intelectual com a implementação de um repositório, utilizando um software gratuito e explorando características que viabilizam a adequação da plataforma às demandas institucionais, de forma ética, proporcionando acesso ao conhecimento; agrupando os documentos de acordo com as opções de busca ofertados pelo software DSpace e identificando o índice de utilização da ferramenta através de sites e serviços para esta finalidade. Faz-se uma analogia efetivando a informação por meio do acesso virtual quando comparado com o suporte físico, mensurando a real funcionalidade do mesmo. Trata-se de um estudo de caso realizado através de análise quantitativa observando o processo de implantação do Repositório, datados em julho de 2014 a julho de 2015. Verificou-se ainda a eficiência desta ferramenta, devido aos crescentes acessos digitais em relação às consultas realizadas ao item físico, além da garantia de acesso em longo prazo contribuindo para a preservação da memória institucional. A ferramenta desempenha um importante papel institucional, no tangente a contribuição para o acesso livre ao conhecimento, sugere-se ainda a criação de um repositório geral para toda a instituição, que garanta a preservação da memória institucional e dê ampla visibilidade ao conhecimento produzido, contribuindo deste modo para o avanço do saber, do conhecimento e da educação.
Repositório institucional e biblioteca digital de teses e dissertações da Universidade Católica de Brasília: atualização e migração em um cenário de sistemas legados
Authors: Menezes Kelson Anthony de
Published: December 2021

Atualmente repositórios institucionais possuem a responsabilidade de permitir maior acesso e visibilidade das instituições de pesquisa e ensino. Trata-se de uma forma econômica e estratégica para a produção acadêmica local passe a ter uma visibilidade e acesso tanto nacional quanto internacional. Isso influencia diretamente no impacto que universidades e instituições de pesquisa podem ter tanto na internet quanto no modo de pesquisas realizadas no dia a dia. Repositórios institucionais possuem este o papel de fomentarem esse tipo de acesso. Portanto, tal ferramenta torna-se imprescindível para a comunicação das universidades. A partir de tal demanda, é necessário o estabelecimento de planos de suporte e manutenção desse tipo de sistema. Este trabalho relata a experiência vivenciada na Universidade Católica de Brasília (UCB), a qual teve que atualizar seus repositórios institucionais a partir do cenário de diversos sistemas legados e vulneráveis, os quais necessitaram de grande atenção dentro de plano de diagnóstico para a realização das atualizações cabíveis.
AMBIENTE CULTURAL E PRÁTICAS PROJETUAIS NO ATELIER DE PROJETO
Authors: Almeida Lílian Borges , Dametto Ana Paula de Andrea
Published: December 2021

A valorização do contexto no projeto arquitetônico e da sistematização do processo de projeto têm sido introduzidos aos estudantes de Arquitetura e Urbanismo desde o seu ingresso à Universidade. Com esse intuito, a disciplina de Fundamentos da Prática de Projeto, do primeiro semestre da Faculdade de Arquitetura e Urbanismo da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (FAUrb- UFPel), exercita a composição formal baseada em componentes arquiteturais do patrimônio histórico do centro da cidade de Pelotas, RS. A partir da valorização desses elementos urbanos, tomando-os como referência e como elementos inspiradores para propostas de tapetes de ladrilhos hidráulicos contemporâneos, procura abordar temáticas pertinentes ao urbanismo, tais como o (re)conhecimento da história da nossa cidade, de seu patrimônio cultural, sua memória e identidade. O exercício ainda apresenta uma didática voltada ao desenvolvimento de um processo projetual, demonstrando o valor da pré-existência no contexto da cidade e da preservação de um elemento urbano fundamental nas cidades contemporâneas, resgatando a cultura local como inspiração à criação.
O LEGADO DE MEGAEVENTOS ESPORTIVOS E A CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO DAS REMOÇÕES
Authors: Da Silva Gabriela Costa , Portella Adriana , Pereira Gisele da Silva
Published: December 2021

Megaeventos esportivos estão cada vez mais associados a transformações urbanas que visam à melhoria da qualidade de vida da população. Quando bem planejadas, essas mudanças caracterizam o legado deixado após o fim dos jogos. Em 2014, o Brasil foi sede da Copa do Mundo, marcada por projetos principalmente de mobilidade urbana que em longo prazo beneficiaria a população como um todo. Entretanto, 250 mil pessoas foram removidas no país para que essas obras fossem executadas. Como forma de avaliar a percepção dessas pessoas quanto à maneira com que o processo de remoção foi realizado, teve-se como estudo de caso a duplicação da Avenida Tronco, na cidade de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul. A coleta de dados foi realizada a partir da participação em manifestações e eventos das comunidades atingidas, grupo focal e entrevistas que identificaram a insatisfação das pessoas removidas quanto à maneira com que o Governo tratou a retiradas das famílias de suas casas, sendo marcadas pela falta de diálogo, baixas indenizações, falta de um projeto social, desrespeitos aos direitos humanos e direito à moradia adequada. Todavia, a população atingida não se posicionou contra a realização do megaevento em Porto Alegre e no Brasil, mas sim contra as condutas ante as remoções.
Processo de concepção do projeto arquitetônico para uma residência unifamiliar – CASA CAMELO
Authors: Macedo André
Published: December 2021

Essa proposta arquitetônica para residência unifamiliar de alto padrão que levou em consideraçãoaspectos ambientais sustentáveis de gestão de água, energia e condicionantes bioclimáticas, foi frutode um mestrado de arquitetura e meio ambiente oferecido pelo PPGAU da UFRN, concluído em julhode 2016. O estudo envolveu pesquisas recentes que levantam prescrições técnicas para se projetarresidências, suprindo uma lacuna específica em se absorver, compreender e inserir alguns dos conceitosde sustentabilidade às formas tradicionais do habitar.
O MESTRADO PROFISSIONAL EM PROJETO E PATRIMÔNIO DO PROARQ/FAU/UFRJ
Authors: Trevisan Ribeiro Rosina , Nóbrega Cláudia Carvalho Leme
Published: December 2021

Esse texto apresenta a Proposta do Programa de Mestrado Profissional em Projeto e Patrimônio da FAU/UFRJ e seis projetos de intervenção desenvolvidos pelos discentes.
Orientação e mobilidade de pessoas com deficiência visual no transporte público: discussões através de grupo focal nacional
Authors: Silveira Carolina Stolf , Dischinger Marta
Published: December 2021

Com o intuito de investigar o processo de orientação e mobilidade de pessoas com cegueira e baixa visão no uso do transporte público, em virtude de pesquisa de doutorado, criou-se um grupo de discussão online chamado “Acessibilidade e Transporte”, envolvendo pessoas de diversas regiões do Brasil. Através das discussões foi possível transcrever depoimentos sobre suas percepções e experiências no uso do transporte público de suas cidades e anseios perante as questões de acessibilidade espacial, principalmente de elementos que promovam a orientação e a independência do usuário. Como principais temas abordados cita-se: estratégias de orientação e deslocamento; utilização dos pisos e mapas táteis; cão guia; referenciais urbanos utilizados; e idealização de um sistema de informação acessível no transporte público urbano. Este artigo apresenta os principais resultados coletados no grupo acerca dos temas elencados, contribuindo para o conhecimento científico na área, bem como para futuras pesquisas, tendo em vista a escassez de informações e da coleta de opinião direta do usuário focal a nível nacional. O artigo reflete ainda sobre a importância de prover sistemas de transporte público acessíveis para garantir o direito de ir e vir de todos.
COMÉRCIO E ESPAÇO COLETIVO NO CALABAR
Authors: Gonçalves Thaís Sales , Tahara Akemi
Published: December 2021

A proposta de intervenção na comunidade do Calabar visou qualificar duas áreas de interesse identificadas e melhorar a conexão entre elas a fim de que esses espaços coletivos proporcionem o estar, o lazer e o circular de forma segura e agradável. O projeto principal consiste na reforma para padronização e melhoria das unidades comerciais existentes (área de interesse 1), com intuito de criar um espaço coletivo ampliado e de qualidade sobre as mesmas. A proposta foi apresentada aos moradores da comunidade em uma reunião na Biblioteca Comunitária do Calabar. Os que compareceram posicionaram-se a favor do projeto, demonstrando zelo pelo lugar e interesse por vê-lo melhorar. Foi importante perceber como uma proposta de melhoria de um espaço de uso coletivo gera boas expectativas e entusiasmo na população, ao mesmo tempo em que causa preocupação pela falta de cuidado e de controle de sua utilização por todos, uma vez que se trata de um espaço democrático, o qual deve permitir que qualquer pessoa, geralmente em qualquer horário, sirva-se dele.
O POTENCIAL DA AVALIAÇAO PÓS-OCUPAÇÃO (APO) PARA A PRESERVAÇÃO DE AMBIENTES MUSEOLÓGICOS LOCALIZADOS EM EDIFÍCIOS ANTIGOS: O CASO DO MUSEU DA IMIGRAÇÃO, SP
Authors: Lopes Sofia , Ornstein Sheila Walbe
Published: December 2021

Ambientes museológicos via de regra são de grande complexidade quanto a sua preservação e gestão, pois há necessidade de se preservar o edifício (muitas vezes também um item de acervo, imóvel), os bens móveis (acervos móveis), além de proporcionar condições confortáveis de trabalho a sua equipe e de fruição e conforto às várias categorias de visitantes, desde as crianças até os idosos, incluindo as pessoas com deficiência. Tal condição de equilíbrio torna-se ainda mais complexa quando o edifício (bem imóvel) é antigo, possuía na sua origem um outro uso e foi convertido em um museu ou centro cultural, tais como os atuais museus-casas. Ou seja, o desempenho adequado de edifícios antigos no contexto das relações ambientes (imóveis) – acervos móveis – usuários é de extrema importância para a preservação dos patrimônios edificados e requer esforço continuado de pesquisa que subsidie de modo fundamentado as decisões de gestão e, portanto, de intervenções físicas. A Avaliação Pós-Ocupação, utilizada como método sistemático e rotineiro de aferição do desempenho físico de edifícios, bem como da satisfação de seus usuários se mostra um conjunto multi-métodos bastante pertinente para esta finalidade, a partir de diretrizes e insumos para recomendações, especificações técnicas, projetos e intervenções físicas em geral com base na elaboração de diagnósticos. Este artigo se propõe a realizar uma discussão sobre a aplicabilidade da APO em edifícios antigos convertidos em museus, com base num exemplo – estudo de caso, a saber, o caso do Museu da Imigração do Estado de São Paulo.
MÉTODOS DE AVALIAÇÃO DE PROJETOS HABITACIONAIS: PROPOSTA METODOLÓGICA DE AVALIAÇÃO DE PLANTAS NO CONTEXTO CONTEMPORÂNEO BRASILEIRO
Authors: Macedo Priscila Ferreira de , Ataíde Ruth Maria da Costa , Silva Heitor de Andrade
Published: December 2021

As crescentes demandas relacionadas à gestão da qualidade e a baixa qualidade da produção habitacional despertam, desde a década de 1920, o interesse pelo desenvolvimento de métodos de avaliação de projeto, que garantam um desempenho satisfatório do processo e do produto. Ainda que o campo da construção civil tenha avançado no desenvolvimento de procedimentos de controle da gestão do processo projetual, os métodos que visam aperfeiçoar o objeto arquitetônico, especialmente nos aspectos relacionados à funcionalidade, ainda são pouco explorados. Este artigo tem por objetivo analisar a aplicação do método de valoração de plantas, desenvolvido pelo arquiteto Alexander Klein, em 1928, no contexto contemporâneo brasileiro, para projetos habitacionais, ainda nas fases precedentes à execução da obra, considerando parâmetros relacionados à funcionalidade dos espaços domésticos, expressos nas soluções das plantas baixas de apartamentos com dimensões reduzidas. A adaptação proposta considerou as etapas de análise idealizadas por Klein combinando-as com conceitos contemporâneos de qualidade arquitetônica. Com base em uma revisão bibliográfica pôde-se extrair os parâmetros, necessários ao adequado funcionamento das unidades, adaptando um método clássico de avaliação de projeto às transformações e evoluções dos conceitos no contexto atual. Os resultados sugerem uma proposta metodológica adaptada ao contexto nacional e contemporâneo, que realçam a necessidade de se estabelecer métodos de avaliação de projeto para análises críticas das soluções propostas, bem como da revisão permanente dos parâmetros adotados nas normas brasileiras.
UMA ANÁLISE DO RESTAURO À LUZ DAS TEORIAS CONTEMPORÂNEAS: A CONVERSÃO DO EDIFÍCIO DA ANTIGA ALFÂNDEGA EM CAIXA CULTURAL FORTALEZA
Authors: Almeida Isabelle de Lima , Queiroz Karina da Silva , Goes Gérsica Vasconcelos
Published: December 2021

Este artigo tem como objeto de estudo a intervenção no edifício da Antiga Alfândega de Fortaleza para a sua conversão em Caixa Cultural, analisando a introdução do programa arquitetônico contemporâneo de equipamento cultural a partir do respaldo teórico do restauro. A relevância do tema se dá pela necessidade de manter bens culturais constantemente utilizados para que sua conservação seja viabilizada, ainda que modificando o uso original, resultando, assim, em intervenções de restauro essenciais à conversão de usos. Nesse sentido, destaca-se a influência das ideias do restauro contemporâneo nas práticas de intervenções em edifícios históricos. Empregou-se como metodologia a pesquisa de referências bibliográficas e iconográficas, a visita ao local sob estudo, a investigação dos desenhos arquitetônicos do projeto de restauro e a interpretação do material levantado na fase de diagnóstico do bem patrimonial. A análise da intervenção surge, por sua vez, como contribuição ao desenvolvimento de repertório arquitetônico de estratégias projetuais de intervenção em monumentos históricos.
BACE1: A Key Regulator in Alzheimer’s Disease Progression and Current
Development of its Inhibitors
Authors: Patel Smith , Bansoad Ankush Vardhaman , Singh Rakesh , Khatik Gopal L.
Published: December 2021

Background:

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease with no
specific disease-modifying treatment. β-secretase (BACE1) is considered the potential and rationale
target because it is involved in the rate-limiting step, which produces toxic Aβ42 peptides that leads
to deposits in the form of amyloid plaques extracellularly, resulting in AD.

Objective:

This study aims to discuss the role and implications of BACE1 and its inhibitors in the
management of AD.

Methods:

We have searched and collected the relevant quality work from PubMed using the following
keywords “BACE1”, BACE2”, “inhibitors”, and “Alzheimer’s disease”. In addition, we included
the work which discusses the role of BACE1 in AD and the recent work on its inhibitors.

Results:

In this review, we have discussed the importance of BACE1 in regulating AD progression
and the current development of BACE1 inhibitors. However, the development of a BACE1 inhibitor
is very challenging due to the large active site of BACE1. Nevertheless, some of the BACE1 inhibitors
have managed to enter advanced phases of clinical trials, such as MK-8931 (Verubecestat),
E2609 (Elenbecestat), AZD3293 (Lanabecestat), and JNJ-54861911 (Atabecestat). This review also
sheds light on the prospect of BACE1 inhibitors as the most effective therapeutic approach in delaying
or preventing AD progression.

Conclusion:

BACE1 is involved in the progression of AD. The current ongoing or failed clinical
trials may help understand the role of BACE1 inhibition in regulating the Aβ load and cognitive status
of AD patients.
Neuroinflammation in Huntington’s Disease: A Starring Role for Astrocyte
and Microglia
Authors: Saba Julieta , Couselo Federico López , Bruno Julieta , Carniglia Lila , Durand Daniela , Lasaga Mercedes , Caruso Carla
Published: December 2021

:

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative genetic disorder caused by a CAG repeat
expansion in the huntingtin gene. HD causes motor, cognitive, and behavioral dysfunction.
Since no existing treatment affects the course of this disease, new treatments are needed. Inflammation
is frequently observed in HD patients before symptom onset. Neuroinflammation, characterized
by the presence of reactive microglia, astrocytes and inflammatory factors within the brain, is also
detected early. However, in comparison to other neurodegenerative diseases, the role of neuroinflammation
in HD is much less known. Work has been dedicated to altered microglial and astrocytic
functions in the context of HD, but less attention has been given to glial participation in neuroinflammation.
This review describes evidence of inflammation in HD patients and animal models. It
also discusses recent knowledge on neuroinflammation in HD, highlighting astrocyte and microglia
involvement in the disease and considering anti-inflammatory therapeutic approaches.
Microtubule-modulating Agents in the Fight Against Neurodegeneration:
Will it ever Work?
Authors: Soliman Ahmed , Bakota Lidia , Brandt Roland
Published: December 2021

:

The microtubule skeleton plays an essential role in nerve cells as the most important
structural determinant of morphology and as a highway for axonal transport processes. Many neurodegenerative
diseases are characterized by changes in the structure and organization of microtubules
and microtubule-regulating proteins such as the microtubule-associated protein tau, which exhibits
characteristic changes in a whole class of diseases collectively referred to as tauopathies. Changes in
the dynamics of microtubules appear to occur early under neurodegenerative conditions and are also
likely to contribute to age-related dysfunction of neurons. Thus, modulating microtubule dynamics
and correcting impaired microtubule stability can be a useful neuroprotective strategy to counteract
the disruption of the microtubule system in disease and aging. In this article, we review current microtubule-
directed approaches for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases with microtubules as
a drug target, tau as a drug target, and post-translational modifications as potential modifiers of the
microtubule system. We discuss limitations of the approaches that can be traced back to the rather
unspecific mechanism of action, which causes undesirable side effects in non-neuronal cell types or
which are due to the disruption of non-microtubule-related interactions. We also develop some
thoughts on how the specificity of the approaches can be improved and what further targets could be
used for modulating substances.
Lung Clearance Index: A New Measure of Ventilation Inhomogeneity in
Childhood Respiratory Diseases
Authors: Parisi Giuseppe Fabio , Pignatone Emanuela , Papale Maria , Mulé Enza , Manti Sara , Leonardi Salvatore
Published: December 2021

Conventional spirometry has long been considered the primary test for assessing respiratory
function deficits in children and adults. However, the need to perform forced breathing maneuvers
can make it challenging to perform these examinations in an uncooperative child. For these
reasons, techniques such as gas dilutions and the multiple-breath-washout (MBW) method have
been implemented because they allow for early assessment of damage to the small airways. These
methods permit the determination of the possible presence of ventilatory inhomogeneity in the
lungs by analyzing the clearance of an inert gas used as a tracer. The equipment consists of a mass
spectrometer combined with a flow meter. The Lung Clearance Index (LCI) is most often used to
evaluate ventilatory inhomogeneity. This narrative review aimed to review the literature on technical
and practical aspects of the MBW test and evaluate the clinical implications of the LCI in pediatric
respiratory disease.
Changes in Physiological Variables in Patients with Diffuse Interstitial
Lung Disease in the Six-minute Walk Test
Authors: Betancourt-Peña Jhonatan , Domínguez-Muñoz Daniela , Salazar-Vargas Paola , Ávila-Valencia Juan Carlos
Published: December 2021

Objective:

Diffuse Interstitial Lung Disease (DILD) is a pathology with a high mortality
rate in Colombia as well as around the world. Linking patients to pulmonary rehabilitation programs
is essential to improve their quality of life and aerobic capacity; thus, all patients perform
the six-minute walk test (6-MWT). This study aimed to describe the changes in physiological and
aerobic capacity-related variables in patients with DILD in the 6-MWT at admission to a pulmonary
rehabilitation program and determine possible differences between patients with idiopathic
pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and other DILDs.

Methods:

This is a cross-sectional descriptive study on patients with DILD who performed the 6-
MWT between January 2017 and February 2019. Sociodemographic, clinical, physiological, and
exercise tolerance variables were taken into account at four different times of the 6-MWT: Rest
time, the end, and the first and the fifth minute after the end of the test. The Human Ethics Committee
endorsed the study, and all participants signed the informed consent form.

Results:

There were 64 patients with DILD. The average age was 60.84 years, 53.1% were female,
73.4% required home oxygen, and 53.1% had a diagnosis of IPF. There were no statistically significant
differences in the heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2),
Borg scale, and fatigue in lower limbs at the four evaluated moments of the test for both groups of
patients with DILD (p=0.000); moreover, the FEV1/FVC ratio for patients with other DILD was
higher (p=0.000). The distance traveled for IPF was 339.26 ± 124.84, while for other DILDs, it
was 365.63 ± 113.00 (p=0.382).

Conclusions:

Patients with other DILDs have better FEV1/FVC and travel longer distances with
less dyspnea and fatigue than patients with IPF during the 6-MWT. Both groups' HR, RR, SpO2,
Borg, and fatigue variables presented significant changes during the 6-MWT.
Prevalence of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in the Brain-dead Candidates for
Transplantation and Uncommon Manifestations of the Infection
Authors: Aliakbarian Mohsen , Khodashahi Rozita , Vakilian Atefe , Naderi Hamid Reza , Khodashahi Mandana , Khaleghi Ebrahim , Moghaddam Maliheh Dadgar
Published: December 2021

Aim:

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of Coronavirus Disease 2019
(COVID-19) positive cases meeting clinical brain death criteria; moreover, it was attempted to assess
the uncommon manifestations of the infection in this study.

Materials and Methods:

This retrospective observational study was conducted on all brain-dead patients
who were referred to the emergency department of hospitals in Mashhad, Iran, from February
to October 2020. The demographic characteristics, clinical information, and laboratory data
were collected and recorded in a researcher-made checklist.

Results:

In general, 70 patients were entered in this study. The PCR test result was positive for
COVID-19 in 54% of the patients, and syncope was reported in 16.1% of the cases (n=10). Furthermore,
the majority of the patients (52.9%) showed central nervous system (CNS) hemorrhagic manifestations.
A comparison was made between the patients with positive and negative PCR test result
in terms of syncope; accordingly, there was a significant difference between them in this regard
(χ2=4.5; P=0.03). The CNS hemorrhagic manifestations were significantly higher in patients
with positive PCR compared to those with negative PCR (χ2=4.57, P=0.03). Moreover, the grand
glass opacity and pleural effusion were the most common findings of the chest computed tomography
in brain-dead patients with COVID-19.

Conclusion:

Due to the high prevalence of COVID-19 among brain-dead patients, it seems that
syncope attack should be regarded as one of the possible symptoms of COVID-19. Moreover, syncope
as a result of COVID-19 may itself cause traumatic events. It is worth mentioning that CNS
hemorrhagic manifestations have been reported in more than half of the patients with brain death.
Aptamer-based Cell Recognition and Detection
Authors: Zheng Liyan , Zhang Qiang , Zhang Yutong , Qiu Liping , Tan Weihong
Published: December 2021

:

Cells, regarded as the structural and functional units of organisms, have become one of
the most important objects in many research areas. Specific recognition and detection of malignant
cells are critical for disease diagnosis, therapy and prognosis. Aptamers are short; single-stranded
oligonucleotides screened from a random library by an in vitro technology termed “Systematic
Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment” (SELEX) on the basis of their specific binding
to target cargos. With the advantages of small size, easy synthesis, convenient modification, high
chemical stability and low immunogenicity, aptamers have attracted broad attention in bioanalysis.
Using intact living cells as the selection target, the cell-SELEX technology enables the generation
of many aptamers that can specifically recognize molecular signatures of target cells. These aptamers
have been extensively utilized in various cell-based research. In this mini-review, we focus on
recent advances in aptamer-based recognition and detection of cells, particularly circulating tumor
cells (CTCs).
A Composite Study of Coagulation Milieu in Covid-19: Experience from a
Tertiary Care Centre from India
Authors: Bohra Gopal K. , Purohit Abhishek , Kumar Deepak , Garg Mahendra K. , Midha Naresh K. , Manglia Ravi , Jain Kartik , Didel Siyaram , Nag Vijayalakshami , Sharma Praveen , Sharma Ankur , Bhatia Pradeep , Misra Sanjeev
Published: December 2021

Background::

The understanding of pathogenesis is necessary for the development of effective
treatment for COVID-19. Various studies have postulated that there is a complex interplay
of mediators of coagulation and inflammation responsible for the pathogenesis of COVID-19. We
did this study on coagulation parameters and inflammatory markers and their effect on outcome in
patients with COVID-19.

Methods:

This was a single centre observational cross-sectional study. Procoagulants [Prothrombin
time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), D-dimer, lupus anticoagulant (LA), fibrinogen,
factor-VIII (F-VIII)]; anticoagulants [protein-C (PC), protein-S (PS), antithrombin] and inflammatory
markers [interleukin-6 (IL-6) and highly sensitive – C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)] were
measured at the time of hospitalization and correlated with the severity of the disease.

Results:

A total of 230 patients were enrolled, of which 61.3%, 20.0%, and 18.7% had asymptomatic/
mild, moderate, or severe disease, respectively. COVID-19 disease severity was associated with
rising trends with coagulation parameters (PT, APTT, D-Dimer; p value 0.01, <0.0001, <0.0001, respectively).
Falling trends of anticoagulant (PC, Antithrombin; p value <0.0001, 0.003 respectively)
and rising trends of procoagulant (fibrinogen, F-VIII; p value 0.004, <0.0001 respectively) were
observed with increasing COVID-19 disease severity. Multivariate logistic regression analysis
found that advanced age, high D-Dimer, and high hs-CRP (p value 0.035, 0.018, <0.0001 respectively)
were independent predictors of mortality in COVID-19. Procoagulant parameters (D-dimer,
APTT, Factor VIII) were positively correlated with anticoagulant parameters (PC and PS) and inflammatory
parameters (hs-CRP).

Conclusions:

This study revealed increased levels of coagulation and inflammatory parameters,
which correlated with the severity of COVID-19. Age, D-dimer, IL-6, hs-CRP, APTT, fibrinogen,
and Factor VIII were significantly higher in patients with moderate and severe disease as compared
to asymptomatic/mild disease. Advanced age, high D-dimer, and high hs-CRP were significantly
associated with poor outcomes.
Role of Flavonoids against COVID-19
Authors: Fatima Ambreen , Siddique Yasir H.
Published: December 2021

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has entered a threatening stage all over the world. Many lives have been lost, and many more are in need of treatment. The mild symptoms may include fever and dry cough, but in severe cases, it could lead to pneumonia and ultimately death in some instances. Though medical scientists all over the globe are working hard to develop a treatment for this disease, yet no definite cure has been found. To date, the treatment strategy is based on adopting strategies to break the transmission of the virus and repurposing of the old drugs to prevent the loss of life. Among the various potent candidates, flavonoids may play a protective role in these times. Studies have already proven various health-promoting properties of flavonoids in earlier viral diseases, like SARS and MERS. Since ancient times, been plants have used to treat a number of human diseases. Different phytoproducts have been previously described to inhibit the replication of numerous viruses. Despite the positive reports for plant-based medications, no successful clinical trials on phytoproducts as anti-COVID agents have been conducted to date. This review highlights the efficacy of flavonoids as a treatment strategy either alone or in combination with other drugs.
Strategi Pengendalian Pencemaran Industri untuk Pengelolaan Mutu Air Sungai dan Tanah di DAS Diwak, Jawa Tengah
Authors:   Universitas Negeri Medan, Prayogo Wisnu , Marhamah Fairuza ,   Universitas Negeri Medan, Fauzan Hafiz Achmad ,   Universitas Negeri Medan, Azizah Rifka Noor ,   Institut Teknologi Sumatera, Va Vandith ,   Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation
Published: December 2021

Pencemaran Sungai Diwak akibat aktivitas industri berdampak terhadap penurunan kualitas air sungai dan tanah, dibuktikan dengan adanya temuan tanaman pertanian abnormal. Penelitian ini bertujuan membuktikan apakah aktivitas industri di Kawasan Industri Bergas telah mencemari air sungai dan tanah di Daerah Aliran Sungai (DAS) Diwak, serta merekomendasikan strategi pengendalian pencemarannya. Lokasi pengambilan sampel dilakukan berada pada Desa Kedungwuni hingga Diwak dengan membaginya menjadi 3 segmen. Dua belas parameter analisis kualitas air sungai dan lima parameter tanah dianalisis dengan dibandingkan pada baku mutu yang dipersyaratkan. Analisis mutu air sungai menggunakan metode Polution Index (PI), sedangkan strategi pengendalian pencemaran menggunakan analisis Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities, dan Threats (SWOT). Hasil kajian diketahui bahwa Sungai Diwak sudah tidak dapat menerima beban pencemar BODc 8.14 mg.L-1. Beban pencemar sudah melampaui daya tampung alami sebesar 2.22 mg.L-1. Korelasi antara pencemaran Sungai Diwak dengan data penurunan kualitas air sungai dan peningkatan unsur logam berat pada sampel tanah di sekitar DAS Diwak memiliki korelasi positif 99.6%. Strategi upaya pengendalian pencemaran air sungai dan tanah adalah (1) menetapkan kebijakan baku mutu air sungai dan tanah, (2) meningkatkan pemantauan aktivitas industri, kualitas air sungai dan tanah; serta (3) pemberian sanksi dan penghargaan kepada industri maupun masyarakat atas prestasinya dalam mengelola ekosistem.
Multisistemski upalni odgovor kod djece kao posljedica bolesti COVID-19
Authors: Zubović Ines , Banac Srđan
Published: December 2021

Cilj: Prikazati seriju slučajeva anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG pozitivnih pedijatrijskih pacijenata koji su razvili multisistemski upalni sindrom koji se javio kao posljedica bolesti COVID-19, a u svojoj definiciji objedinjuje povišenu tjelesnu temperaturu, znakove zahvaćanja dvaju ili više organskih sustava, pozitivan kontakt s koronavirusom i isključivanje drugih uzročnika, kao i opisati učinkovitost primijenjene imunosupresivne terapije. Prikaz slučaja: Četiri pedijatrijska pacijenta u dobi od 18 mjeseci, 9, 10 i 15 godina bila su upućena u hitnu pedijatrijsku ambulantu zbog perzistentnog febriliteta i simptoma različitih organskih sustava. Kod troje pacijenata glavni su simptomi bili povraćanje, proljev, osip i konjunktivitis, a u jednog se pacijenta isticao otežan hod i oslabljeni tetivni refleksi nogu. U svih pacijenata laboratorijski su nalazi potvrdili akutnu upalu, a zbog povišenog moždanog natriuretskog peptida učinjena je kardiološka obrada. Ultrazvuk srca je kod dvaju pacijenata pokazao mitralnu insuficijenciju, a kod jednog perikardijalni izljev. Nakon postavljene dijagnoze multisistemskog upalnog odgovora terapija je u slučaju naših pacijenata bila u skladu s neslužbenim svjetskim i europskim smjernicama. Primijenjeni su intravenski imunoglobulini i kortikosteroidi te nadoknada tekućine i vazoaktivni lijekovi. Budući da se na ovaj način može prezentirati bakterijska sepsa do dolaska hemokultura, primijenjeni su antibiotici širokog spektra. Sva su četiri pacijenta ozdravila te su puštena kući. Zaključak: Pravovremeno otkrivanje i liječenje multisistemskog upalnog odgovora ujedno znači i bolji ishod za pacijenta. Potencijalna buduća istraživanja mogla bi se usmjeriti na razjašnjavanje ovog stanja i mogućih dugoročnih posljedica, a na taj način i spriječiti teške kliničke slike.
Carbon–CO2 Gasification to CO by Microwave Heating
Authors:   Department of Environmental Engineering, Chosun University, #309, Pilmun-daero, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 61452, Republic of Korea, An June , Chun Young Nam ,   Department of Environmental Engineering, Chosun University, #309, Pilmun-daero, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 61452, Republic of Korea
Published: December 2021

Renewable energies such as solar or wind energy are highly unreliable, owing to uncertain energy intensity and discontinuity. This shortcoming could be overcome by converting renewable energies to a form such as chemical fuel storage. In the present study, we created an energy conversion system that uses microwave heating and a carbon receptor to transform CO2, a greenhouse gas, into CO chemical fuel. The parametric investigation found that increasing the gasification temperature and feed gas temperature decreased the gas feed rate. In addition, the use of a carbon or charcoal receptor enhanced CO2 conversion and heating values. Under ideal operating circumstances, CO2 conversion was 83%, indicating that steady functioning was maintained consistently.
COVID-19’s Influence on Information and Communication Technologies in Long-Term Care: Results From a Web-Based Survey With Long-Term Care Administrators
Authors: Schuster Amy M , Cotten Shelia R
Published: December 2021

Background

The prevalence of COVID-19 in the United States led to mandated lockdowns for long-term care (LTC) facilities, resulting in loss of in-person contact with social ties for LTC residents. Though information and communication technologies (ICTs) can be used by LTC residents to support their socioemotional needs, residents must have access to ICTs to use them.

Objective

This study explored ICT access and use in LTC facilities and how LTC facilities adapted to try to enhance social connections for their residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

LTC administrators in South Carolina (United States) were invited to complete a web-based survey exploring ICT access and use in LTC facilities and whether access and use changed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

LTC administrators (N=70, 12 nursing homes [NHs], and 58 assisted living facilities [ALFs]) completed the web-based survey. Since March 2020, a total of 53% (37/70) of the LTC facilities have purchased ICTs for residents’ use. ICTs have mainly been used for videoconferencing with family members (31/36, 86%), friends (25/36, 69%), and health care providers (26/36, 72%). NHs were 10.23 times more likely to purchase ICTs for residents’ use during the COVID-19 pandemic than ALFs (odds ratio 11.23, 95% CI 1.12-113.02; P=.04). Benefits of ICT use included residents feeling connected to their family members, friends, and other residents. Barriers to ICT use included staff not having time to assist residents with using the technology, nonfunctional technology, and residents who do not want to share technology.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that over half of the LTC facilities in this study were able to acquire ICTs for their residents to use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional research is needed to explore how residents adapted to using the ICTs and whether LTC facilities developed and adopted technology integration plans, which could help them be prepared for future situations that may affect LTC residents’ engagement and communication opportunities, such as another pandemic.
A Novel Deep Learning Model for Automated Mapping of Laboratory Test Terminologies to Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes (LOINC) (Preprint)
Authors: Ai Di-Ge , He Yu , Jin Sheng-Hai , Liu Xue-Min , Sun Nian-Yi , Tian Guang-Ku , Zhang Zhi-Qiang , Liu Xue-Yong
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

A standardized method for identifying medical laboratory observations, such as Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes (LOINC), is critical for creating accurate and effective public data models. However, such standards are not being used effectively. Standardized mapping facilitates consistency in medical terminologies and data sharing in multicenter treatment.

OBJECTIVE

To address the problem of standardizing laboratory test terminologies, a deep learning–based high-precision end-to-end terminology standardization matching system was developed to map laboratory test terms (LTTs) to LOINC.

METHODS

We manually constructed a laboratory test terminology mapping dataset containing 15,349 data items extracted from the information system of the Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University and matched 2,375 LOINC. We developed Attribute-wised Graph Attention Siamese Network (AGASN), a deep learning–based high-precision laboratory test terminology mapping model, to separately extract LTT features and LOINC term features and calculate the matching rate. We designed an attribute pooling mechanism to convert terminology strings to attribute sequences. Moreover, we developed a graph attention model based on attribute relations, which increased the interpretability of the proposed model. The problem of inconsistency in training and testing objectives was solved by improving the training objectives of the model.

RESULTS

The proposed a novel deep learning model achieved an accuracy of 82.33% ± 0.6% on the test dataset where the LOINC were visible, corresponding to a 10.9% improvement compared with that obtained using a random forest classifier. Furthermore, the proposed system achieved an accuracy of 63.14% ± 0.2% on the test dataset where the LOINC were invisible, constituting a 10.0% improvement compared with that obtained using SimCSE. Manual validation of the system performance showed accuracies of 82.33% and 70.66% on labeled and unlabeled datasets, respectively. Finally, we constructed a visual attribute relational strength network using an attribute graph attention model.

CONCLUSIONS

Herein, a Chinese laboratory test terminology mapping dataset was created and a deep learning system for the standardized mapping of LTTs was proposed. The results demonstrate that the proposed system can map LTTs to LOINC with high accuracy.
Identifying Health-Related Discussions of Cannabis Use on Twitter by Using a Medical Dictionary: Content Analysis of Tweets (Preprint)
Authors: Allem Jon-Patrick , Majmundar Anuja , Dormanesh Allison , Donaldson Scott I
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

The cannabis product and regulatory landscape is changing in the United States. Against the backdrop of these changes, there have been increasing reports on health-related motives for cannabis use and adverse events from its use. The use of social media data in monitoring cannabis-related health conversations may be useful to state- and federal-level regulatory agencies as they grapple with identifying cannabis safety signals in a comprehensive and scalable fashion.

OBJECTIVE

This study attempted to determine the extent to which a medical dictionary—the Unified Medical Language System Consumer Health Vocabulary—could identify cannabis-related motivations for use and health consequences of cannabis use based on Twitter posts in 2020.

METHODS

Twitter posts containing cannabis-related terms were obtained from January 1 to August 31, 2020. Each post from the sample (N=353,353) was classified into at least 1 of 17 a priori categories of common health-related topics by using a rule-based classifier. Each category was defined by the terms in the medical dictionary. A subsample of posts (n=1092) was then manually annotated to help validate the rule-based classifier and determine if each post pertained to health-related motivations for cannabis use, perceived adverse health effects from its use, or neither.

RESULTS

The validation process indicated that the medical dictionary could identify health-related conversations in 31.2% (341/1092) of posts. Specifically, 20.4% (223/1092) of posts were accurately identified as posts related to a health-related motivation for cannabis use, while 10.8% (118/1092) of posts were accurately identified as posts related to a health-related consequence from cannabis use. The health-related conversations about cannabis use included those about issues with the respiratory system, stress to the immune system, and gastrointestinal issues, among others.

CONCLUSIONS

The mining of social media data may prove helpful in improving the surveillance of cannabis products and their adverse health effects. However, future research needs to develop and validate a dictionary and codebook that capture cannabis use–specific health conversations on Twitter.
Analisis Penanda Tunggal Karakter Agronomi dengan Marka Mikrosatelit pada Tanaman Padi (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Hanifa Idayatul , Wulandari Rani Agustina , Widyawan Muhammad Habib
Published: December 2021

Keragaman genetik pada tanaman padi lokal di Indonesia menjadi kunci untuk pemulia tanaman dalam merakit suatu kultivar padi unggul. Keragaman genetik tersebut digunakan untuk perbaikan genetik pada tanaman padi. Marka molekuler bisa menjadi alternatif untuk mengelompokkan plasma nutfah padi sesuai dengan fenotipe dan genotipenya. Marka molekuler juga digunakan untuk mendeteksi lokus-lokus yang mengatur karakter agronomi pada tanaman padi. Penanda mikrosatelit (Simple Sequence Repeat) menjadi penanda molekuler yang banyak digunakan karena sifatnya yang reproducible, kodominan, dan dapat mendeteksi variasi alel yang tinggi. Pemanfaatan peta keterpautan mikrosatelit dalam perakitan varietas baru juga dapat menghemat waktu, tenaga, dan dana . Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui keterpautan marka mikrosatelit dengan karakter agronomi melalui Analisis Penanda Tunggal dan untuk mengetahui pengaruh gen mayor maupun gen minor pada setiap karakter agronomi yang diamati. Hasil yang didapatkan dari penelitian ini adalah setiap lokus pada 8 marka yang digunakan memiliki asosiasi dengan 13 karakter agronomi yang berbeda dan setiap lokus yang berasosiasi dengan setiap karakter agronomi tersebut diatur oleh gen mayor karena nilai determinansi R2 > 10%.
Bandwidth Analysis of a Broadband Amplifier with Two-Stage Matching System Using the Smith Chart
Authors: Sherstneva A.A.
Published: December 2021

This paper describes a novel trace structure for the analysis and design of two-stage Broadband Frequency Low Noise Amplifiers based on standard Smith chart procedures and program algorithm realization. The method allows to put the transistor's S-parameters and details of the source and load networks and to interactively explore the effects of these quantities on design variables such as gain, noise figure and stability. It also facilitates the design of two-element matching networks to transform the source and load impedances to optimum values to achieve the desired gain and noise performance. The extended Smith chart concept is proposed to enable the advanced graphical interpretation of devices containing complex properties. This methodology is based on the Smith chart concept, and makes it easy to deal with devices containing signal sources, nonlinearity, very high Q factors and negative resistances. The concept of explaining the use of the Smith chart in combination with using modern tools as MATLAB scripts is exemplified in graphical forms. Phyton-based program contains the algorithm for parameters calculation. It explains the procedure that must be used to solve the two-stage impedance-matching problem. The point of this proposal is using of Smith chart plane for the graphical processing for its application to oscillator analysis. To demonstrate the effective usage of this methodology an interpretation and analysis of the oscillator, especially in terms of gain, noise and stability, are provided. The practical relevance concludes results of multistage design using impedance matching LC networks for the intersection level. The values of the parameters of the integrated microcircuit confirm the possibility of using the calculation methodology considered in the paper. The proposed solution is validated with extensive RF measurements at 3.5 GHz and is benchmarked against several frequency ranges for noise, stability and gain values. The methodology shown in the paper can be used in the development and design of modern microwave amplifiers, as well as for research and analysis of the efficiency of existing devices.