bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Addressing missing values in routine health information system data: an evaluation of imputation methods using data from the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Feng Shuo , Hategeka Celestin , Grépin Karen Ann
Published: April 2021

Background : Poor data quality is limiting the greater use of data sourced from routine health information systems (RHIS), especially in low and middle-income countries. An important part of this issue comes from missing values, where health facilities, for a variety of reasons, miss their reports into the central system.
Methods : Using data from the Health Management Information System (HMIS) and the advent of COVID-19 pandemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as an illustrative case study, we implemented six commonly-used imputation methods using the DRC’s HMIS datasets and evaluated their performance through various statistical techniques, i.e., simple linear regression, segmented regression which is widely used in interrupted time series studies, and parametric comparisons through t-tests and non-parametric comparisons through Wilcoxon Rank-Sum tests. We also examined the performance of these six imputation methods under different missing mechanisms and tested their stability to changes in the data.
Results : For regression analyses, there was no substantial difference found in the results generated from all methods except mean imputation and exclusion & interpolation when the RHIS dataset contained less than 20% missing values. However, as the missing proportion grew, machine learning methods such as missForest and k -NN started to produce biased estimates, and they were found to be also lack of robustness to minimal changes in data or to consecutive missingness. On the other hand, multiple imputation generated the overall most unbiased estimates and was the most robust to all changes in data. For comparing group means through t-tests, the results from mean imputation and exclusion & interpolation disagreed with the true inference obtained using the complete data, suggesting that these two methods would not only lead to biased regression estimates but also generate unreliable t-test results.
Conclusions : We recommend the use of multiple imputation in addressing missing values in RHIS datasets. In cases necessary computing resources are unavailable to multiple imputation, one may consider seasonal decomposition as the next best method. Mean imputation and exclusion & interpolation, however, always produced biased and misleading results in the subsequent analyses, and thus their use in the handling of missing values should be discouraged.

Keywords : Missing Data; Routine Health Information Systems (RHIS); Health Management Information System (HMIS); Health Services Research; Low and middle-income countries (LMICs); Multiple imputation
Model for integrated assessment of alternative characteristics of a building system (on the example of road tunnels)
Authors:   Perm National Research Polytechnic University, Krivogina Daria N. , Alakina Svetlana V. ,   Perm National Research Polytechnic University, Alakin Denis E. Alakin ,   Perm National Research Polytechnic University
Published: April 2021

The study is aimed at investigating existing methods for assessing alternative characteristics of a building system (on the example of road tunnels). Using the Jobs-Decon software, a comprehensive assessment of a road tunnel was carried out based on hierarchical linear convolutions, including determination of the essential characteristics of the object; transition of the obtained characteristics (considering the complexity of the construction) from the phase space to the qualimetric state; ranking of the characteristics and determination of their weighted coefficients; building a preference model and obtaining an integrated as-sessment of alternative characteristics for the road tunnel under study. Data were obtained for a road tunnel with an optimal set of characteristics, which had an integrated assessment of 3.30 (good). An algorithm for constructing an integrated assessment model of alternative characteristics for a building system should con-sider the functional purpose and operating conditions of the construction object under study. The analysed example of selecting optimal characteristics for a road tunnel indicates a high degree of structured systemic links between the consumers and the contractor.Algorithms for determining optimal characteristics of a build-ing should consider preferences of the interested parties regarding the quality of the finished object.
An assessment of prevented ecological deprivation during the implementation of innovative technologies in the systems of housing and utility infrastructure
Authors:   Irkutsk National Research Technical University, Lavygina Olga L. , Grebneva Oksana A. ,   Irkutsk National Research Technical University, Korabenkova Olga N. ,   LLC «Service», Smolyar Anna V. ,   LLC «Service»
Published: April 2021

Under contemporary socio-economic conditions, requirements for housing and utility infrastructure are increasingly stringent. In this context, the selection of energy sources for heating supply systems tends towards options combining maximum efficiency with environmental friendliness. In this context, the substitu-tion of traditional heating fuels (natural gas and oil) with firewood has the potential to contribute to the future fuel and energy balance in the Russian regions. The application of wood fuel in the energy sector provides for the utilisation of wood and plant waste while reducing pollutant emissions into the atmosphere. For an objective assessment of increasing the degree of environmental safety, a complex index reflects the level of reduced environmental impact, in particular, on atmospheric air. In the present work, a calculation of reduced environmental impact under the conditions of transferring the heating supply system of the Listvyanka village to wood fuel (pellets)is presented. The calculation results demonstrate the total prevented environmental and economic impact to amount to 3 147 550 roubles (in 2020 prices.
Under-insulation corrosion as a factor in decreased service life of industrial pipelines
Authors:   Коррозия под изоляцией как один из факторов сокращения срока службы промышленных трубопроводов, Sokov Victor N. , Shuvalova Elena A. ,   National Research Moscow State University of Civil Engineering, Zemlyanko Anatoliy S. ,   National Research Moscow State University of Civil Engineering
Published: April 2021

The effect of porosity type and residual number of water-soluble chloride ions of insulation material on the under-insulation corrosion rate in industrial pipelines is considered. For the research, standard test methods were used in accordance with current Russian and foreign regulatory and technical documentation. The dependences of the corrosion rate and the damage area of carbon steel on the structure (porosity) of the thermal insulation material (open, semi-closed, closed), the residual number of water-soluble chloride ions and water-repellent agent is established. The residual life of a carbon steel pipeline was calculated at a critical depth of pitting corrosion under a thermal insulation layer of various materials. The types of thermal insulation materials characterised with lowest under-insulation corrosion rate are determined. The maximum 0.29–0.41 mm/year corrosion rate of carbon steel under materials with open porosity was 0.53–1.8 times lower than under comparable materials with closed porosity. An increased corrosion rate is determined to be directly proportional to an increase in the number of chlorine anions in the structure of the material. The smallest area of steel surface corrosion damage is observed under materials with open porosity. Among the materials examined, the requirements of the current regulatory standards are met by materials of the stone wool group having a low chloride content and basalt super thin fibre. The longest remaining service life (11 years) of a carbon steel pipeline at hdef= 5.87 mm critical depth of pitting corrosion is obtained under a rock wool layer having a low chloride content.
On measures for the efficient use of secondary resources and resource saving in a utility and construction complex
Authors:   Academy of Safety and Special Programs, Tshovrebov Eduard S. , Niyazgulov Ural D. ,   Russian University of Transport
Published: April 2021

The present study is focused on the potential to reduce economic losses due to waste products generated in the utility and construction complex. The scientific research approach is based on the application of comparative, contrastive, quantitative and expert analysis methods. Domestic and foreign studies on the application of secondary resources in a closed economic cycle, as well as environmental safety require-ments at all stages of the secondary resource treatment, are analysed and systematised. The results of the authors’ own research in the field of assessment and analysis of the waste resource potential are presented. According to the obtained results, a low level of resource saving in the construction and utility sector is indi-cated due to the impossibility of characterising technological processes of these areas as non-waste or low-waste. A classification of secondary resources from the processed waste generated in the considered areas of economic activity is presented. The majority of waste materials from construction, repair, demolition and maintenance of immovable property isshown to be applicable for reuse in the production and economic cycle for both finished and semi-finished products. A set of organisational and technical measures, aimed at the reduction ofhazardous properties for such wastes and expansion of their further use in the form of secondary resources, is defined and substantiated. The organisational and technical measures presented in the study contribute to ensuring environmental protection from the negative impacts of industrial activity in the form of anthropogenic objects, such as construction and utility waste facilities, as well as to expanding the applica-tion of their resource potential.
Implementation of 'May Brigade' architectural concepts on the example of the Tyrgan planning scheme
Authors:   Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Bitukheeva Gulnara F.
Published: April 2021

A study devoted to the origin of the planning system of the Tyrgan district to the west of the Siberian city of Prokopyevsk is presented. The planning system concept originally proposed by a design team led by the German architect Ernst May was considered for the development of the Tyrgan district. The study is based on cartographic, literary and iconographic sources, as well as on an examination of buildings preserved from the 1920-1930s. The historical reasons for attracting foreign specialists, including the personal input of Ernst May, to create a master plan for the development of this industrial area are provided. The structure of the master plan for the development of Tyrgan and the role of the first conceptual proposals by "May Brigade" architectural group led by Ernst May for the placement of residential buildings in the borderless territory are analysed with the revealed elements of buildings that previously existed in this territory. In the historical zone, a fragment of “line building” is revealed repre-sented by five residential buildings having a unique urban planning environment in combination with communal houses and the Mining College. Information on the current state of identified objects is pre-sented. The conducted study justifies the rejection of an opinion expressed in a number of publications on the indirect influence of the Tyrgan planning scheme developed by the Ernst May design team in 1930 on the modern layout of the city which served as the basis for further design proposals. According to this scheme, the directions of the main highways in the historical eastern part of the city were laid along with a definition of the development concept of the district as a whole. The residential territory as envisaged in the scheme Ernst May developed in the western direction, taking into account the com-plexity of the relief.
Thermal conductivity and thermal resistance of non-autoclave foam concrete based on silica fume
Authors:   Angarsk State Technical University, Baranova Albina A.
Published: April 2021

The article presents the results of investigating the thermal conductivity and thermal resistance of non-autoclaved foam concrete of grades D400, D600 and D800 obtained using silica fume. The thermal conductivity ratios of foam concrete samples were determined using an ITP-MG4 Zond following the state standard GOST 30256-94 "Construction materials and products. Method for de-termining thermal conductivity with a cylindrical probe" and an ITP-MG4 100 following the state stan-dard GOST 7076-99 "Construction materials and products. Method for determining thermal conduc-tivity and thermal resistance in a stationary thermal regime". The thermal resistance of samples was determined using an ITP-MG4 100 following the state standard GOST 7076-99 "Construction materi-als and products. Method for determining thermal conductivity and thermal resistance in a stationary thermal regime". It was found that the thermal conductivity of the foam concrete samples of natural humidity was about two times higher than that of dried samples. A reduction in the average density of non-autoclaved foam concrete from 765 kg/m3 to 375 kg/m3 leads to an increase in its thermal resis-tance by 2.5 times. The difference in the thermal conductivity coefficients obtained using the ITP-MG4 Zond and ITP-MG4 100 instruments comprised: D400 – 39.8%; D600 – 11%; D800 – 6.8%. The thermal conductivity ratios of non-autoclaved foam concrete based on silica fume calculated by Nek-rasov's formula and those established experimentally differ significantly. The discrepancy in the cal-culated and experimental values for the ITP-MG4 Zond instrument was 25%, 1.6% and 14.2% for D400, D600, and D800, respectively. This discrepancy for the ITP-MG4 100 instrument comprised 7.9%, 19.7% and 23% for D400, D600 and D800, respectively.
A high-strength binder based on liquid glass for cementless polystyrene concrete
Authors:   Bratsk State University, Belykh Svetlana A. , Daminova Anastasiya M. ,   Bratsk State University, Margaryan Vardges E. ,   Bratsk State University
Published: April 2021

This research set out to obtain a high-strength binder based on low-energy liquid glass using silica fume produced in the Bratsk Ferroalloy Plant. The starting materials used for the development of polystyrene concrete were liquid glass obtained from silica fume using sol-gel technology, fly ash, screening from diabase crushing, ground channel quartz sand and foamed polystyrene granules. Math-ematical processing of the results was performed using the Statistica 10 software package in the mod-ule of planned experiment. According to the conducted analysis, the resulting material corresponds to the strength characteristics of concrete classes B1–B3 with an average density of 400–600 kg/m3. In comparison with polystyrene concrete based on cement, foamed polystyrene concrete based on the developed complex binder has half the shrinkage strain. This can be explained by the reduced water-absorbing capacity and hydraulic activity of the hardened binder, which ensures the stability of the block sizes during long-term operation. The results of determining the thermal conductivity show the effec-tiveness of polystyrene concrete as a heat insulator. Based on the optimized composition of the binder die, filled light concretes were obtained using foamed polystyrene boulder from recycled packaging ma-terials. Effective heat-insulating and heat-insulating structural concretes of D400–D600 density grades characterized byan increased stability of geometric dimensions were obtained.
Research into the dynamics of radio telescope foundationsusing laser vibration measuring equipment
Authors:   Irkutsk National Research Technical University, Sobolev Vladimir I. , Chernigovskaya Tatiana N. ,   Irkutsk State Transport University
Published: April 2021

This study presents a technology for determining the dynamic parameters of the foundation structures of radio telescopes by a non-contact method based on the use of laser vibration measuring equipment. The main results of a dynamic process analysis are described. The research was carried out in the form of microdynamic tests of foundation structures with the determination of natural oscillation periods based on lower vibrational forms. Measurements of natural vibrations of radio telescope foundations under applied shock were performed, followed by spectral mapping of vibrational processes. The tests were carried out using a tachometric laser vibrometer RSV-150 included in the register of vibration measuring equipment in Russia. Spectral mappings were obtained using Fourier transforms implemented in software packages of the hardware developers. The dynamic features of radio tele-scope foundations are formalized in the form of spectral maps of the initial records of vibrational proc-esses. The method of microdynamic tests using a vibration meter is presented, along with the principles of its operation and the sequence of numerical processing of records of dynamic processes imple-mented on a personal computer using frequency displays of natural vibrations of structures. The values of natural vibration frequencies obtained as a result of measurements confirmed the rigidity and integ-rity of foundation piles. Pronounced solitary peaks of natural vibration frequencies point to the form of natural vibrations of structures as single-mass systems with the absence of deformational forms of vi-brations in the foundation body.
Public-private partnership in the development of modern wooden housing in Finland
Authors:   Irkutsk National Research Technical University, Lyapin Andrei A.
Published: April 2021

This paper studies the experience and algorithm of public-private partnership in the development of modern wooden housing in Finland. Are view of the state of modern wooden architecture in the general context of architectural activity in Finland was carried out by analysing governmental programmes aimed at developing wooden housing and environmentally sustainable constructionpractices,in particular the "State architectural policy of Finland" adopted in 1998. The materials of a seminar on constructing modern wooden housing held in Irkutsk by Finnish specialists are presented. The ex-perience of Finnish colleagues was considered in terms of its expediency for the construction industry of the Angara region. It is established that the organizational and economic effectiveness of projects in the sphere of wooden housing construction and environmentally sustainable construction processes should be based on a close and comprehensive cooperation of state construction organizations with private construction companies and public organizations. Specific forms of public-private partnership in the field of wooden housing construction are described, along with the roles and positions of all the par-ticipants. Special attention was paid to the Finnish experience of holding housing fairs, which are aimed at promoting wooden housing construction in different cities of Finland. The Finnish experience in the development of wooden housing construction is currently one of the best in the world, and its applica-tion in the construction industry of the Angara region is expedient.
A concept of system regulation and a methodology of reorganizing territorial systems
Authors:   National Research Moscow State University of Civil Engineering, Yushkova Natalia G. , Dontsov Dmitry G. ,   Volgograd Regional Architectural and Planning Bureau
Published: April 2021

Territorial settlement systems are being increasingly affected by external multidirectional factors. As a result, decision makers face a dilemma to maintain their existing organization or to carry out functional and spatial reorganization. Conventional approaches to territorial development do not fully take into account the relationship between the concepts of spatial development and the formation of management principles, thus being unable to determine the prospective indicators of their dynamics. Improving methodologies in the sphere of urban planning is associated with identifying objective pre-requisites for a complete transition to digital processes and strengthening the principles of their system support. The applied research methods included theoretical and system analysis, modelling and ex-perimental design. The authors published some results of the experiment in the open press. It is shown that territorial settlement systems are a special object of urban development. Various schemes of the interaction of management functions were analysed by comparing their advantages and disadvantages and by assessing their applicability to territorial systems. The feasibility of applying the methodology of system regionalism, increasing the role and importance of system regulation was argued. A methodo-logical approach establishing the interrelations of tasks and functions of management with basic models of the reorganization of territorial systems was proposed. This approach forms a basis for developing a mechanism for managing changes in territorial systems, allowing the dynamics and intensity of changes to be determined. Systematization of the parameters of territorial systems is used to determine the indi-cators of their planned changes. This significantly increases the manageability of territorial systems, allows a gradual assessment of the feasibility of urban projects and facilitates control over the devel-opment of urban planning documentation at all stages.
A non-Abelian parton state for the $ν=2+3/8$ fractional quantum Hall effect
Authors: Coimbatore Balram Ajit
Published: April 2021

Fascinating structures have arisen from the study of the fractional
quantum Hall effect (FQHE) at the even denominator fraction of
5/25/2.
We consider the FQHE at another even denominator fraction, namely
\nu=2+3/8ν=2+3/8,
where a well-developed and quantized Hall plateau has been observed in
experiments. We examine the non-Abelian state described by the
``\bar{3}\bar{2}^{2}1^{4}3‾2‾214"
parton wave function and numerically demonstrate it to be a feasible
candidate for the ground state at \nu=2+3/8ν=2+3/8.
We make predictions for experimentally measurable properties of the
\bar{3}\bar{2}^{2}1^{4}3‾2‾214
state that can reveal its underlying topological structure.
Simulating Floquet topological phases in static systems
Authors: Franca Selma , Hassler Fabian , Fulga Ion Cosma
Published: April 2021

We show that scattering from the boundary of static, higher-order topological insulators (HOTIs) can be used to simulate the behavior of (time-periodic) Floquet topological insulators.
We consider D-dimensional HOTIs with gapless corner states which are weakly probed by external waves in a scattering setup.
We find that the unitary reflection matrix describing back-scattering from the boundary of the HOTI is topologically equivalent to a (D-1)-dimensional nontrivial Floquet operator.
To characterize the topology of the reflection matrix, we introduce the concept of `nested' scattering matrices.
Our results provide a route to engineer topological Floquet systems in the lab without the need for external driving.
As benefit, the topological system does not suffer from decoherence and heating.
Radiation-hygienic characteristic of the protected zones of peaceful nuclear explosions in the Arkhangelsk region
Authors: Khramtsov E. V. , Repin V. S. , Biblin A. M. , Varfolomeeva K. V. , Ivanov S. A.
Published: April 2021

The article presents data on the radiation situation on the territories of the protected zones of peaceful nuclear explosions «Globus-2», «Agat» and «Rubin-1» based on the results of field studies in 2020. Peaceful nuclear explosions were conducted in the Arkhangelsk region for seismic exploration. The results of the radiation-hygienic state of protected zones and radiation safety in the territories adjacent to peaceful nuclear explosions are analyzed by the main indicators: the values of the ambient dose equivalent of gamma radiation, the identification of gamma-emitting radionuclides in situ by field gamma spectrometry, the specific activity of technogenic radionuclides in the soil and tritium in the water of reservoirs and drinking water sources. An assessment of the sanitary condition of the studied territories of protected zones of peaceful nuclear explosions is given. It was found that the levels of the ambient dose equivalent rate of the gamma radiation at all sites are at the level of fluctuations in the natural regional radiation background in the range of 0.08-0.20 microSv/h. On the territory of the protected zone of the peaceful nuclear explosion «Globus-2» were repeatedly identified areas of minor local soil contamination with 137Cs (the previous study was performed in 2011). Increased values of the ambient equivalent dose rate of gamma radiation (0.20 -0.22 μSv/h) and specific activity of 137Cs in two soil samples (154 and 160 Bq/kg, respectively) were found in these areas. The tritium content in the water of water supply sources does not exceed 5 Bq/kg. These values are typical for global levels of this radionuclide in water bodies. Remains of technological equipment were found on the territories of the protected zones of the peaceful nuclear explosions (especially in the protected zone of the explosion «Agat»), as well as rusty metal pipes and barrels, the remains of wooden structures, etc. Information signs installed on dilapidated concrete foundations at the mouths of combat wells of all surveyed peaceful nuclear explosions have subtle inscriptions. The presence of forest thickets in the places where the investigated peaceful nuclear explosions are conducted and their ignition during forest fires is a potential threat to the release of technogenic radionuclides during depressurization of the mouths of combat wells.
Influence of the type of salt-forming acids on the antiradiation activity of T1023 analogs – salts of N-isobutanoyl-S-isopropylisothiourea
Authors: Filimonova M. V. , Saburova A. S. , Shevchenko L. I. , Makarchuk V. M. , Lychagin A. A. , Filimonov A. S.
Published: April 2021

According to leading experts, the vast arsenal of radioprotective agents available in the world today does not fully meet modern practical needs, both in the field of radiation protection, and in the prevention and treatment of complications of radiotherapy. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of the salt-forming acids type on the radioprotective activity of NOS inhibitor T1023. The chemical part of this study included methods of chemical synthesis, physicochemical and elemental analysis. Pharmacological part – assessment of acute toxicity using V.B. Prozorovsky express method and the study of radioprotective activity using Till and McCulloch method based on the ability of mice hematopoietic cells to form spleen colonies after irradiation. The number of endogenous hematopoietic spleen colonies were assessed on the 8th day after total exposure to gamma-irradiation at a dose of 6 Gy in six independent experiments. As a result of directed chemical synthesis, six new derivatives of T1023 – salts of N-isobutanoyl-S-isopropylisothiourea have been developed, identified and characterized. The results of studying the safety and radioprotective activity of the synthesized compounds showed that changes in the salt-forming acid don’t significantly influence the toxicity: all studied compounds are in the 3rd class of toxicity and hazard. At the same time, it was found that the replacement of the salt-forming acid significantly influenced the severity of the radioprotective effect. For some of these compounds radioprotective efficacy is comparable to or exceeds the efficacy of the initial compound T1023. It is important to note that these new compounds were used in lower, more save doses than T1023. The results suggest promising further development of NOS inhibitors – isothiourea derivatives as radioprotective agents.
Radiation monitoring of drinking water in the vicinity of the Beloyarsk NPP
Authors: Panov A. V. , Trapeznikov A. V. , Korzhavin A. V. , Geshel I. V. , Korovin S. V. , Edomskaya M. A.
Published: April 2021

The article provides a radiation-hygienic assessment of the current state of drinking water supply sources for the population in the observation area of the the Beloyarsk NPP and the Institute of Nuclear Materials. We determined the content of natural (234U,238U,226Ra,228Ra,210Po,222Rn,210Pb,228Th,230Th,232Th) and technogenic (3H,14C,60Co,90Sr,134Cs,137Cs,238Pu,239,240Pu,241Am) radionuclides in drinking water of tap water, water boreholes and water wells in test settlements located at different distances and directions from radiation hazardous facilities. Results of monitoring of water sources in 2012–2013 and 2019 showed the radiation safety of drinking water in the vicinity of the Beloyarsk NPP according to several criteria. Thus, the maximum levels of the gross specific alpha-activity of radionuclides in water samples were 3.9 times lower than the control level (0.2 Bq/kg), the gross specific beta-activity was 5.7 times lower than the control level (1 Bq/ kg). Over the entire observation period, none of the drinking water samples exceeded the control levels both for individual radionuclides and for the sum of the ratios of specific activities to control levels. The content of natural and artificial radionuclides in drinking water near the Beloyarsk NPP decreases in the following order: water wells > water boreholes > tap water. For the past 20 years, there was a decrease in tritium specific activity in drinking water of the Beloyarsk NPP region by 20–35%, depending on the source of water supply. It was noted that the launch of the BN-800 reactor also did not lead to an increase in the content of other artificial radionuclides (90Sr,137Cs) in groundwater. The average annual effective dose of internal exposure of the population due to drinking water consumption in the vicinity of the Beloyarsk NPP is 0.05 mSv, according to conservative estimates – 0.07 mSv, which is below the radiation safety threshold (0.1 mSv/a) recommended by the WHO. Natural radionuclides play the primary role in the formation of the annual average effective dose for internal irradiation (98.9%) due to drinking water consumption on the considered territories.210Po makes the largest contribution to the dose from natural radioisotopes – 43%, somewhat less is made by210Pb – 25%. The third place in the dose formation from natural radionuclides belongs to234U (8%),228Ra (7%),226Ra (6%) and230Th (6%). The contribution of other natural radioisotopes in the formation of the internal radiation dose from drinking water consumption does not exceed 2-3%. The contribution of technogenic radionuclides to the annual average effective dose from the consumption of drinking water is negligible (about 1%). Of the technogenic components,90Sr (60%),3H (20%), and241Am (12%) play the most significant role in the formation of the internal exposure dose.
Diagnostic Criteria for Metabolic Syndrome in Diet-Induced Rodent Models: A Systematic Review
Authors: Virgen-Carrillo Carmen Alejandrina , de los Ríos Diana Laura Hernández , Torres Karina Ruíz , Moreno Alma Gabriela Martínez
Published: April 2021

Background:

Thousands of publications in recent years have addressed the induction of
metabolic syndrome (MetS) in rodents. However, the criteria and the reference values for diagnosing
this disease have not been defined.

Objective:

Our main objective was to carry out a systematic review to gather evidence about the criteria
for biochemical and anthropometric parameters in which scientific studies have relied on to report
that rats developed MetS from a previous dietary manipulation.

Methods:

We compiled characteristics and findings of diet-induced MetS with high-fat, high-carbohydrate,
high-fat/high-carbohydrates, and cafeteria diet from PubMed and Science Direct databases
published in the last 5 years.

Results:

The results on the principal determinants for the syndrome, published in the reviewed articles,
were chosen to propose reference values in the rat models of food induction.

Conclusion:

The values obtained will serve as reference cut-of points in the development of the disease;
in addition, the compilation of data will be useful in planning and executing research protocols
in animal models.
Coronavirus-related Disease Pandemic: A Review on Machine Learning Approaches and Treatment Trials on Diagnosed Population for Future Clinical Decision Support
Authors: A. Reyana , Kautish Sandeep
Published: April 2021

Objective:

Coronavirus-related disease, a deadly illness, has raised public health issues
worldwide. The majority of individuals infected are multiplying. The government is taking aggressive
steps to quarantine people, people exposed to infection, and clinical trials for treatment. Subsequently
recommends critical care for the aged, children, and health-care personnel. While machine
learning methods have been previously used to augment clinical decisions, there is now a demand
for “Emergency ML.” With rapidly growing datasets, there also remain important considerations
when developing and validating ML models.

Methods:

This paper reviews the recent study that applies machine-learning technology addressing
Corona virus-related disease issues' challenges in different perspectives. The report also discusses
various treatment trials and procedures on Corona virus-related disease infected patients providing
insights to physicians and the public on the current treatment challenges.

Results:

The paper provides the individual with insights into certain precautions to prevent and control
the spread of this deadly disease.

Conclusion:

This review highlights the utility of evidence-based machine learning prediction tools
in several clinical settings, and how similar models can be deployed during the Corona virus-related
disease pandemic to guide hospital frontlines and health-care administrators to make informed
decisions about patient care and managing hospital volume. Further, the clinical trials conducted so
far for infected patients with Corona virus-related disease addresses their results to improve community
alertness from the viewpoint of a well-known saying, “prevention is always better.”
Histopathological Profile of Therapeutic Doses of Mango Mistletoe Methanolic Extract (MMME) in Cardiac of Hypertensive Rats (DOCA-Salt)
Authors:   Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Islam Malang, Jl. MT. Haryono 193, Malang, Hakimah Annisatul , Sjakoer Nour ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Islam Malang, Jl. MT. Haryono 193, Malang, Mubarakati Nurul ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Islam Malang, Jl. MT. Haryono 193, Malang
Published: April 2021

This study determined the effect of Mango mistletoe Methanolic Extract (MMME) on the cardiac's histopathological profile of hypertensive rats (DOCA-Salt) treated. The MMME was treated on fifty rats for 14 days, divided into five treatments: negative control, positive control, doses 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg BW with five replications. One-way ANOVA analysis was used, namely JAMOVI with version 1.1.9.0, and for cell calculation, diameter using the IMAGE J application. Results showed that there were no significant differences in the histopathological profile of the cardiac in hypertensive rats (DOCA-Salt) treated with MMME for 14 days on the diameter of the heart muscle cells between the control (+) and control groups (-), treatments 1, 2, and 3. This is evidenced by the analysis of p-value> 0.05, namely 0.187 millimeters. Therefore, we concluded that MMME does not affect the diameter of heart/cardiac organ muscle cells. However, there was a significant difference in the amount of necrosis in the cardiac of hypertensive rats between control (+) and control (-) groups, treatments 1, 2, and 3. Based on the results, MMME reduces the number of necrosis in the heart/cardiac organ.
In Silico Analysis of rbcl Protein and D-Ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate Bond
Authors:   Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Brawijaya University, Jl. Veteran, Malang,   Department of Biology Education, University of Muhammadiyah Kupang, Kupang - NTT), Sari Dewi ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Brawijaya University, Jl. Veteran, Malang,   Research Center for Smart Molecules and Natural Genetic Resources, Brawijaya University,  Jl. Veteran, Malang, Jawa Timur, Indonesia 65145, Hakim Luchman ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Brawijaya University, Jl. Veteran, Malang, Retnaningdyah Catur ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Brawijaya University, Jl. Veteran, Malang, Arumingtiyas Estri ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Brawijaya University, Jl. Veteran, Malang
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study was to determine the bond between the protein rbcL and D-Ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate by insilico. DNA sequences of the Mangrove Rhizophora mucronate rbcL gene DNA sequences from 7 different sources were obtained from NCBI for further alignment analysis using BioEdit software, phylogeny analysis using Mega6 software, molecular docking using PyRx software, preparation and visualization of docking results using Biovia Discovery Studio Visualizer software and analysis of the protein model quality based on the number of amino acid residues (Ramachandran plot analysis). The results of the docking molecular analysis showed interaction of 9 hydrogen bonds namely Asp203, Thr173, His294, Glu204, His327, Ser379, His298, Arg295, and Asn123 and 2 unfavorable bonds namely Lys177 and Lys175. This ligand and protein interaction complex was of good quality because the presence of amino acid residues in the most favored regions was greater than the amino acid residues in the disallowed regions outcomes
Comparative Clinical and Pathomorphological Characteristics of Dupuytren’s Contracture in Men and Women
Authors: Shchudlo N. A. , Stupina T. A. , Shchudlo M. M. , Ostanina D. A.
Published: April 2021

Background. The data available in the literature on the features of the clinical course and functional prognosis of Dupuytren`s disease in women is contradictory, there are no data on comparative pathomorphological studies of palmar fibromatosis in men and women.The aim of the study was to identify possible differences in the clinical and pathomorphological characteristics of Dupuytren`s disease in men and women.Materials and Methods. 228 cases of men and 39 women (6:1) who underwent fasciectomy in 2013–2019 period were analyzed. Histomorphometry of paraffin sections of the patient`s palmar fascia specimens of 24 men and 24 women was performed.Results. Men ranged in age from 26 to 83, the median age is 3 years more in women (p0.001), but the median age of Dupuytren`s disease debut is 2 years less in women (p0.001). The frequency of contractures of the 3rd–4th degree was 35.9% in the group of women and 65% in the group of men (p0.001). In the group of women the frequency of both hands involvement is 15.2% higher, I–III fingers involvement is 8.7% higher, recurrent contracture is 11.1% higher (p0.1). Histomorphometric analysis of the patient`s palmar fascia specimens showed that women compared to men had 10.23% less adipose tissue (p0.001), 7.87% less dense connective tissue (p0.05), but the proportion of hyperplastic connective tissue was 20.31% higher.Conclusion. Dupuytren`s disease is less common in women, than men. Women seek surgical treatment earlier than men. The tendency to functional limitations intensification and the risk of recurrence in women is associated with higher expression of hyperplastic changes in the fascial structures of the hand.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Biophysical Methods of Osteogenesis Stimulation: Review
Authors: Emelianov V. Yu. , Preobrazhenskaia E. V. , Nikolaev N. S.
Published: April 2021

Background. Stimulation of osteogenesis (SO) by biophysical methods has been widely used in practice to accelerate healing or stimulate the healing of fractures with non-unions, since the middle of the XIX century. SO can be carried out by direct current electrostimulation, or indirectly by low-intensity pulsed ultrasound, capacitive electrical coupling stimulation, and pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation. SO simulates natural physiological processes: in the case of electrical stimulation, it changes the electromagnetic potential of damaged cell tissues in a manner similar to normal healing processes, or in the case of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound, it produces weak mechanical effects on the fracture area. SO increases the expression of factors and signaling pathways responsible for tissue regeneration and bone mineralization and ultimately accelerates bone union.The purpose of this review was to present the most up-to-date data from laboratory and clinical studies of the effectiveness of SO.Material and Methods. The results of laboratory studies and the final results of metaanalyses for each of the four SO methods published from 1959 to 2020 in the PubMed, EMBASE, and eLibrary databases are reviewed.Conclusion. The use of SO effectively stimulates the healing of fractures with the correct location of the sensors, compliance with the intensity and time of exposure, as well as the timing of use for certain types of fractures. In case of non-union or delayed union of fractures, spondylodesis, arthrodesis, preference should be given to non-invasive methods of SO. Invasive direct current stimulation can be useful for non-union of long bones, spondylodesis with the risk of developing pseudoarthrosis.
Patient and Professional Experiences With Virtual Antenatal Clinics During the COVID-19 Pandemic in a UK Tertiary Obstetric Hospital: Questionnaire Study
Authors: Quinn Lauren Marie , Olajide Oluwafumbi , Green Marsha , Sayed Hazem , Ansar Humera
Published: April 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic required rapid implementation of virtual antenatal care to keep pregnant women safe. This transition from face-to-face usual care had to be embraced by patients and professionals alike.

Objective

We evaluated patients’ and professionals’ experiences with virtual antenatal clinic appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic to determine satisfaction and inquire into the safety and quality of care received.

Methods

A total of 148 women who attended a virtual antenatal clinic appointment at our UK tertiary obstetric care center over a 2-week period provided feedback (n=92, 62% response rate). A further 37 health care professionals (HCPs) delivering care in the virtual antenatal clinics participated in another questionnaire study (37/45, 82% response rate).

Results

We showed that women were highly satisfied with the virtual clinics, with 86% (127/148) rating their experience as good or very good, and this was not associated with any statistically significant differences in age (P=.23), ethnicity (P=.95), number of previous births (P=.65), or pregnancy losses (P=.94). Even though 56% (83/148) preferred face-to-face appointments, 44% (65/148) either expressed no preference or preferred virtual, and these preferences were not associated with significant differences in patient demographics. For HCPs, 67% (18/27) rated their experience of virtual clinics as good or very good, 78% (21/27) described their experience as the same or better than face-to-face clinics, 15% (4/27) preferred virtual clinics, and 44% (12/27) had no preference. Importantly, 67% (18/27) found it easy or very easy to adapt to virtual clinics. Over 90% of HCPs agreed virtual clinics should be implemented long-term.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates high satisfaction with telephone antenatal clinics during the pandemic, which supports the transition toward widespread digitalization of antenatal care suited to 21st-century patients and professionals.
Olfactory Training and Visual Stimulation Assisted by a Web Application for Patients With Persistent Olfactory Dysfunction After SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Observational Study (Preprint)
Authors: Denis Fabrice , Septans Anne-Lise , Periers Lea , Maillard Jean-Michel , Legoff Florian , Gurden Hirac , Moriniere Sylvain
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

Persistent olfactory dysfunction is a significant complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Olfactory training involving aromatic oils has been recommended to improve olfactory recovery, but quantitative data are missing.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to quantify the benefit of olfactory training and visual stimulation assisted by a dedicated web application for patients who experienced olfactory dysfunction for ≥1 month.

METHODS

We performed an observational, real-life, data-based study on a cohort of patients who experienced at least 1 month of persistent olfactory dysfunction between January 30 and March 26, 2021. An analysis was performed after a mean olfactory training time of 4 weeks, and at least 500 patients were assessable for primary outcome assessment. Participants exposed themselves twice daily to odors from 4 high-concentration oils and visual stimulation assisted by a dedicated web application. Improvement was defined as a 2-point increase on a 10-point, self-assessed olfactory visual analogue scale.

RESULTS

In total, 548 patients were assessable for primary outcome assessment. The mean baseline, self-assessed olfactory score was 1.9 (SD 1.7), and this increased to 4.6 (SD 2.8) after a mean olfactory training time of 27.7 days (SD 17.2). Olfactory training was associated with at least a 2-point increase in 64.2% (352/548) of patients. The rate of patients’ olfactory improvement was higher for patients who trained for more than 28 days than that rate for patients who trained for less than 28 days (73.3% vs 59%; P=.002). The time to olfactory improvement was 8 days faster for patients with hyposmia compared to the time to improvement for patients with anosmia (P<.001). This benefit was observed regardless of the duration of the olfactory dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

Olfactory training and visual stimulation assisted by a dedicated web application was associated with significant improvement in olfaction, especially after 28 days of olfactory training.